436 Holt — On the Eggs and Larvce of Teleosteans. 



marine. The second method yields fair results, but necessitates a certain 

 expenditure of time. It also appeared that ova were more abundant at the 

 sui'face than a short distance below, on the comparatively fine days when this 

 method was adopted. The third method was successful on one occasion in 

 Blacksod Bay on the flood tide, the ova occurring in the surface-net. 



Young fish, principally mackerel-midges (Motella) and suckers (Liparis), occurred 

 often in the surface-nets, the latter always amongst drift weed, under which the 

 former also appeared frequently to take shelter. Many other young fish were 

 obtained with the naturalist's trawl with shrimp mesh, but these do not enter into 

 the subject of this Report. 



The ova were separated from the rest of the contents of the net by examination 

 in glass tubes at sea, and were sorted, when at anclior, and the different species 

 placed in separate vessels — individuals being further isolated when occasion 

 required. The vessels used were shallow circular jars, or, failing a sufficient 

 number of these, short tubes of 2^ inches by 1-|- inch. Accidents were frequent 

 in bad weather, till the vessels were placed in a large zinc tray on a swinging 

 table in the saloon, where they were comparatively safe from upsetting, but 

 open to the attacks of dust. A good supply of water was usually brought in 

 from the open sea, but it was found that frequent changes of water were not 

 beneficial. 



In the case of several species only one or two individuals wei-e obtained, which 

 were kept alive as long as possible for observation, and, having finally died, were 

 of little or no service for further investigation. 



My best thanks are due to the Director of the expedition, the Rev. W. 

 Spotswood Green, one of H. M. Inspectors of Fisheries, Ireland, for his unvarying 

 kindness in assisting me to obtain specimens ; and I have also to thank Mr. T. E. 

 Duerden, of the Royal College of Science, for help in sorting the ova obtained. 

 To Professor Haddon I am also indebted for much help in various ways. Pro- 

 fessor M'Intosh, F.R.S., has allowed me to draw up this Report at this laboratory, 

 and has enabled me, by advice and criticism, to add considerably to its value. 



A number of pelagic ova were obtained which cannot be definitely referred to 

 any species. I have, accordingly, placed tliem in a series of Roman numerals — 

 I. to IX. 



In the arrangement of the known forms I have followed Gunther's classification. 

 The unidentified species have no special arrangement. 



My figures are not drawn to a uniform scale. I have, therefore, ajDpended a 

 Table to show the relative sizes of the different ova. The actual dimensions of 

 the young fish are shown in the usual manner in the plates. 



