1899] LAND PLANAKIAN ; " FLATWORM." 113 



oval, flattened shape, often provided with lobed processes, more rarely 

 with tentacles, and, as a rule, with two eyes, which are provided with 

 leuses. The subordinate division of the GeofAanidic, or Land Plana- 

 rians, is characterised by their eloiiijated kiuI fiattened hodij, which is 

 provided with (t fuot-like re)itral siiyface.'^'- 



The fullest observations on B. kcweuse, of which I have knowledge, 

 are those by Prof. F. Jeffrey Bell, given in the ' Proceedings' of the 

 Zoological Society, referred to in note, (inte, p. 111. In this, Prof. 

 Bell particularly directs attention to the variability of the form of the 

 head, so that, whilst the "cheese-cutter," or hammer-shaped head (see 

 figures 1 and 5, p. Ill), are very commonly known forms, there may 

 be other shapes, as knob-like, tongue-like, or altogether irregular. Of 

 these and other forms Prof. Bell gives a series of figures (drawn from 

 life under his own superintendence) in the plate accompanying his 

 paper, above referred to, and from these (with acknowledgment of my 

 indebtedness for the assistance) I have given copies in my own figure 

 at heading, p. Ill, 1-5. It appears to me of exceeding interest that 

 not only should there be a difi'ei'ence in form of the head under different 

 conditions, but that, as personally observed by Prof. Bell, the head of 

 a single specimen should vary considerably and almost constantly in 

 form, and it is from the changes of one specimen that the figures 

 given are represented. 



In the case of the bilobed or emargiuate head of the specimen under 

 my own observation, I did not notice what the form might be until it 

 was progressing up the side of the bowl, where I had a good view of 

 it against the white china. My figure is given rather larger than life. 



Very little information bearing on ordinary points of life-history 

 appears to be accessible. The creature is recorded as having lived in 

 the Kew hothouses for a period which, at the time of writing, extended 

 over eight years ; also its great power of secreting slime, so that 

 minute objects causing annoyance could be thrown off " in a continuous 

 sheet of mucus," is noted. I do not find any account, whether in the 

 general habits of the great divisions of Vermes, to which the PUnuiriadtc 

 belong (or in more special accounts), of these Flatworms being in- 

 jurious to plant life ; possibly this short notice may induce such of 

 my contributors who may be acquainted with them to add some 

 information. But to those who are unacquainted with the repulsive 

 looking creatures, which yet may be come on unexpectedly in earth at 

 the bottom of pots, amongst broken flower-pots, or other horticultural 

 localities, a short notice of the Flatworms, and reference to what, so 

 far as I know, is our fullest British account, may not be unwelcome. 



* See ' Elementary Text-book of Zoology," by Dr. C. Claus, vol. i. pp. 315, &c. ; 

 translated by Prof. Adam Sedgwick. 1889. 



