314 OBSERVATIONS ON WORMS. 



in the early part of the spring, however wet 

 that season may be. 



This disease does not appear to be confined to 

 sheep. I understand that hares in particular are 

 very subject to it, and that they not unfrequently 

 die in great numbers the same seasons in which it 

 prevails among sheep. This was the case during the 

 winter of 1828-9, above referred to, when many 

 hares were picked up dead in their forms, presenting 

 on dissection all the appearances that sheep exhibit 

 from the effect of this complaint. 



On throwing some of these flukes into cold spring- 

 water, immediately after they had been taken from 

 a sheep's liver, they contracted their bodies, and 

 shewed some slight symptoms of life, but very soon 

 died. This, however, is no argument against their 

 aquatic nature in an early stage of their existence, 

 as great changes may possibly take place in their 

 organization and habits during their progress to 

 maturity, similar to what we are familiar with in the 

 case of many other animals which undergo meta- 

 morphosis. 



There is a good description, illustrated by figures, 

 of this entozoon, in Hoole's edition of Leeuwen- 

 hoek's works, with notes by the translator. (Pt. ii. 

 p. a h. cum tab.) 



