51 



In a preserved state the specimens are yellowish white and suffi- 

 ciently translucent to enable one to distinguish the more important 

 systems of organs. The chief measurements are, total length of body 

 2,3 cm, length of head at level of cirri 5 mm, greatest width of head 5 mm, 

 greatest width of body 7 mm, length of cirri 4 mm, thickness of head 

 and body 2 mm. 



The epithelial covering of the body was entirely lacking, having 

 become dislodged probably as it was brought to the surface. The strati- 

 lied basement membrane exists with essentially the same characteristics 

 that are met with in N. pelagica. The body wall, with its outer circu- 



Fig. 1 A. Nectonemertes japonica X- — B- Section through partially evaginateci 

 proboscis 'terminal portion in A), c glandular epithelium with connective tissue layer 

 beneath , outside of which are longitudinal muscles divided by nerve plexus [iv ; 

 beyond this is the circular layer covered by epithelium. In the outer proboscis 

 tube the layers occur in inverse order. — C. anterior end of body, showing mouth, 

 coecum ic . reproductive glands [g] , blood vessel (stippled out line], brain and gan- 

 glionic cords some of whose fibers enter the cirri c . 



lar and inner longitudinal and indistinct diagonal sheet of muscles, is 

 likewise similar in the two species. 



In Verr ill's specimens of N. mirabilis mention is made of the pro- 

 boscis, and it is represented in his figures, but no mention has ever been 

 made regarding its histological characters. In other species captured 



4* 



