CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ANATOMY OF EARTHWORMS. 465 
colex. I did not, however, investigate these structures by 
means of sections, and remembering (1) that in Acantho- 
drilus multiporus the diverticula are embedded in the 
body wall, and not visible on a dissection, and (2) that in no 
other species of Pericheta or Megascolex are diverticula 
wanting, it seems to be probable that these structures will be 
ultimately proved to exist in Megascolex ceruleus. 
I have found in Acanthodrilus that the spermatheca con- 
tains (in preserved specimens) a hard coagulated mass, showing 
no structure, which gives the ordinary albumen reactions. I 
am disposed, therefore, to think that the function of the 
spermathece in Acanthodrilus, and other genera 
where diverticula are present, is to prepare the 
albumen for the nourishment of the embryos in 
the cocoon, the diverticula being the real sperm 
reservoirs. 
The connection between the spermetheca and the albumen 
gland in Sutroa (Hisen, 18) is suggestive in view of this possi- 
bility. 
I had written to this point when Michaelsen’s most recent 
memoir (32) came into my hands through the kindness of 
theauthor. In his description of Cry ptodrilus purpureus 
Michaelsen records the interesting fact that there are five 
spermathece occupying as many segments and opening in the 
ventral median line. Each pouch is furnished with a pair of 
diverticula, one on each side. ‘ These cylindrical diverticula 
contain sperm after fecundation. The wide middle sac is filled 
with a granular mass which is feebly coloured by picro-carmine 
(nutritive matter for filling the cocoon)” (82, p. 5). The 
suggestion made in the above quotation is not supported by 
any further discussion. 
I do not think that the question of the function of the 
spermathece can be at present definitely settled, but the hypo- 
thesis advanced in the present paper is at least not contra- 
dicted by our experience. 
It occurred to me that the remarkable glands in Pericheta, 
of which some description has just been given, might serve as 
