1897.] FROM SOUTH AFRICA, 



341 



the glandular cells is a regular fringe of spermatozoa. There are 

 two pairs of sperm-duct funnels in segments x., xi. ; corresponding 

 to these are three pairs of sperm-sacs which lie ia segments x., xi., 

 xii. There is a single penidl seta to each spermiducal gland ; it is 

 slightly notched at the extremity. 



In the intestine of this worm 1 found numerous examples of an 

 Infusorian belonging, or allied, to the genus Opalina, so frequent a 

 parasite of the Oligochseta. 



(4) Acanthodrilus falcatus, n. sp. 



Of this new form Mr. Purcell collected no less than 56 examples 

 from " Cape Flats ; in wet sand on edge of a small vley between 

 Eetreat Station and Zeekoe Vley." 



The species is not a large one ; an individual which appeared to 

 be quite typical measured 70 mm. by 3 mm. in breadth : it had 

 rather more than 100 segments, but the mode of preparation 

 (with corrosive sublimate) rendered the number of the segments a 

 little difficult to ascertain with accuracy here and there. The 

 posterior segments are noted to have been during life blackish. 



The prostomium did not divide the first segment ; it had rather 

 the appearance of being simply a continuation of it, just indenting 

 in a semicircle its front margin. 



The ventral setce, as in other species, are nearer to each other than 

 the lateral ; and the two setse of the ventral rows converge slightly 

 at the male pores. 



The ditellum occupies segments xiii.-xvi. 



Genital papillce are present and vary somewhat in number in 

 individuals. I found them to be present in not fully mature 

 individuals as well as in those with a clitelium. On segments x., 

 xi. were a single median papilla, or rather on the first of these 

 two segments a closely approximated pair ; on the xith segment 

 the single papilla was seen on a closer examination to be composed 

 of two fused papillae. On xvi. and on xix. there was also a median 

 papilla. 



There is a slight gizzard; the intestine begins in segment xvi. 

 The spermathecoi show some variation. The oval pouch has at 

 least two very white sausage-shaped diverticula which are of 

 considerable length. 



In the case of one spermatheca there was a third smaller 

 diverticulum. In one worm each spermatheca had three diverticula, 

 and in one spermatheca of this individual there were as many as 

 four. The spermathecse open on to the exterior in front of seta 2. 

 There are two pairs of sperm-duct funnels in x. and xi. The 

 sperm-sacs are in segments ix.-xii. 



The spermiducal glands are provided with penial setce. The actual 

 extremity of the seta is much hooked (whence the specific name of 

 the worm) and is free from denticulations or ridges. Immediately 

 in front of this the seta is much wider and is furnished for 

 quite a short space with ridges, as in so many other species of 

 Acanthodrilus. 



