2 Verm. 
XV. VERMES. 
INTRODUCTION. 
A slightly different arrangement of recording “Vermes” is adopted 
this year, in that the groups Hemichorcla , Rot if era, and Mesozoa are 
treated separately from the rest, since the only reason that exists for 
recording the heterogenous assemblage of animals called “ Vermes ” all 
together, namely, that so much of the literature overlaps, does not apply 
in their case. 
Renewed study of Phoronis , and of its development, makes its position 
amongst the Gephyrea still more anomalous, and it is here, and will be 
henceforward, treated of with the Hemichorda (see p. 44). 
Our knowledge of the Mesozoa is increased by the discovery of a new 
form, and a detailed description of an already known one (see p. 48). 
Several important memoirs on the Polychceta have appeared during the 
year. Amongst them may be mentioned : Hhscker’s valuable contribu- 
tion to our knowledge of the anatomy and histology of the Pelagic larvae, 
their development being compared with that of non-Pelagic larvae (82) ; 
Pereyaslazewa’s detailed account of the anatomy and development 
of Nerilla antennata (161); Grayxer’s monograph of the Phyllodocidce of 
the English Channel (80), using anatomical characters as the basis of 
his classification, after the example set by Eisig, but which is unfortun- 
ately too little followed, as a rule, by writers on Polychaetes; Racovitza’s 
study of the anatomy, morphology, and histology of the cephalic and 
nuchal region of sevoral of the different families (170); Fauvel’s of the 
anterior region of the Anipharel'uke (54); and MiisNii/s account of the 
external morphology of the Spionidce of the Channel, to be followed by 
a similar treatment of other families, and then by a discussion of their 
relative systematic positions (129). Roule (185) gives good descriptions 
and figures of several Atlautic species, and Mesnil & Caullery (132) 
give a preliminary account of 2 new types of Serpulidce. 
Alternation of generations (of an epitochous with an atochous form) is 
shown to occur amongst Sedentary Polychsetes, namely, in the Cirra- 
tulidce by Mesnil & Caullery. The formation of sexual forms by 
the modification of a whole individual (epigamy) or by only part of one 
(schizogamy) is discussed by Malaquin (124), and by Mensch (128). 
Otocysts which were hitherto only known to occur in the Telethusidce 
are now also described in one of the Clymenidce ; Mesnil (130). 
Our knowledge of the Terricolous Oliyochceta is, as usual, furthered 
by the work of Rosa (180-184), Michaelsen (134), Beddard (8) & (9), 
and Benilam (11) & (15); while the aquatic Oligochsetes receive the 
attention this year especially of Ude (228), Obnorski (148), Goodrich 
(74), and Beddard (9). 
Hesciieler (90) gives an account of experimental observations on rege- 
neration in Earthworms, and Riraucourt (175), while describing fully 
and giving synoptical tables for the distinction of the Swiss Earthworms, 
pays special attention to the abnormalities occurring in the several species. 
Rievel (176) describes the histological processes involved in regeneration 
in Earthworms, Naids, and a Polychset. 
Special visual cells, or rather cells sensitive to light, are described in 
Earthworms by Hesse (91); Rosa (180) and Lim Boon Keng(99) discuss 
the composition and functions of the coelomic fluid of Earthworms ; and 
phagocyte organs are described in different genera by Schneider (193) 
& (194). 
Wheeler (241) deals with the anatomy and habits of the different 
species of Myzostoma, and points out homologies with Chaetopods, espe- 
cially with the genus Spinther. 
The nephridia of Branchiobdclla are described by Voinov (234), and 
their resemblance to those of Leeches dwelt upon. 
