70 



VI[. 



Distribution and occurrence. 



(Cliorology). 



With regard to the distribution and occurrence of the present species, much valu- 

 able information has been obtained by the great English expeditions, that may in connexion 

 with my own observations, help us to form tolerably accurate notions on this subject. 

 It appears to be everywhere a true deep-sea form, and, like most deep-sea animals, to 

 have a very wide geographical distribution. 



a. Horisontal distribution. 



As already noticed, I have hitherto found the present species of Brisinga, on our 

 coast, only on the fishing ground Skraaveu in Lofoten in about GS'/s " N. Lat. 



This point is at present its most northern limit; although I do not doubt that on 

 further investigation it will be found in the arctic zone much further towards the pole. 

 Its distribution in a southern direction extends at least to the coasts of Ireland, where it 

 was taken during the expedition of the ..Porcupine" in the year 1869. Already in the previous 

 year it had been found during the expedition of the „Lightning" in a much more northern 

 locality, namely between Scotland and the Faeroe islands. Its distribution as at present known 

 thus extends through no less than 15" of Latitude. The other species Br. endecacnemos seems 

 to have a still greater distribution. It was found during the 2'"' expedition of the „Porcupine" 

 off the coast of Portugal. Its most northern locality is Flor0 13 miles (91 miles Eng.) north 

 of Bergen, where 2 years ago I took up a perfect specimen. According to this ditierent di- 

 stribution of both species, it appears that there is some ground for supposing the Brisinga 

 coronata to be on the whole a more northern form than the Br. endecacnemos, which also 

 seems to be confirmed by the physical conditions under which both species are found. 



