I90 MORRILL. [Vol. XI. 



the tank near the mutilated fish. The ends of the stumps of 

 the free rays were more than an inch from the food. No effort 

 was made to take the food. 



The movements of the free rays of PrionoUis resemble walk- 

 ing so closely that it is natural that the free rays should be 

 looked upon as locomotor organs. The early observers of the 

 European Triglidae held this view. The movements of the 

 free rays are exactly the same when the fish swim upward in 

 contact with the glass sides of the tank as when swimming 

 along the bottom. 



These fish have been observed several times to turn over 

 small stones and shells, as they swam along the bottom, by 

 means of the free rays. 



The place covered by the stone or shell was subsequently 

 thoroughly examined by means of the free rays, apparently in 

 the search for food. 



The method of nerve termination described by Ranvier (8) 

 and other authors (5 and 7), as characteristic of organs of touch 

 is very much like that found in Prionotus. This together with 

 the physiological evidence, so far obtained, from the study of 

 the Gurnards, strengthens the opinion that the free rays have 

 been modified for tactile purposes, and that they are mainly if 

 not altogether used in searching for food. 



Hamilton College, Clinton, N. Y. 



