2C0 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



metaphorically) with the almighty dollar, or provide that its off- 

 spring shall be started in life as are the progeny of individuals 

 whose dangers are fewer and whose resources are more abundant. 

 If we apply this argument to the egg in question we may conclude 

 that its enemies are comparatively few. The colour of the horny 

 egg-capsule is usually either a delicate olive-green or a light 

 brown, and well harmonizes with its surroundings. The egg is, 

 relatively to the size of the parent, large, and the number de- 

 posited comparatively small ; while the young on emergence are 

 found to be an exact copy of the original, an almost perfect 

 reproduction of the parent. 



It seems somewhat curious that an egg possessing so many 

 peculiarities should have been almost absolutely ignored by 

 scientific men and naturalists generally, the more so as it is 

 easily obtained and readily examined. So far as I have been 

 able to find during a long and extensive period of study, Swam- 

 merdam, who wrote the ' Book of Nature,' is almost the only 

 observer who has devoted any attention to the systematic study 

 of these eggs; but the result of his researches was such that 

 he writes : — " Among all the eggs of insects, of which I have 

 various species in my collection, I know none worthy of greater 

 attention." 



The case which contains the fluid matter out of which the 

 future worm is to be evolved is of a horny, not of a calcareous, 

 substance. It reminds us of the egg-capsules of the dog-fish, 

 found everywhere on the sea-coast. Here we have a hint too of 

 the aquatic origin of Earthworms. Chemically it corresponds 

 almost exactly with our nails, and with the hoofs and horns of 

 animals. It is cuticular in origin, that is, the skin, and not the 

 blood, the spleen, or any other internal organ or substance, is the 

 agent in its formation. 



Everyone knows that the finger-nails are most easily trimmed 

 after the hands have been washed in warm water. The reason is 

 plain. Horny substances absorb moisture, and swell in propor- 

 tion to the amount taken up, at the same time becoming soft and 

 pliable. It may here be observed that several species of Earth- 

 worm, besides the semiaquatic Alluriis, go through the process of 

 oviposition under water. I have not seen this fact recorded 

 by other observers, but have often myself discovered worms 



