STRUCTURE OF MYXINE. 



145 



of bones for the spinal column^ there is simx^ly a soft 

 and pliant cartilaginous tube. 



MTXiNE (Mijxine glutino^a, Gastrohraticlim ccecus). 



-,.^^-fS a B LJ U UU IT 



INTERNAL ORGANS OF THE MYXINE. 



The eight barbules or cirri about the mouth are 

 doubtless delicate organs of touch, which assist it in 

 discerning the nature of the substances with which it 

 come?i in contact, and the single hooked tooth upon the 

 palate enables it to retain its hold until its prey be 

 brought within the reach of the double rows of teeth 

 upon the tongue. 



The Borers do much harm to the cod-line fishermen, 

 they get into the cod when caught by the hook, and 

 almost eat him up. Mr. Baily, fisherman of Flam- 

 borough Head, tells me that the fishermen in that part 

 of England call the myxine the " Devourer," and that 

 very often the cod, coal-fish, ling, whiting, and had- 

 dock caught on the long lines are eaten away by the 

 ''devourer" until nothing but the skin and skeleton is 

 left. 



Little or notliing is known as to the habits -of tliis 

 most remarkable fish, and I should be very glad if any 

 of my readers would make it an object of study, and 

 report the results. 



11 



