54 



case the worms were dead, having been killed by the fresh-water. 

 The mud contained in the blister-like cavities had l)ecome putrid, 

 and its colour of an inky Ijlackness, and the stench unbearable, 

 In every instance where the mud was only covered by a thin 

 deposit, the oysters were either dead or dying, from the attacks of 

 the putrescent germs developed in the mud ; while those in which 

 the deposit was thick appeared to be in a healthy condition. 



The worm does not seem to confine itself to the oyster ; I have 

 seen it in Pinita Menkei and Pectuncuhis Dunkeri from 

 Shoalhaven. It is common in Chione ccdophylla, Vemis Jaqneata, 

 and other bi vales in Port Jack.son. Tlie distribution of the worm 

 appears to be world-wide. It is found in Europe, North America, 

 Australia, and the Philippine Islands. Thei-e is al.so a .species 

 descriliod by Schmarda from the Chilian coast of South America, 

 which may prove to be the same. 



