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The Megascolecidze are supposed to have arisen from the same root 
as the Moniligastridze but at a later period, and dates back at least to 
the Triassic. This is the largest of the earthworm families and con- 
tains more than half the known species. The family is widely distributed, 
chiefly in tropical regions and the southern hemisphere. But one genus, 
Diplocardia, is represented in our fauna. According to Michaelsen, this 
gelus probably appeared in Mexico or Central America during the Juras- 
sic. Derivatives from this genus have spread into Africa, but the genus it- 
self spread northward and is known from Mexico, Lower California, Texas, 
Florida, Nebraska and Illinois. 
The Glossoscolecidze seem to have developed as early as the Jurassic 
in the northern continental area. The genus Sparganophilus of this fam- 
ily is found in Mexico and yarious parts of the United States. Related 
forms are known from Central and South America, where many species 
are recognized. 
The Lumbricid is recognized as the most recent family of the group 
and is derived from the Glossoscolecidie, probably in southwest Asia. The 
family is thought to have invaded Europe in the Eocene and North 
America in the Oligocene. But few endemic species are known from the 
United States. 
In the glaciated regions of the world, it is probable that the endemic 
species have been destroyed during the Ice Age. These regions have been 
repopulated by species which have migrated from the south and the earth- 
worm fauna in such places is largely composed of forms carried in by 
man. In the southern part of Europe are found many endemic species 
while northern Europe is occupied almost wholly by forms also found 
further south. The line separating the northern territory with peregrine 
forms from the southern territory with endemic forms, corresponds very 
closely to the line of the most southern extension of the glacial ice sheet. 
It would be interesting to know if a similar condition exists in America. 
Last year, under the direction of Professor Frank Smith of the Uni- 
verstiy of Illinois, I began a study of the earthworms of Illinois and 
Indiana. I received, last fall, some material from Mr. C. E. Allen, of 
Wabash College, and some from my brother at Kewanna. During the 
past summer I made some collections in several counties of the State but 
was unable to make as extensive collections as are desirable. The ma- 
terials I have coutain some forms that may have to be described as new 
species and I believe that careful collecting in the State will disclose 
