469 



mentioned, namely the presence of a small canal leading from the 

 glandular part into the mouth cavity (see Fig. 4); this opening is 

 very distinct although the entire passage is very small being visible 

 in only a few sections; the upper end leads into the comparatively 

 large tubules of this part of the hypophysis. In his description of 

 the Polypterus Waldschmidt distinctly emphasizes the fact that the 

 similar passage extends through the bony walls towards the mouth 

 cavity, but does not open into it, being always separated by the 

 membrane lining the mouth. In the sections of the Gala rao- 

 ichthys the lower end opens freely into the mouth 

 cavity; — in some sections this opening appears to be partly 

 filled with a very slightly stained coagulum. 



Fig. 4. 



Fig. 5. 



Fig. 6. 



Figures 5, 6 and 7 represent sections through the glandular part 

 of the hypophysis, passing backwards, the section seen in Fig. 7 being 

 taken very near the end. It is evident from these sections that the 

 hypophysis of the Calamoichthys is a gland capable of active secretion, 

 but it is not so evident, that, as Waldschmidt says of the Polypterus 

 "es sich hier um die Ausscheidung eines Secretes handelt, welches in 

 den Ventrikelraum ergossen wird". It is possible that such may be 

 the case, if so, however, the secretion must find its way from the 



