74 



the different vertebrae with each other : the bases of the parapophyses are likewise perforated 

 directly for the passage of the blood-vessels, as those of the neurapophyses are for the passage 

 of the nerves above. 



The terminal coalesced caudal vertebra present a transverse ridge on each side. The 

 number of the abdominal vertebrae is 1 2 ; that of the caudal vertebrae, 1 6 : total, 28. 



Purchased. Mm. South. 



310. The first and second trunk vertebrae of the Angler (Lophius piscatorius). The 



anterior surface of the atlas presents a middle, almost flat, transversely oblong 

 articulation for the basioccipital, and two lateral vertically elongated and con- 

 cave surfaces for the exoccipitals, besides the two anterior zygapophyses arti- 

 culating with the upper surface of the exoccipitals. The neurapophyses have 

 coalesced with the centrum : the spinal nerves have perforated the bases of the 

 neurapophyses.. Hunterian. 



311. A dorsal vertebra, vertically and longitudinally bisected, of the Angler (Lophius 

 piscatorius). Presented by Prof. Owen, F.R.S. 



312. A more posterior dorsal vertebra of the Angler (Lophius piscatorius). 



The terminal concave articular surfaces intercommunicate by a minute foramen at the middle 

 of the centrum. The parapophyses form the sides of a deep open groove along the under sur- 

 face of the centrum. 



Presented by Prof. Owen, F.R.S. 



313. A caudal vertebra of the Angler (Lophim piscatorius). 



The parapophyses are produced downwards and united together, completing the haemal 

 canal, and then extend obliquely backwards into a spine (marked h in the specimen). 

 The confluent neurapophyses are similarly produced upwards and backwards into a spine 

 (marked n). Both neural and I urinal canals are left, by the oblique position of their pro- 

 tecting arches, open, opposite the centrum, where they are closed by the neural and haemal 

 arches of the vertebra in advance. The bases of the neurapophyses and of the left parapo- 

 physis are perforated. The osseous texture of the vertebrae of the Lophius is reticulate, 

 cellular, and remarkably light. 



Hunterian. 



314. The interneural spine with two of the attached dermal spines of the Angler 



(Lophius piscatorius). The latter are extremely long, slender and flexible : 

 they are articulated by the same linked articulation as in the more completely 

 ossified fishes. Hunterian. 



