50 J. Sltepluird: 



hatched out. The specimens from which the species was first 

 described were in an early stage, the form being prevalent in 

 pools which entirely dry up in summer ; small clusters are 

 formed by individuals hatched from resting eggs coming to- 

 gether, and these, under favourable conditions, growing to the 

 dimensions mentioned. At this early stage the colonies are 

 swimming freely, coming to rest later. 



A number of free swimming forms were found about and 

 among the females which compose the large aggregations, and 

 their movements left little doubt that they were the males of 

 the species. As will be seen from the figure (Plate XXI., fig. 1) 

 the male animal is elongated and vermiform, with a conical 

 corona and terminal foot. It possesses two red eyes placed 

 well forward, a small dorsal antenna, and a ciliated pit over 

 the foot. The greater part of the interior is occupied by the 

 sperm sac. No traces of an alimentary system were visible. 

 The length was 0.24 mm. ; depth, 0.05 mm. 



L. elonyata, Shephard. It is noteworthy that this species 

 was found near Paris in large numbers in 1909. Some speci- 

 mens supplied by Mr. Rousselet agree perfectly with the Vic- 

 torian form. 



The sjDecies is common along the valley of the Yarra. 



L. natans, Western. Veiy common. 



L. ellijjticct, Shephard. Found in many localities in large 

 numbers, often in company with L. natans. 



The male of this species was discovered when a very jDlentiful 

 gathering was under examination. An examination of the 

 figure (Plate XXL, fig. 2) shows a very remarkable form, differ- 

 ing markedly from every other described male of the genus 

 Lacinularia, the contrast with the male of L. natans being 

 particularly strong, although the females resemble each other so 

 closely as to need careful observation to be distinguished^ 

 The animal is of elongated form, the corona being of conical 

 shape with a blind cavity representing the buccal opening of the 

 female. There is a prominent dorsal antenna connected by a 

 nerve thread with a large mass lying immediately behind the 

 corona. About two-thirds of the whole length from the anterior, 

 and dorsally placed, is a ciliated pit with a cluster of glands 

 accompanying it. The posterior end terminates in an acute 



