6 COLLINGE : A NEW SPECIES OF LIMAX, FROM IRELAND. 



opens separately from the penis, so that one might very correctly 

 speak of the portion into which the free oviduct, penis, and 

 receptacular duct open, as a vestibule. The duct is quite distinct 

 from the oval receptaculum serninis, which is about the same 

 length as the duct. There is a large albumen gland. The 

 hermaphrodite duct is long and not convoluted ; it leads from 

 the hermaphrodite gland, a large, oval-shaped body and is 

 formed by the coalescence of two smaller ducts. 



It may be questioned if it is worth while separating this 

 form from L. maximns. I think it is for the following reasons: — 



1. There are a number of very important differences in the 

 form of the generative organs, constant in the three specimens 

 examined, which distinctly separate L. hedleyi from L. maximns. 



2. Judging from the specimens which I have seen, it is easily 

 recognised by its external appearance as being distinct from 

 L. maximns. 



3. In studying the fauna of a country, isolated like Ireland, it 

 is very important that varieties of any slug which appear con- 

 stant, should be carefully noted, and if on examination it is found 

 that there are anatomical differences which are constant in 

 examples from different localities, it seems to me the best course 

 to adopt, is to describe and name such. 



4. That L. hedleyi is a form of L. maximns I readily atlmit, 

 but it is sufficiently distinct to take specific rank. Such forms 

 as L. gcographicus, Ren., L. snhalpinus, L. k P., L. monticola, 

 Btg., are not more constant or better defined, yet there are few 

 European malacologists acquainted with these slugs who would 

 be bold enough to group them as varieties of L. maximns. 



Limax hedleyi stands in the same relation to L. maximns as 

 Avion lusitanicns, Mab., does to A. empiricovnm, Fer. 



