Ill 



But let us not forget our angler-fish. Behold this 

 creature now approximate on its back on the dis- 

 secting table, just beneath the skylight, in the 

 center of the laboratory. Near at hand on a small 

 stand is a tray neatly arranged by my able assist- 

 ant and containing an assortment of forceps, scis- 

 sors, knives, mounted needles, and other instru- 

 ments for the purpose at hand. 



My assistant, that is to say, my wife — whose 

 dexterity and skill at this business of refined carv- 

 ing have always been my admiration if not despair 

 — begins by slitting open the belly, while I stand 

 ready with a large hand glass and forceps, await- 

 ing whatever may turn up. At once there is exposed 

 the large stomach of the animal, distended with 

 food, and seeming at first glance almost to fill the 

 entire abdominal cavity. Indeed, so gorged is this 

 organ that the outlines of certain of its contents 

 can readily be traced in the contours of the surface ; 

 thus making it easy to believe the books, wherein 

 it is stated that "not rarely fishes have been taken 

 out quite as large and heavy as their destroyer." 



A puncture is made in the stomach, and then a 



