434 PROCEEDINGS OF THE -RATIONAL MUSEUM. vol. 39. 



and not a male production), we seem to have only two alternatives. 

 Either the different species of Polycheles differ so much that the one 

 investigated by Smith has a spermatheca while several others do 

 not, but have only spermatophores, or else we must assume that the 

 interpretation of what was seen in PolycJteles as a spermatheca is 

 an error. The former assumption seems to be very improbable. An 

 error may readily be ascribed to the examination of poorly preserved 

 material, such as deep dredgings often supply. The seeing of a 

 cavity that forks exactly as in Anasjpid.es might arise from great famil- 

 iarity with the latter form and a hasty investigation of Polycheles as 

 subordinate material. 



In conclusion we may express the hope that spermatheca may yet 

 be found in other groups of Crustacea that will throw light upon the 

 relationships of these organs in the few groups m which they are now 

 known. 



