232 NOVA SCOTIAN ICHTHYOLOGY. — HONEYMAN. 
side there is a line of mucous sacs. The vent is two inches from 
the caudal extremity. It is blind. “The eight barbels, or cirri, 
are, there is no doubt, delicate organs of touch, by which the 
myxine obtains cognizance of the nature and quality of the 
substances with which they are in contact, and the single-hooked 
tooth on the palate enables it to retain its hold until the double 
row of lingual teeth are brought into aetion to aid the desire to 
obtain a good meal. Distribution. “Polar Regions to Cape 
Cod.” —Gill. 
“They are marine fishes, with a similar distribution as the 
Gadidae, being most plentiful in the higher latitudes of the 
temperate zones of the northern and southern hemispheres. 
They are frequently found buried in the abdominal cavity of 
other fishes, especially gadoids, into which they penetrate to 
feed on their flesh. They secrete a thick gelatinous slime in 
incredible quantities, and are therefore considered by fishermen 
a great nuisance, seriously damaging the fisheries, and interfering 
with the fishing in localities where they abound. 
Myxine descends to a depth of 345 fathoms, and is generally 
met with in the Norwegian Fjords. at 70 fathoms, sometimes in 
great abundance.’ —Guunther. 
PALEONTOLOGICAL. 
Some zoologists and palzeontologists consider that myxine, on 
account of its low organization and habits, must have been 
among the first fishes that appeared in our world, and that its 
lingual teeth, as the only parts that could survive, may yet be 
found in Silurian or Devonian strata. 
