[Extract from the lengthy discursive introduction]: "Towards the middle of 1877 I received intimation from Sir Wyville Thomson about the examination of this part of the collection, which he described as somewhat limited in extent. A review of the specimens, however, on their arrival proved that instead of being limited, the series was an extensive one, and reflected much credit on the scientific staff of the Expedition. This was probably due to the interest taken in the group by the late Dr. Rudolf von Willemoes-Suhm, a young naturalist of great ability, whose previous acquaintance with the Annelida had been considerably extended by a trip to the Faeroes just before the equipment [ie mobilization for voyage] of the Challenger."