ZOOLOGY. 



369 



female organs were found to present a number of varieties in the distribu- 

 tion of tlie eggs upon the surface of the lamella?. As these differences 

 will prove of interest to the systematist and pisciculturist, the analytical 

 table classifying them is here reproduced. 



A. Ovary without duct. 



1. Ovary consisting of a simple lamina {AnguiUa). 



2. Ovary consisting of numerous lamiute [Salmonidw). 



B. Ovary with duct. 



1. Ovigerous surface confined to a narrow strip of the wall of the ovary 



or forming a duplicature of the wall, with which it is in con- 

 nection by narrow stripes {Scorpcena, &c). 



2. Ovigerous surface occupying the greater part of the ovarian wall. 



a. Ova originate in irregular processes of the wall {Lopohhran- 

 ehii, &c.). 



b. Ova originate in definite lamelhe or duplicatures of the ovarian 



wall. 



1. Lamelhie parallel to long axis of ovary. 



a. Whole wall of ovary beset with lamellte: canal central 



{iSargus, Scomher^ &c.). 

 h. Part of wall of ovary devoid of lamelhe; canal lateral 



(not yet observed). 



2. Lamella} parallel to transverse axis of oxary. 

 a. Ovarian canal central {Perea, Chipea, &c.). 

 h. Ovarian canal lateral {Gyprinoid,s). 



THE FLIGHT OF FLYING-FISHES. 



The characteristics of the flight of flying-fishes have been much dis- 

 cussed and have given rise to a considerable controversial literature. 

 In 1878, Prof. Carl Mobius re examined the question from an anatomical 

 and physiological as well as an observational basis, and gave his views 

 in quite an elaborate memoir.* Both the Exocoetiues and Dactylop- 

 terines were considered. As a result of his studies Professor Mobius 

 came to the conclusion that the pectoral fins are not at all actively 

 employed during flight; that the fishes " do not raise themselves, but 

 are passively raised by the ascending currents of air, which are caught in 

 the grooves on the under surface of their pectoral fins." It is admitted, 

 however, that either an exocceius or dactylopterus may " make powerful 

 and plainly recognizable movements with its tail and pectorals during 

 its ascent (out of water), and even occasionally in the middle of its course, 

 if prompted thereto by a strong wetting of the body by the waves." These 

 opinions have been challenged lately, and have provoked several com- 

 munications. 



Mr. C. O. Whitman t made special observations in the flight of JExocceti 



* Mobius (Carl). Die Bewegungen der fliegenden Fisclie durch die luft. Zeitschrifi 

 fiir icissenschaftliclie Zoologie, vol. xxx ; Supplement, p. 343. 

 t Whitman (C. O.). Do Flyiug Fish lly ? Am. Xat., vol. xiv, pp. G41-654. 



S. Mis. 31 21 



