274 MR FRANK E. BEDDARD 



§ External Characters. 



The characters of the setce alone show that this Annelid conforms to no genus of which 

 we have any adequate description. As in the majority of the Tubificidse and the 

 Xaidomorpha, the dorsal setse are capilliform ; but in Phreodrilus there is only a single 

 dorsal seta on each side of the body in the posterior segments. These setse have the form 

 which is illustrated in fig. I, a. The portion implanted in the body is straight and of 

 some thickness ; the free portion is slightly curved and tapers gradually towards its 

 extremity. Each of these setse was invariably accompanied by two reserve setse of the 

 same form, one on each side. In no instance did I observe more than a single mature 

 seta belonging to each of the two dorsal series. On the other hand, the ventral setse were 

 as invariably paired. The setse of the ventral series (see fig. 1, b) are of two kinds, a 

 single seta of each kind are found in every pair. In both cases the setse approximate in 

 shape to those of the Lumbriculidse and of Earthworms ; the extremity is not bifid, and 

 shows no traces of having been worn down. The embedded portion of the seta is nearly 

 straight, but the free portion is much curved — more so than in the setse of the two 

 groups referred to. This, however, only applies to the larger of the two setse in each 

 pair ; the smaller seta has a less marked curvature. I could observe no difference in the 

 setse in the different regions of the body ; but as the worm was not fully mature, it does 

 not follow that such differences may not be developed later. 



In every case the setse protruded from the apices of well-marked papillse. 



The prostomium is obtuse, ending in a wide truncated anterior margin. 



The clitellum was visible in neither of the two specimens. 



The male genital apertures are paired, and lie on segment XII, in front of the 

 ventral setse. 



The oviducal pores occupy a corresponding position in the interval between 

 segments XII/XIII. 



The spermathecal pores lie in front of the dorsal setse of segment XIII. 



§ Integument. 



The integument had the same structure throughout. In neither of the specimens 

 which I examined was the clitellum developed, nor was there the very least indication of 

 the position of this organ, such as is sometimes afforded in immature Oligochseta. It is 

 evident therefore, that Phreodrilus, like some other genera, may reach a considerable 

 degree of sexual maturity of the internal organs without a corresponding development of 

 the clitellum. As Mr Smith has very kindly promised me to look out for some more 

 specimens of this very interesting Annelid, I may be able at some future time to fill up 

 this and other blanks in the present Memoir. The integument is covered externally by 

 the usual chitinoue layer, and the epidermis presents no specially noteworthy differences 

 from other Oligochceta. The glandular cells were, however, remarkably clear and free 



