

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. 81 



x. and xi. respectively, and projecting freely into 

 the cavities of the median vesiculse seminales, 

 not far from the nerve-cord. 



To see the testes, open the two median vesiculce seminales 

 without, injuring the structures within them. Wash carefully. 



c. The seminal funnels are large opaque white much- 



folded membranous funnels, of which one pair is 

 situated in each median vesicula seminalis, the 

 open mouth being turned towards the testes, 

 and almost enclosing them. Their narrow ends 

 perforate the hinder septa of their respective 

 segments (x. and xi.), and are continuous with 

 the vasa efferentia. 



d. The vasa deferentia. From the posterior end of 



each seminal funnel a fine convoluted tube, the 

 vas efferens, runs outwards and backwards on 

 the ventral body- wall. The two vasa efferentia 

 of each side unite in segment xn., and the vasa 

 deferentia so formed run back to open to the 

 exterior by the apertures already seen on the 

 ventral surface of segment xv. The vasa de- 

 ferentia are slightly imbedded in the body- wall, 

 and their exposure requires care. 



3. Examination of the egg-capsule. 



Capsules may be obtained under stones and in earth or 

 dung-heaps tenanted by Lumbricus. They are oval brown 

 bodies, about the size of a wheat grain. Draw them, noticing the 

 presence of quite well-developed young in advanced capsules. 

 Examine their contents. 



4. Microscopical examination of the reproductive organs 



and of their contents. 



a. The ovaries. Remove an ovary entire ; examine in 

 salt-solution ; then fix, stain with carmine or 

 hematoxylin, dehydrate, clear, and mount in 

 balsam. 



