356 OLIGOCHAETA 



This species has been studied by Vejdovsky (24) and, later, by Miohaelsen (5). 

 The shape of the spermatheca is not referred to, unless there is an error in the 

 lettering of the Plate (24, PI. vii. fig. 0,2) ; I am inclined to think that this must be 

 the case. For both Vejdovsky and Ude agree in their descriptions of the sperma- 

 thecae of A. eisenii, which differs from the figure given of the spermathecae of that 

 species in the great work of Vejdovsky. In that figure the spermatheca is represented 

 as consisting of a short oval pouch opening on the exterior ; into the side of this, and 

 at right angles to it, opens a long and narrow duct which is only a little dilated just 

 where it opens into the pouch; at the end of this long duct is an oval swelling 

 which lodges the sperm ; it seems to me that the long duct, widening out at its blind 

 extremity may, perhaps, be compared to the diverticulum of the spermathecae of other 

 Enchytraeidae. If this figure really refers to A. eisenii, then the differences 

 between the two species will be the absence of the ventral pair of seta-glands, 

 and the presence of three pairs of hearts in A. bohemiea in segments iv-vi. From the 

 last heart, and from the dorsal vessel in front of it, arise three pairs of periviscerals ; 

 the anteseptal part of the nephridium is shorter than in the last species, and the external 

 orifice is beset with glands similar to those found round the aperture of the 

 spermathecae of both species ; the nephridia are furnished with a distinct terminal 

 vesicle, which appears to be wanting in the other species of the genus. 



Genus Bryodeilus, Ude. 



Definition. Setae y-shaped. Head-pore between prostomium and buccal segment. 

 Four oesophageal glands in VII. Blood colourless. Dorsal vessel arises in XII, 

 without cardiac body. 



This genus is, of course, easily to be distinguished on account of the four 

 oesophageal glands, which are arranged dorsally, ventrally, and laterally ; the dorsal 

 vessel, by an exception unique in the family, does not arise from these pouches, but 

 behind them. There is only one species — 



Bryodrilus eMersi, Ude. 



B. Ehlersi, Ude, Zool. Anz., 189a, p. 344. 



Definition. Length, 13 mm.; setae 4-5 per bundle. Three pairs of septal glands. Brain 

 two to three times longer than broad, concave anteriorly. Spermathecae, without diverticula, 

 communicating with gut. Hab. — Germany. Terrestrial. 



