84 THE DISCOBOLI. 



extremely fine and rather long terminal filaments. Fin rays begin to 

 be developed in the dorsal above the posterior part of the abdomen, 

 where the fold is highest; the anterior rays are more distinct, the hinder 

 ones crowded and almost indistinguishable. The anal is similar ; the fold 

 starts from the vent, opposite the hind margin of the orbit, and the rays 

 from the hinder end of the abdominal cavity, whence the fin continues in 

 the same manner as the dorsal. Pectoral very large, with a very broad 

 base, extending from the upper end of the gill opening forward nearly to 

 the hyoid bone ; its principal portion consists of an extremely delicate mem- 

 brane, in which the rays are visible like fine strice, and which on its hinder 

 margin is provided with long fringes. The eight lower or anterior rays are 

 quite free, but are not separated by an interspace from the remaining part 

 of the fin. The bones of the head are very thin, forming cavities on the top 

 and the snout. The eye is of moderate size, about two sevenths of the 

 length of the head, a little shorter than the snout, and much less than the 

 width of the interorbital space, which is very convex. Jaws even in front, 

 the maxillary extending nearly to the margin of the orbit. Gill openings 

 closed below, restricted to small slits. Specimen, two and one fourth inches 

 long, obtained off Cape St. Vincent in 400 fathoms. (Gunther.) 



