The Ear thzvorms of Ireland. 191 



I was able deliberately to study the whole scries, lirsL in a liviug state, 

 and afterwards in spirits. I have since reccfived two large series of the 

 same worm from Dr. Scharff, by means of which I have been able to con- 

 firm and extend my earliest observations. The number of segments 

 ranges between 86 and loS, so that the average is about 100. I find that 

 whenever the number of segments in an adult worm falls below the 

 average, there is a tendenc}- for the segments to increase their longitudi- 

 nal diameter. This inclines one to the opinion that there is a normal 

 length which it is desirable for each worm to attain, if it is to discharge 

 the functions of life in the fullest and best possible manner. 



In the Atti del R. Inst. Venet., iv. (1885-6), p. 674, Rosa gives an account 

 of the earthworms of Venice, and, among others, makes mention of a 

 new species, which he designated the Venice Worm {A. veneta, Rosa). As 

 stated above, he is now inclined to regard my A. hibemica as a sub- 

 species of this. In 1889, he published a note on a worm found in the 

 Botanical Gardens of Coimbra, in Portugal, as well as in Liguria, the 

 characters of which showed it also to be a variety of the foregoing. 

 From what we learn respecting it we may judge that it approaches y^. 

 hibemica more nearly than the latter resembles A. veneta. 



Distribution in Irei^and. Though the only locality from which 

 I have received the typical worm is Leeson-park, Dublin, I have three 

 specimens which closely resemble it from Miss Smith, Piperstown, Co. 

 Louth. These specimens suggest the advisability of searching for others. 

 Consignments may be addressed: — "The Grove," Idle, Bradford. 



(TO BE continued). 



A PI,EA FOR THE ROTIFBRA. 



BY MISS L. S. GLASCOTT. 



What is a Rotifer ? There are few people who have not some 

 idea at least of what this name implies, for, small as it is, it has 

 doubtless found its way into many of the journals, magazines, 

 etc., of the da}-, whose editors recognise the growing love for 

 natural history, by devoting a few pages to that delightful 

 study ; but as *' the interests of the minorit}^ " — that burning 

 question — may not be neglected with impunity, we will en- 

 deavour to describe " the nature o' the baste." There are 

 those who would cut the Gordian knot with alacrity by stating 

 that it is " a water insect," the name insect being often applied 

 promiscuously to all animals under a certain size — very 

 convenient, no doubt, if a trifle ambiguous. Our little friend 

 has indeed been rather badly treated ; it has been shouldered 

 about from pillar to post with scant ceremony, by some great 

 people who ought to know better, but I believe, as in the case 

 of the square man in the round hole, there were difficulties 

 about accommodation. At present we find it quartered among 

 that large and for the most part disagreeable group of animals, 



