300 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [12] 
operculum (10.27 inches). At the point of the pectoral the height is 
nine-elevenths of that at the operculum (8.4 IMeRes), and is contained 
about 10 times in total length. 
The head from extremity of loyer jaw is contained in the total length 
4 times (21.161 inches). The eye is situated midway between operculum 
margin and tip of lower jaw. The length of the bill beyond lower jaw 
equals greatest height of head. Palatines with a narrow band of rough 
denticulations. Asperities on the lower jaw. Bill extremely hard, espe- 
cially at its extremity; its form is depressed, its edges rounded, its height 
greater than half its width. Preoperculum situated far back; com- 
mences midway between the eye and the opercular margin. The other 
opercular bones are not visible in fresh specimen. 
Lateral line marked by a series of minute apertures on a continuous 
band, connected at the top of operculum; continues backward in a 
straight line for a short distance, then bends downward and reaches the 
middle line of the body at the point of the pectoral. Scales bony, linear, 
absent from the head, except on the cheeks. Those of lateral line not 
pierced. All the scales covered by epidermis. ; 
Brivts D..3, 39-63. A. 2, 13-65 P.19 3 V1, 4s ©. 12. 
All the rays osseous, not articulated; those indicated as osseous are 
only distinguished from the others by their terminating in a point, 
which is not free. The others are flattened towards the extremity and 
frayed at the ends. The two first anal and three first dorsal rays are 
ossified to each other and upon the ray behind them, so that they appear 
to sight and touch as if only a single ray. Dissection shows that the 
first dorsal is very small (20™™) ; second, 24 times as high (50™™) ; third, 
115"™™; the fourth twice aslong. Thesameinanal. First, 30™™; second, 
70™™; third like fourth dorsal in form. These fins are for the most part 
hidden in the furrows, and their last rays are extremely short, so that it 
is necessary to lay them bare by dissection. 
First ray of second dorsal and second anal flat and striated; these 
fins are crenated. The fourth of first dorsal and third of first anal touch 
the summits of the fins, which are slightly rounded. 
First ray of pectoral very strong and prolonged to the extremity; 8 
ast short, forming the subbrachial dilation. ; 
Ventral appears at first sight a single ray, but dissection shows 5, the 
3 first anchylosed. They are received in a furrow, which extends to the 
anus. 
Caudal stiff; bifurcation making angle of 72° from middle of the two 
caudal crests to the point of the lobes, and, neglecting points, 80°. 
Origin of first dorsal above preopercle, its height surpassing by one- 
sixth the height of the body beneath it. 
Pectoral one-eighth length of body from point of lower jaw. 
First anal lower than dorsal. 
The two others are small and opposite. The second dorsal a little 
farther back, a little higher, and a little more “échancrée”. 
