MISS G. SWEET ON AUSTRALIAN EARTHWORMS. 109 
On the Structure of the Spermiducal Glands and Associated 
Parts in Australian Earthworms. By Grorerna Sweet, 
M.Se., Melbourne University. (Communicated by Prof. 
G. B. Howzs, Sec. Linn. Soe.) 
[Read 21st June, 1900.] 
(Puates 14 & 15.) 
In the present somewhat unsatisfactory condition of the classifi- 
cation of the Australian earthworms, additional knowledge on 
important points in their anatomy is much needed. At the 
suggestion of Prof. Spencer, the following investigation has been 
earried out on what is one of the most constant and conspicuous 
organs in our Australian earthworms. This is the spermiducal 
gland, which is characteristic without exception of the indigenous 
forms in Australia. 
In addition to this, the study has included the histology of the 
various accessory structures and ducts associated therewith, for 
while the general macroscopic structure in these forms has been 
well described by Prof. Baldwin Spencer and Mr. J. J. Fletcher, 
the microscopic details have been comparatively unknown, 
except in the one form, Megascolides australis, also described by 
Prof. Spencer *. And bere I would acknowledge my indebtedness 
to him for allowing me the use not only of his laboratory in the 
Melbourne University, but also of his large collection of Aus- 
tralian earthworms f and of literature thereon; also for much 
valued assistance on many ocvasions. 
I have throughout made use of the generic divisions given by 
Beddard in his monograph of this group, this being the most 
easy means of reference. 
The characteristic genera of earthworms in Australia are 
Megascolides, Cryptodrilus, Diplotrema, Fletcherodrilus, Diporo- 
cheta, Megascolex, Digaster Gncluding Didymogaster and Perisso- 
gaster (Fletcher)), and Acanthodrilus. The 32 species examined 
include a number from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, 
and Tasmania. 
The male reproductive organs in these forms, as is well known, 
consist typically of three parts :—(1) two pairs of testes, generally 
* Trans. Royal Society of Victoria, vol. i. pt. 1, 1888. 
+ The specimens of earthworms described by Mr. Fletcher were kindly sent 
by him to Prof. Spencer. 
