ORGANS OF THE OUEEN. 



225 



position by receiving very numerous twigs from 

 the tracheal net (sp, Fig. 45) inclosing the sperma- 

 theca. These branches pass down the opposite sides 

 of the sac, and unite near to its aperture {c, Fig. 

 44). The whole gland consists of nucleated cells, 

 surrounding a common duct (t, t), which runs from 

 end to end, and enlarges somewhat during its course. 

 Its type is very distinctly intracellular (page 77), 

 and the different ductlets, many thousands in number, 

 leading from the very numerous independent cells, are 

 indicated in the Figure. Its activity and importance 

 are further shown by the multitudinous nerve twigs 

 and cells (d, d, d), giving it general energy, and 

 bringing its various parts into relation. The name 

 "appendicular" appears to me ill-chosen, since there is 

 every reason to regard this gland as the homologue 

 of the mucous gland of the drone ; " mucous gland 

 of the female " would have been, therefore, more ex- 

 pressive. New names are often confusing, so the old 

 one will be retained during the description. The 

 spermathecal duct (c), which is short, stiff, and 

 slightly ribbed, points towards, but does not im- 

 mediately enter, the duct of the appendicular gland. 

 I find the disposition of the whole to be that of a 

 valve, to which, and to these ducts, are attached five 

 main muscles, two being sphincters (indicated at e and 

 f). The latter extend upwards farther than repre- 

 sented, their continuation being omitted lest they should 

 obscure the structure of the valve before and behind 

 which they actually pass. These sphincters are the 

 instruments for respectively and independently closing 

 the appendicular-gland and spermathecal ducts. They 



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