Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 April 2009
1. The eggs of Thelastoma bulhõesi are shown to have a sticky outer coat of acid mucopolysaccharide.
2. The acid mucopolysaccharide is secreted by the lower uterus wall and by the vagina uterina.
3. A protein substance of unknown function has been observed in invaginations in the ovijector of T. bulhõesi.
4. This protein substance appears to be secreted by the lower part of the vagina uterina and passed along into the ovijector.
5. Possible functions of the mucopolysaccharide coat on the eggs, and of the protein substance in the ovijector, are discussed.
I wish to express my thanks to Dr P. Tate for many invaluable suggestions and for his constant encouragement during this investigation.