MR W. BA1RD ON THE HAIR-WORM. 2iJ 



differing in this point from both the Uevis and hirundo of Fleming, and 

 the second and third spines were nearly of a length, and about a half inch 

 longer than the first. The second dorsal consisted of 16, anal 15, ven- 

 tral 6, and pectorals 9, agreeing in these points with the first of Fleming, 

 caudal 1 8, and lunated. On each side of the second dorsal fin there ex- 

 isted a row of large spines, increasing in size from its commencement 

 to its termination, agreeing here with T. hirundo, Flem. At the base 

 of the first dorsal, these spines had completely disappeared, and a rough 

 ridge occupied their place, agreeing here with the T. kevis. The lateral 

 line was partly smooth, and partly rough; thus uniting another distinguish- 

 ing mark of the two species : The colour on the back was of a greenish 

 brown intermixed with red, whilst the sides were of a rich vermilion ; 

 studded with spots of pure white. Belly pure white. The pectorals of 

 a deep blue, green and red, blended together, and which, when fresh, ex- 

 hibited a very beautiful appearance. The head and caudal fin were red. 

 Pupil dark green. The membrane of the first dorsal fin was marked 

 with large patches of the same bright vermilion as the sides. 



Dr Fleming says that the fishermen on the coasts of Devonshire and 

 Cornwall regard the two species as the same fish. The specimen that 

 presented itself to our notice, seems to have united in it several of the 

 characters which are looked upon as distinguishing the species ; and 

 perhaps it may be found, upon a more extended examination, that the 

 one is a mere variety of the other. 



Remarks upon the Gordius aquaticus or Bair-Worm. By WILLIAM 

 BAIRD, Esq. Surgeon, H. E. I. C. S. (Read July 17. 1833.) 



THIS slender animal, though common enough in our ponds, seems to 

 be one which naturalists have very cursorily or imperfectly described. 

 Even its place in the general arrangement of animals is not properly 

 fixed ; and with regard to its economy, little or nothing seems to be de- 

 cidedly known, though a sufficient number of fables are related of it. 



