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Show 204 MR. F. E. BEDDARD ON EARTHWORMS [Jan. 14, " prostate" glands, although trilobed, are limited to the xviiith segment. The shape of this gland is frequently used as a specific character in Perichceta, and as a rule apparently with some reason. The present species, however, shows that it is necessary to be discreet in the use of the character. In nearly all the examples which I dissected, the gland in question occupies three or four segments and has an ear-hke shape, the lower margin curving forwards and upwards like the lobe of the ear. In one specimen, which I do not feel able to distinguish specifically, the gland has a quadrangular form, occupies four segments, and is deeply incised in correspondence therewith. From Hong Kong I have received specimens of a Perichceta which I do not like to separate specifically from the above, although they show certain differences from it amongst themselves. In one specimen, a long and slender worm, the spermathecae have a long duct, and the spermiducal glands have the ear-like shape characteristic of the species. The male apertures are prominent. Other specimens, though smaller, are rather stouter worms than the one just referred to; the duct of the spermatheca is not very long, and the spermiducal glands are much lobulated and not ear-shaped. Nor is there here a marked difference between the septum immediately preceding the gizzard and those just in front of it: there is this difference in the first mentioned specimen from Hong Kong. In both the caeca are long and slender, occupying two full segments. APPENDIX. I take the present opportunity of describing three new species of Perichceta, and two new Acanthodrilids, which I have recently received. PERICHJETA INSULA, n. sp. Of this new species I have a single example-a slender worm measuring 103 m m . It consists of 95 segments. The clitellum occupies the three usual segments, but is deficient at both ends. The last segment of the clitellum has setae. The nude pores are separated by a moderate distance. Genital papillae are present in two regions of the body. On the xviiith segment are 8 largish papillae, each surrounded by a series of circular ridges upon the skin. Two of these papillae form on each side with the male pore of their side a triangle; the remaining four form a line across the segment above the line of the setae. O n segment xix., on the left side of the body, is a single similar papilla. In addition to these papillae developed in the neighbourhood of the male pores, there are a pair near the anterior margin of the viith segment like those of Perichceta indica. The first septum separates segments iv./v. This and the three following are not very much thickened, but they are tied to each |
