59 
It is probable that the conditions in these shallow 
sandy channels which suit the shrimps are also the most 
suitable conditions for young fish—especially flat fish— 
in certain stages of growth, and consequently it is futile 
to hope that any artificial operations will lead to the 
separation of the two kinds of animals. 
NorE oN A SPoROZOON PARASITE OF THE PLAIcr. 
(PLEURONECTES PLATESSA). 
By James JOHNSTONE. 
(With Plate D.) 
Two specimens of plaice have come to the Fisheries 
Laboratory during the year which showed a_ peculiar 
modification of the intestinal wall. One specimen was 
sent by Mr. G. Kecles, Chief Fishery Officer at New 
Brighton. It was caught near the Mersey Bar at the 
beginning of October. The other was sent to me by Mr. 
A. Scott. It had been caught by Mr. Wright, Fishery 
Officer, in Barrow Channel, on October Ist, 1900. 
The first specimen was a female about 8 inches long. 
Ti had been opened, and the head cut partly off. Mr. 
Kecles was struck by the granular appearance of the 
viscera, suggesting the presence of a large quantity of 
spawn. As however the fish was much too small to con- 
tain ripe ovaries, he thought it worth sending to the 
Laboratory. It was fresh when it came to hand, and the 
fish looked in good enough condition. ‘The ovaries were 
about one inch in length but perfectly normal for a fish 
of this size. The intestine, liver, kidney, &c., had their 
usual relations. 
But the greater portion of the intestine, from the 
pylorus to about 13 inches from the anus was thickened, 
and had the appearance of a ripe ovary. ‘That is, the 
surface was studded with little round white opaque bodies 
