EiidoiHirna'deH. 521 



In 1888 we find a record by Linton (p. 454) of Agamnnema 

 capsularia, Diesing, " encysted and encapsiiled in peritoneum," 

 especially in Lupliius, sp. 



In 1888, also, J.eidy (1888,i p. 166-168) adds the Rock fish to 

 the list of hosts of Agamonema capsularia. In the same year, 

 Leidy (1888.2 p. 211-217) gave Agamonema capsuln?-ia, Die- 

 sing, as a synonym for Gordius niariiins, Linnaeus, which he 

 finds encysted in peritoneum around the stomach and intes- 

 tines, etc., often forming "" flat and close spiral coils on viscera 

 or appended to them." In this same paper he gives the 

 Agamonema of the Herring as dift'ering in several details from 

 that of the shad — and according to his description neither of 

 these exactly resembles the specimens herein described. 



Tliese encapsuled and immature Nematodes have been dealt 

 with still more fully since that date by Linton. Thus in 1895 

 (p. Ill) he says: — ''I have been able to refer some of them to 

 species descril^ed by Leidy and others. Some agree super- 

 ficially with Agamojiema conrnin'nis, for example, but upon 

 closer examination will be found to be covered by a thin in- 

 vestment which itself bears the distinguishing characters of 

 Agamonema, while within this investment is a nematode which 

 is plainly an innnature Ascaris." This, as may be seen on com- 

 parison with the description of these Victorian forms, is exactly 

 what I have found here. Linton continues: "Specifically iden- 

 tical forms may be encysted in the body cavity, and free in the 

 intestine of tlie same fish." Aftrarix rapKularia is also re- 

 corded by Zschokke (p. 775) as present in Sal mo salsar (peri- 

 toneum). In a later Bulletin (1899, pp. 267, 407, etc.), Linton 

 states in addition that these young Ascarids are too doubtful in 

 specific characters to enable one to give them specific names, 

 as the individuals in the same host, at the same tiu)e and place, 

 may differ considerably from one another. That also is true of 

 my specimens. Agamonema capsularia and Asraris cap-<ularia 

 are definitely accepted as synon^'ms l)y Linton (1901, ]i. 444) 

 when considering the numerous parasites found in the fishes of 

 the AVoods Iloll Region. This makes the chain of synonymy 

 complete, as given at the head of this section. Thus, according 

 to Dr. Baird and Cobbold, (Tordiits ma?-inns, Linn. ^ Filaria 

 pisciiim, Rud., each of these being synonj'ms of Filaria 



