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REV. H. FEIEND ON A 



seven or eight girdle-segmeuts, and the tubercula pubertatis 

 occupy alternate segments, or are found as pores on two or three 

 segments on the posterior portion of the girdle, it cannot be a 

 true Lmnhriciis. On the other hand, an Allolohopliora may have 

 six girdle segments and four tubercula puhertatis, as, e. g., in 

 ■A. profuga, Eosa. 



The segments in this species are not as a rule strongly annu- 

 lated, or divided into rings ; but even in the closely -related 

 species, "which are said by some authors to be always bi- or tri- 

 annulate, I have found great diversity. The first dorsal pore is 

 situated between segments 5 and 6. Notwithstanding Tide's 

 careful researches, I am a little in doubt about the constancy of 

 the first dorsal pore, and am of opinion that its position varies 

 witb the age of the worm, at least in some species. I have dis- 

 covered that these pores are not only valuable on account of their 

 close connection with the dorsal vessel, to which they afford the 

 necessary oxygenation, but also on account of their connection 

 with the glands employed in secreting mucus and protective 

 fluids *. If one of the worms which exude a yellow fluid con- 

 taining a considerable proportion of solid matter is held in such 

 a position that its pores can be seen while a drop of spirit is 

 placed on its body the coloured matter will at once be seen to 

 stream forth from the pores in a very striking manner, and, as a 

 rule, the first pore can instantly be detected by tbis means. 



Internally L. rubescens laas the normal number and arrange- 

 ment of the various organs. There are two pairs of spermatbecse 

 in segments 9 and 10, the gizzard occupies the l7th and 18th. 

 segments, and the cesopbageal or calciferous glands are in seg- 

 ments 11 and 12. There are three pairs of sperm-sacs, or vesiculce 

 seminales, in segments 9, 11, and 12, and the usual arrangement 

 of pharynx, nephridia, and other organs. 



I have adopted the specific name of this worm first of all 

 because it is as near the truth respecting the colour of the animal 

 as either rubellus or purpureus. In fact, the whole of this group 

 of worms so exactly resemble each other in this respect that any 

 name drawn from, or applied to, their coloration must be vague 

 at best. This name, however, commends itself to me on the 

 ground that it has already been assigned to a British earth- 

 worm which was never properly described. I have therefore 



* Rosa especially has called attention to this and other important points. 



