PKOCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 347 



wliicli is about equal to the length of the dorsal spine. Its insertion is 

 below the middle of the depth of the body and below the level of the 

 center of the orbit. Its tip does not reach to the perpendicular from 

 the' origin of the anal. 



Insertion of ventral behind pectoral and slightly in advance of the 

 insertion of the dorsal. Its distance from the snout (22) is greater than 

 twice its length (0). Its long lilameut does not reach to the origin of 

 the anal hn. 



Eadial formula : D. I, IX, 80 + ; A. 7G + ; P. 13 ; V. 7. 



Color silvery gray. The thick, closely-set spines are matted with oozy 

 mud which cannot be removed. This is doubtless the result of the hard 

 usage experienced in the trawl-net. 



Hypsicometes,* new genus. 



A small specimen, much contracted and distorted from immersion in 

 strong alcohol, is the only material upon which to base this description. 

 Although not quite satistied that the relations of this fish are most nearly 

 with Merlnciidcv^ I venture to assign it temporarily to a ])Osition in tliis 

 family, hoping that additional material may confirm 'my present belief. 

 In some respects it resembles the Blomioids, but pseudobranchije are 

 absent. 



Diagnosis. — A genus of fishes in general form closely resembling 

 Merlucius, but with the elongate body covered with large scales (not 



* Etymology; v-\pi=:m doep water; K(j/x,vT)?f=:an inhabitant, a dweller. 



