THE MAMMOTH CAVE . 101 



possible, therefore, that in Amblyopsis the lens 

 may have been developed where we find it, and 

 that it was never connected with the intescu- 

 ment. Whatever views be taken with regard 

 to its development, the anatomical characters 

 which have been enumerated show that, though 

 quite imperfect as we see it in the adult, it is 

 constructed after the type of the eyes in other 

 vertebrates. It certainly is not adapted to the 

 formation of images, since the common integu- 

 ment and the areolar tissue which are interposed 

 between it and the surface would prevent the 

 transmission of light to it except in a diffused 

 condition. No pupil, nor anything analogous 

 to an iris, was detected, unless we regard as 

 representing the latter the increased number 

 of pigment-cells at the anterior part of the 

 globe." 



In continuation of the same observations, 

 the professor next treats of the Ear; and his 

 remarks on this point are conclusive in contra- 

 diction of the sensational newspaper article 

 previously mentioned. He says: 



"It is said that the blind fishes are acutely 

 sensitive to sounds, as well as to undulations 

 produced by other causes in the water. In the 

 only instance in which I have dissected the 



9* 



