206 



SLUGS, FLUKES, EELWORMS, ETC. 



again ; but if it has been properly applied, probably 

 there will be no need. 



One or more kinds of the Marsh or Water Snails 

 {Limncem, scientifically) play a most seriously in- 

 jurious part as " hosts " of the Liver Fluke of sheep, 

 the Fasciola hepatica (sometimes known as Distomi 

 hepatica), during the early stages of its life. The 

 Limnceas tnuicatidas, of which the shell is figured 

 below somewhat larger than natural size, is the kind 



Fig. 154. — Shells of Water Snails: 1, Limnceus truncatu'iia ; 2, L. 

 peref/er ; 3, L. stagnalis.* Not quite twice nat. size when full- 

 grown. 



which is especially recorded as infested by the Fluke 

 in its early stages. 



Kegarding presence of infestation in the L. percger, 

 there has been difference of opinion. These " Marsh 

 Snails" wander about, and both kinds are nearly 

 amphibious ; they may be found in damp grass as 

 well as in pools. Of the L. tniiiratnlus it is said that 

 it is to be found on " Banks of slow and muddy rivers, 

 and streams, marshes, ditches, grassy pools, water- 

 falls, and moist places everywhere from the northern- 

 most point of Zetland to Jersey."! And of the L. 



* The L. Rtagnalis is merely added, as, though I am not aware it 

 is a "host" for Fluke, its comparatively large size conveys the 

 appearance of this genus of shells more plainly. 



t ' Brit. Concliology,' by J. Gwyu Jeffreys, vol. i., p. IIG. 



