35° FRIEND: ROSA ON THE REVISION OF THE or 
is a most variable species, and capable of including some very 
diverse forms. Hoffmeister was probably correct when he relegated 
L. mollis Duges, also to this species. Specimens of the Long Worm 
found in clayey soil in England have exactly the colour and 
appearance ascribed by Dugés to this species. The Putrid worm 
(A. putris Ve}. ) again, includes so wide a range of varieties that 
My among 
identical with the sub-species avdorea Eisen. Here, too, Dugés’ 
worm (Z. dudius, p. 77) will probably find repose at last. 
With regard to the difference in size of the seminal vesicles 
(p. 78) it may be stated that this depends upon the condition of the 
worm at the time. I have dissected a typical species at different 
periods of the year and find that though one pair of vesicles may 
eatly exceed another pair at one time, they will be equal in size, or 
one at another time. 
I much regret that the account which I submitted to the Royal 
Irish Academy many months ago of a new Irish worm (ZL. papzllosus, 
Friend) was not published in time for Dr. Rosa’s perusal. ic 
alludes to it on p. 27, on the strength of a letter of mine announcing 
the discovery, but is unable to place it among the other clearly- 
defined species. Incidentally, Dr. Rosa points out that the name 
appropriated by Dr. F. Miiller. I have now examined large numbers 
of specimens, and find that the Papillose worm is perfectly distinct 
from every other genuine species of Lumbricus. 
It is greatly to be regretted that the author of this invaluable _ 
memoir was not able to include an index among the contents. fea oS 
_ synonyms are now so numerous and perplexing, and the oe 
usages of authors so diverse, that we find it exceedingly difficult : ae 
turn to the particular species which we may desire to investigate. Tf 
_ this omission could be remedied by the oe of a : oe fy 
sheet it would be an immense boon. ae 
I confess to a little surprise as . examine some of the <otnts ee 
latest groupings. In an earlier publication Dr. Rosa gave a most 
_ Iucid account of the different species of worms which Hoffmeister 
_and others had included under one common name. Now (p. 46) he 
returns to their earlier pa and gives w his own arrangement — oe 
