1899-1900.] Mr Pi. C. Punnet t on Nemcrteans from Singapore. 91 
Observations on some Nemerteans from Singapore. 
By R. C. Punnett, B.A. Communicated by Dr A. T. 
Masterman. 
(Read May 7, 1900.) 
The FTemerteans which form the subject of this communication 
were collected by Messrs F. P. Bedford and W. F. Lauchester 
during a year’s stay in and near Singapore. The number of 
species procured is ten, nine of which have not hitherto been 
described. These are Eupolia pholidota , Cerebratulus natans, 
C. brunneus, C. robustus, C. insignis, C. erythrus, C. sordidus , 
C. ulatiformius and C. bedfordii. The species previously known is 
Eupolia quinguelineata (Burger), but for reasons given it has 
been considered desirable to change the name to E. melanogramma. 
A careful examination of these forms has led to the following facts 
and conclusions of more general interest | 
(1) In one form (E. melanogramma) the excretory system 
possesses ducts which place its cavity in communication with that 
of the alimentary canal. The usual ducts to the exterior are also 
present. Consequently the alimentary canal in this region (7.e., 
shortly behind the mouth) is placed in communication with the 
exterior by means of the excretory system and its ducts. Such a 
condition seems to find its closest parallel in the gill slits of the 
Chordata. 
(2) In Eupolia pholidota the excretory ducts reach back into 
the intestinal region, thus co-existing in the same region as the 
series of gonidial ducts. Such a condition has not previously been 
noted in the group, and, taken in conjunction with the fact that the 
histology of the two ducts is different, seems to show that they are 
not serially homologous. 
(3) In the genus Eupolia , the lateral nerve stems may either 
form a commissure above the anus, or else below, or even may 
terminate without forming a commissure at all. Such a fact tends 
to make one cautious in accepting the primitive nature, in such 
