NOVA SCOTIAN ZOOLOGY—PIERS. 473 
groups of tubercles or blisters, each tubercle about an inch in 
diameter and each group consisting of about five tubercles. I 
did not examine them very closely, but they appeared to be filled 
with a semi-fluid matter. The presence of these tubercles is not 
noticed in any description which I have seen. 
On August 12th and 13th I made a minute examination of the 
animal. The tubercles had then disappeared. They were pro- 
bably only present during life. In most particulars, both 
external and internal, our specimen agreed with Dr. Gilpin’s 
description as given in his paper before referred to. The broad, 
dark band round the posterior part mentioned by DeKay and 
other writers was not apparent during life; but after death it 
became noticeable, although not distinct. DeKay likewise says 
that the dorsal and anal fins are connected with the caudal fin. 
I do not find this to be so—there was not the slightest con- 
nection whatever. Owing to the thickness of the fins there have 
been great discrepancies as regards the radial formula. After 
thoroughly drying the dorsal, pectoral and anal fins of the speci- 
men now under consideration, I found that the rays stood out 
very clearly from beneath the shrunken membrane. This has 
enabled me to give the following enumeration with certainty :— 
dorsal, 17; pectoral, 12; anal, 16. Nothing could be more 
beautiful than the pure, pearly whitness of a piece of the flesh 
when just cut from the body. It soon, however, dissolved away, 
leaving only the rasp-like skin. From the liver may be easily 
obtained * a clear, reddish oil, which is of use as a remedy for 
rheumatic affections. This I have seen tried with the greatest 
success. 
The following are some of the principal measurements of the 
fish :— 
Total length from tip of snout to the end of the most 
remote digitation of the tail f.............. 614 inches. 
Depth of body half way between tip of snout and 
COPBATT Fiona a deities: oe SRR Seomst ents (2 % 
* A piece of the liver dissolved alinost entirely to oil in a few days. 
+ These measnrements were mostly made with a measuring tape, and therefore follow somewhat 
the contour of the body. 
