Zool.— Vol. I.] JOHNSON— PACIFIC COAST ANNELIDS. 165 



founded by Kinberg, Malmgren, M'Intosh, and others, 

 have been content to place all new Polynoids under the 

 type genus, Polynoe. This prudent course I have been 

 strongly inclined to follow, fully realizing the rashness of 

 attempting to revise a classification without access to the 

 amplest material. But after a careful study of the few 

 species at my command, and of the best part of the Annelid 

 literature, I have become strongly convinced of the prac- 

 ticability of ranging nearly all the known Polynoids 

 under two genera. Following are diagnoses of these 

 genera. I would have it clearly understood, however, that 

 I do not consider this anything more than a provisional at- 

 tempt to improve and make manageable a classification 

 which is a positive hindrance to the study of this group. 



Polynoe Savigny (Sens. cxt.). 



Prostomium bilobed, the anterior tips of the lobes produced to form basal 

 joints of the antennae, which are on the same level as the basal joint of the 

 tentacle. Dorsal rami of the parapodia decidedly smaller than the ventral, 

 often minute, bearing setae more slender than the ventral setae, sometimes 

 very minute, few, or even wanting. Ventral ramus much the larger and 

 longer, bearing a moderate number of setae, which are stouter and usually 

 longer than those of dorsal ramus. The dorsal and ventral rami not pro- 

 longed in a finger-like process beyond the insertion of the setae. Elytra from 

 12 to over 50 pairs. Body sometimes excessively long; somites 27 to 100 

 or more. 



In this genus I include Lept'donottis Leach, Polynoe 

 Savigny, and Halosydna Kinberg. 



Harmothoe Kinberg (Sens. ext.J. 



Prostomium bilobed, prolonged in front in two acuminate or rounded 

 peaks. Antennae inserted below level of tentacle. Both rami of parapodia 

 prolonged in a finger-like process beyond the insertion of the setae. Dorsal 

 setae as large or larger than the ventral setae, never extremely short, often 

 longer than the ventral. Both dorsal and ventral setae serrated for more than 

 half their exposed length. Body never excessively long; somites not exceed- 

 ing forty; elytra, twelve to fifteen pairs. 



Under this genus I would place the following: Antinoe, 

 Harmothoe, Hermadion, Kinberg; E tier ante, Eunoa, 



