in earthworms (Fig. 20, _D_), both for the anterior and posterior ends.
I have shown that it also takes place in the tail of a teleostian fish,
fundulus (Fig. 20, _C_), and have offered the following explanation of
the phenomenon. The new material that is first laid down is, to a
certain extent, indifferent as regards its axes. A symmetrical structure
is then formed, with the old edge as a basis. The median point of the
cut-edge connected with the median point of the outer surface of the new
edge, gives the axis of symmetry of the new tail. The other regions
assume corresponding positions. In the tail of the tadpole the position
of the new notochord is determined by the cut-end of the old notochord
and the median, outer point of the new material, and since the new
material is at first equally developed along the cut-edge, or at least
symmetrically developed, the new tail must stand at right angles to the
cut-edge. This explanation will cover, I think, all cases of
regeneration from an oblique surface. It assumes a law of symmetry in
the new material that is in accordance with the observed position in
which the new structure appears. The hypothesis makes no pretence to
explain why the new structures _should_ assume a symmetrical position,
but given that they do, the observed result follows.
[Illustration: FIG. 21.--Planaria lugubris. Upper row. _A._ Part of head
cut off obliquely; _a-a⁴._ Regeneration of new head. Lower row. _B._
More of head cut off obliquely; _b-b⁴._ Regeneration of same.]
There are certain peculiarities connected with the regeneration from an
oblique surface in planarians that may be considered in this connection.
If the worm is cut in two by means of an oblique cut, as shown by the
oblique line in Fig. 21, _B_, the new head that appears on the anterior
cut-surface of the posterior piece appears _at one side_ and not in the
middle of the oblique surface (Fig. 21, _B_, _b_). The new head stands
at right angles to the cut-surface. The anterior piece of the worm
produces a new tail at the side of the posterior cut-surface, in the
same way that the tail is formed in Fig. 20, _E_. The tail also stands
at right angles to the cut-surface. The new pharynx that develops in a
piece of this kind appears in the middle of the posterior cut-surface,
between the old and the new parts. It may extend somewhat obliquely in
the new part, and point toward the new tail.
[Illustration: FIG. 22.--Two upper rows _Planaria lugubris_. Lower row
_Planaria maculata_. Upper row. Tail-piece cut off obliquely in front of
genital pore. Figures show mode of regeneration. Middle row. Piece
including old pharynx cut off by two cross-cuts, regenerating head and
tail. Lower row. Piece cut off as last, regenerating head and tail.]
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