82 VERMES. 
The tendency of the species to rupture into fragments is very singular. 
I doubt not that regeneration as perfect beings would ensue with all in 
the progress of time. 
Herein is found a definite analogy, establishing the kindred of worms 
of the Gordius tribe, indented by a marginal groove of the anterior, and 
distinguished by a slit as the mouth in the under surface. 
Unless for this latter character, the last species described might be 
comprehended in the genus Polia, proposed by Professor Delle Chiaje. 
Puate XI. Gordius spinifer. 
Fic. 1. Gordius viridis spinifer. 
2. Gordius purpureus spinifer. 
3. Head of another specimen, enlarged. 
4. Posterior extremity and spine of fig. 2. 
5. Gordius fragilis spinifer. 
6. Gordius fasciatus spinifer. 
7. Another specimen, enlarged. 
8. Mouth in the under surface, enlarged. 
9. Head with black specks, enlarged. 
10. Intestine, discharged on spontaneous division, enlarged. 
11. Fragment. 
12. Fragment. 
13. Specimen, mutilated of the lower extremity. 
14. Lower extremity of fig. 13. 
15. Extremity, as regenerated by fig. 13. 
§ 4. Gorpius 1nTEGER.—We have seen that different sections may be 
formed of the group we have named Gordius, though the external dis- 
tinctions of the animals be faint and few. Yet, if we be not mistaken in 
the perfection of the parts, which in some respects is problematical, they 
are sufficient. 
Still a third section remains, which, should it not have been necessary 
to introduce the subject the more intelligibly, ought properly to have 
stood the first. 
It would seem enough for distinctive arrangement, that the anterior 
margin of an animal is cleft ; and another, in addition, terminates by a 
