BY SAMUEL GAEMAN. 51 



sharp series of chisel-shaped scales, and extended down- 

 ward behind the end of the vertebral column, where it be- 

 comes about three-sixteenths of an inch in width. That it 

 is the dorsal portion of the fin which descends is proved by 

 the change in the direction of the points of the scales and 

 of the mucus canal. The dorsal portion of the fin is 

 plainly indicated on the hinder margin of the tail about 

 half-way down to the filamentary point. The chisel-shaped 

 scales are in reality formed from two series (one belonging 

 to each side of the body) which have coalesced. Though 

 small and harsh to the touch the scales on the body are 

 not sharp ; they offer about the same resistance from what- 

 ever direction the finger may be passed over them. On 

 the tail, however, they are very sharp and the points are 

 directed backward. Along the edges of the canals on both 

 body and tail the scales are compressed and flattened ; 

 they form the only cover or protection for these organs, 

 which in the specimen described have the appearance of 

 long seams or grooves. On the skull these canals do not 

 stand open as on the rest of the body. Near the mouth 

 and especially toward its angle the scales are larger and 

 more prominent. Under the middle of the belly, the 

 skin forms two closely approximated rolls or ridges sep- 

 arated by a groove, and inside of these the muscle is thicker 

 than towards the flanks. Intestine very small, valve spi- 

 ral. Abdominal pores opening behind the vent, pro- 

 tected by a fold. Cartilages soft and flexible as those of 

 Somniosus or Selache. Uniform brown, darker at the 

 thin margins of the fins. Specimen described, a female, 

 apparently adult, purchased by the Museum of Compara- 

 tive Zoology from Professor H. A. Ward, who gives Japan 

 as the locality. 



The accompanying outlines are taken from the animal as 

 it lies on the belly showing the back of the middle of the 



