162 J. B. JOHNSTON, 
V—VII complex. In Gadus (CoLE, ‘98b) there is a single root 
arising dorso-cephalad from VIII and very close to or even mingled 
with the latter. 
In Protopterus Prnkus (95) describes three roots of the lateral 
line VII, but he gives no clue as to their central connections. In 
the tadpole there is a single root described by Srrone (95) as 
“dorsal VII” or VIIb. It leaves the medulla in close connection 
with the dorsal surface of the VIII root. Both root and rami 
disappear in adult Anura. 
The auditory nerve needs only passing notice. It is always 
described as entering the medulla in more or less close proximity 
to the lateral line VII. The evidence for the idea of the genetic 
relation of the auditory to the lateral line organs brought forward 
by MAYsER (81), BEARD (84), and Ayers (92) is strengthened by 
the central relations of the nerves innervating the ear and the canal 
organs, as will appear below. 
Fasciculus communis components. — This system 
was first studied by OSBORNE (’89) and worked out much more 
completely by STRONG (95). The latter author believed that 
it was related exclusively or almost exclusively to the alimentary 
canal and its appendages. In accordance with this, the fibres are 
sometimes referred to (e. g. C. J. HERRICK, 99) as visceral fibres. 
If this system were related exclusively to the viscera, it would be 
well to give it a name taken from its peripheral distribution, to 
correspond to the names given to the cutaneous components. But, 
as I shall show immediately, the system innervates at least one set 
of sensory structures which are found in the cutaneous area, the end 
buds. Whether these are of the same origin as other cutaneous 
sense organs, or of splanchnic origin is unknown. Until this is 
known, to use the term “visceral” for these components would be 
to make an unwarranted implication. 
The innervation of the end buds. — Instead of the ex- 
tended examination of the literature upon the end buds which I had 
written previous to the appearance of the papers of CoLE (98b) and 
C. J. Herrick (99), I can now give a very brief review leading to 
more certain conclusions than were possible in 1898. 
WRIGHT (84) showed that in Amiurus the rami lateralis and 
ophthalmicus trigemini were composed of communis components. 
GORONOWITSCH (’89) describes a N. rostri internus to the region of 
the barbles in Acipenser which is a ramus of the VII and made up 
