THE DERMOSKELETOX. 



17 



study of the structure of animals, but the most complex 

 product of creation cannot be comprehended without 

 terms expressive of the results of the classification and 

 generalization of the manifold phenomena it offers to the 

 contemplative student. 



In the arrangement of the parts of the dermo, splanchno, 

 and scleroskeleton, no common pattern is recognizable. 

 One can discern a definite end or purpose gained by the 

 positions those terms indicate of certain bony plates, cases, 

 or rods, and the special relation of such to the habits and 

 well-being of the creatures manifesting them; but the 

 diversity in the number, size, shape, and relative position 

 of such dermal bones and visceral bones seems in- 

 terminable. 



The head of the sturgeon. Fig. 1, is defended by a case 

 of superficial bony plates, d 3, d 7, d 11, &c. ; and the body, 

 by five longitudinal rows of similar plates — one extend- 





Fig. 1. 

 d3 



DERirO AND NETRO SKELETONS — STURGEON [Aclpenaer SUirio). 



ing along the mid-line of the back, ds^ ds, one along each 

 side of the body, dp, dp, and two along the belly, dh, dh, 

 between the fins called "pectoral," 57, and ventral. The 

 observations of the ichthyologist, or of those concerned 



2^ 



