524 PISCES (CARTILAG.) CYCLOSTOMI. [MvxitfE. 



obliquely terminal, surrounded by eight barbules ; in the middle of the 

 upper margin a single nostril or spiracle of a roundish form ; a pair of 

 barbules are placed on each side of the spiracle; the remaining pairs 

 at the sides of the mouth: maxillary ring soft and membranaceous, 

 with a single curved tooth on the upper part ; two rows of strong pecti- 

 nated teeth on each side of the tongue : eyes wanting : branchiae opening 

 externally by two small apertures, placed beneath, near the mesial line, 

 at a little beyond one-fourth of the entire length : a row of pores along 

 each side of the abdomen : skin naked, invested with an abundant 

 mucosity : a low and rather obscure fin commences beyond the middle 

 of the length, turns round the tail, and is continued along the under 

 surface of the body as far as the vent: this last placed at a great 

 distance from the head, scarcely one-twelfth of the entire length inter- 

 vening between it and the posterior extremity. (Colours.) " Blue 

 above; whitish beneath." BLAINV. 



This species was placed by Linnaeus in his class Vermes. Its affinity, 

 however, to the other Cyclostomous Fishes is obvious. Inhabits the 

 northern seas, but is met with on some parts of the English and Scottish 

 coasts. Said by Pennant to be often taken at Scarborough, where it is 

 in the habit of ' entering the mouths of other fish when on the hooks 

 attached to the lines which remain a tide under water, and totally de- 

 vouring the whole except the skin and bones.' 1 The fishermen there 

 call it the Hag. According to Dr. Johnston, it occurs on the coast of 

 Berwickshire*. 



* Proceed, of Bertmcksh. Nat. Club. p. 7- 



