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SUPPLEMENT 
of those other pairs of white vesiculae, the posterior of which 
is thicker and more oblong. It would seem that these last 
communicate with the exterior by the vertical clefts which 
we have observed on each side of the sixteenth ring. It is a 
query whether the posterior bodies are the ovaries, the eggs 
from which, previous to issuing forth externally, should pass 
through the anterior vesicles, that would thus perform on 
them the office of spermatic organs. Of this we must be tlie 
less certain, as Montegre assiu-es us that the young ones, 
which come forth in the living state, do so by the anus, and 
that the eggs from which they proceed have descended be- 
tween the external envelope, and the intestinal canal, as far 
as the circumference of the rectum, a disposition which is, 
to say the least of it, very singular. It seems, however, 
quite certain that the lumbrici are ovoviviparous. 
The nervous system of the lumbrici is composed of a brain 
extremely small, situated above the mouth, and of a gastric, 
or abdominal cord, which is formed by a series of a great 
number of small ganglia, much crowded, one against the 
other. 
The lumbrici cannot be supposed to taste, smell, see, or 
hear, in any wise, since they have no specific organ of sense. 
But, in compensation, their touch appears to be extremely 
delicate. Accordingly, it is sufficient to strike, or even slightly 
to stir the earth which thev inhabit, to make them come out 
quickly. The mucous nature of their skin causes them to be 
partial to humidity, whether in the earth or atmosphere. 
They are, therefore, much afraid of the drying action of 
light, sun, and air. If, by any cause, they find themselves 
exposed to it they quickly endeavour to withdraw from its 
influence by sinking into the earth, or getting under some 
shelter, and if they cannot do so they soon dry up, and are 
deprived of life. They move with tolerable swiftness on the 
surface of the earth, by the alternate extension and approxi- 
