464. FRANK E. BEDDARD. 
39, p. 149); again, in the Naidomorpha, and, to a less 
extent, in the Enchytreide there is a glandular atrium ; 
and here the ova are laid singly, each enveloped in its own 
cocoon and closely filling it, so that but little room is left 
for any albumen. 
Vejdovsky (89, p. 153) agrees with Lankester that the central 
axis of the spermatophore is formed by the secretion of the 
prostates (‘‘Cementdriisen ”) in the Tubificide; in Clitellio 
where these glands are unrepresented, the epithelium of the 
atrium seems to be unusually thick and glandular, and may 
perform the same function. 
The fact that the atria in Earthworms (e. g. in Acantho- 
drilus, Ty pheus, some species of Perichzta) are commonly 
furnished with penial seta, or, if not, can be protruded so as to 
form a temporary penis (some species of Pericheta, Teleu- 
drilus), seems to suggest that their function is a similar one, 
viz. to glue together the spermatozoa in bundles and to convey 
them to another individual. 
This function does not seem to be compatible with that of form - 
ing albumen for the nourishment of the embryos in the cocoon. 
Again, the position of the atrial pores for the most part 
behind the clitellum or just within it, isnot the most favorable 
for such a purpose, assuming that the cocoon, when formed, 
is passed over the head of the worm, as it is in Rhynchelmis 
(Vejdovsky, 40). 
Unless, therefore, the celomic fluid be ultimately proved to 
be the source of the cocoon albumen, the only organs in 
Megascolides and Megascolex which can prepare this 
fluid are the spermathece. In an earlier part of this paper, 
(p. 435), I have commented upon the fact that in Harthworms 
whose spermathece possess diverticula the spermatozoa are 
always found in the diverticula and not in _ the 
spermatheca.! It is true that I have myself omitted to 
describe any such diverticula to the spermatheca of Megas- 
1 T have referred to Rosa’s statement that in Acanthodrilus scioanus 
there are spermatozoa in the spermathece; but this is one exception, and 
indeed it may conceivably often occur and yet be accidental. 
