THE SKELETON OF THE CODB'ISH. THE FINS. 103 



proximally and cylindrical and pointed distally, this is the 

 post-clavicle (fig. 13, 6). 



The scapula (fig. 13, 5) is a small irregular plate of bone 

 attached to the inner side of the middle of the clavicle. The 

 coracoid 1 is a larger plate of similar character, irregularly 

 triangular in shape, attached to the inner side of the clavicle 

 immediately below the scapula. The scapula and coracoid 

 bear the pectoral fin. 



THE PECTORAL FINS. 



Each of these consists of four small irregular bones, the 

 brachial ossicles (fig. 13, 7), bearing a series of about nineteen 

 dermal Jin-rays. The brachial ossicles represent the reduced 

 and modified radialia and basalia of cartilaginous fish such as 

 the dogfish. The fin-rays (fig. 13, 8) which form the whole 

 external portion of the fin are long slender rods having 

 essentially the same character as those of the unpaired fins. 



THE PELVIC GIRDLE. 



The pelvic girdle in the Cod as in other Teleosteans is 

 entirely absent, its place being taken by the enlarged basi- 

 pterygia of the fins. 



THE PELVIC FINS. 



These have a very anomalous position in the Cod, being 

 attached to the throat in front of the pectoral girdle. Each 

 consists of a basal portion, the basi-pterygium, and of a 

 number of dermal rays. The basi-pterygium consists of an 

 expanded ventral portion which meets its fellow below in the 

 middle line, and to which the rays are attached, and of an in- 

 wardly-directed dorsal portion which also meets its fellow and 

 is imbedded in the flesh. The rays are six in number and 

 are long slender structures similar to those of the other fins. 



1 According to G. Swirski, Sckultergurtel des Hechtes, Dorpat, 1880, 

 the true coracoid is aborted, and the so-called coracoid of Teleosteans is 

 really the precoracoid. 



