456 W. A. HASWELL. 
great numbers, never pass through the cavity itself. This is 
very similar to the form of intestine characterising Gyrator, 
as described by Hallez (18, p. 568), and Macrorhynchus, 
Acrorhynchus, and other Proboscida according to von 
Graff (14, p. 94). A lumen is said to be absent in these in 
the adult condition, but by this is probably meant a definitely- 
bounded cavity. 
Behind the intestine proper, between it and the posterior 
border, there was frequently to be observed in living speci- 
mens a space, the walls of which occasionally contracted ; this 
was often observed to contain various foreign bodies, and, in 
some instances, living spermatozoa. A very slight pressure 
caused rupture and the discharge of the foreign bodies. In 
sections of some specimens this posterior diverticulum of the 
intestine is to be recognised as a space enclosing such objects 
as the sete and other remnants of aquatic Oligocheta. his 
is a feature which I have not observed in any other 
Rhabdocceles, and one which appears to be of considerable 
importance. 
Kixcretory System.—The excretory system was not 
traced out with adequate thoroughness. It was not in every 
specimen that vessels were visible at all in the living state ; 
when contracted they seemed absolutely to vanish. ‘The 
absence of specialised walls which this seems to imply is also 
indicated by the fact that of the numerous specimens sectioned 
(fixed mainly by strong Flemming or by Lang’s solution), 
there is not one in which itis possible to follow with certainty 
the course even of the largest vessels.! 
There are two main longitudinal vessels on each side, 
running more or less parallel with one another, the one on 
the dorsal, the other on the ventral side of the vitelline 
glands. Of these, the more dorsally situated bifurcates 
anteriorly close to the anterior margin of the pharynx, one 
of the branches running transversely inwards just behind 
1 In all probability young specimens would prove very much more favour- 
able for the study of the vessels than the adults; but hitherto none but fully- 
mature animals have been observed. 
