2 THE AMPHIOXUS. 



investigate and honestly test matters so important for 

 many theoretical questions. 



Several attempts which had been made to study 

 again the development of the Amphioxus failed 

 through the difficulty of procuring material for 

 investigation. For, though the Amphioxus is in 

 many places found in great numbers, yet there is 

 difficulty in getting it to spawn in the aquarium, 

 and generally in obtaining embryological material. 



In the year 1879 I was able successfully to carry 

 out my long - cherished plan of studying the 

 development, and for this I was indebted to find- 

 ing in Messina great abundance of -the material 

 which elsewhere it is so hard to procure. 



Near the fishing village Faro, at the northern en- 

 trance of the Straits of Messina, there is a small lake 

 of salt water, communicating with the sea by one 

 narrow channel. This is called by the fishermen 

 Pantaiio, and its sand is the home of the Amphioxus 

 in innumerable quantity. 



In this secluded pool are easily found in great 

 abundance, not only the eggs which the animal has 

 liberated, but also all stages of its development. 



I spent ten weeks in this place, namely, from 



