56 LIVERPOOL BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
intestine to be distinctly acid. The termination of the 
cells among the bases of the columnar epithelium likewise 
points to the digestive function of the yellow cells; and, 
although we have not been able to see the actual ends 
of the cells, yet it seems probable that the granules 
contained in the cells escape into the intestine through 
the columnar epithelium (as Siebold originally pointed 
out), which is composed of cells with considerable 
intercellular spaces not filled by cement substance. The 
intestinal contents include large quantities of rounded 
granules precisely similar to them, although it would be 
rash to say that they are identical with the granules of 
the yellow cells. 
Further, save the calciferous glands, there are no 
recognised digestive glands in the worm, and the yellow 
cells would naturally appear to fulfil that function. 
Again, there is no obvious connexion between the blood 
vessels and these cells; for not only do many of the vessels 
want such investments, but there is no direct connection 
between the vessels and the cells. The accounts given of 
the said relation are very vague (see above). 
We hope to publish, ere long, further details with regard 
to the chemical character of the cells, and their functions. 
EXPLANATION OF PLATE VII. 
Fig. 1. Diagrammatic transverse section of Lwmbricus 
terrestris, through the middle of the body. 
a, Body wall; 6, muscular layer; c, ceelome ; 
d, pit for sete; e, opening of nephridium; f, 
yellow cellular layer of the intestine; g, colum- 
nar epithelial layer of intestine; h, yellow cells 
in typhlosole;. 2, dorsal blood vessel; k, vessel 
