STUDIES ON EARTHWORMS. a6 
element in the presence of goblet cells similar to those found 
in the other regions of the epidermis. Another difference 
presents itself in that the cells No. 2 are not so long as, but 
much narrower than, those in Lumbricus. 
Another point of interest is a network of connective tissue 
at the base of the epidermic cells. This loose network (nt.) 
is continuous with radial strands which separate the groups of 
club-shaped cells, and are themselves continuous with the 
connective tissue between the muscle strands. Accompanying 
the connective tissue and ramifying between the groups of 
cells are numerous capillary blood-vessels. 
c. InterNAL Anatomy.—The points which strike one most 
on opening the worm are, the immense thickness of the ante- 
rior septa, even stronger than those figured by Perrier for 
Titanus and other large worms; the distance of these septa 
from one another ; their funnel-like shape and freedom from 
any overlapping; the large size and curious shape of the 
nephridia, with their large vesicle and pinkish rosette of tubules 
(these are shown in Pl. XV, fig. 2); and, lastly, the rich cherry- 
red colour of the ccelomic epithelium which clothes the intestine 
(instead of the yellow colour of this tissue in Lumbricus). 
The Septa.—tThe first septum is between the somites that I 
consider as 111 and Iv, since there are two pairs of nephridia 
in front of it, the first pair belonging to the second somite. It 
is very thick, and its central portion is carried some distance 
back, though not so far as the next septum, closely adherent to 
the cesophagus, whilst peripherally it spreads out, and is fixed 
to the body wall by means of its own substance and also by 
means of muscle-strands (mb) which pass from its posterior side 
outwards and backwards to the body wall. The second, fourth, 
and fifth septa are similar to this. Perrier has suggested that 
the use of these strong septa is to give firmness as well as 
strength to this region of the body for the purpose of burrowing. 
The third septum, that immediately in front of the gizzard, is 
very much thinner, in fact not much stronger than the posterior 
septa; this probably allows the gizzard some freedom of move- 
ment forwards and backwards. The sixth, seventh, and eighth 
