366 THE LENS, BY PROFESSOR BABUCHIN. 



As regards the fibres of the lens, we know that although 

 their length, thickness, etc., differs in the different layers, they 

 have always the character of flattened bands, which appear on 

 section as more or less slender and elongated hexagons. Hence, 

 when the section is carried through several fibres in their 

 natural position, we obtain a honeycomb-like appearance, the 



Fig, 374. 



Fig. 374. Horizontal section through a raphe in the eye of the Ox, 

 to show how at this point the fibres of the lens abut against each 

 other. 



individual cells being elongated in a direction parallel to the 

 surface of the lens (figs. 375 and 376). 



From such transverse sections it is apparent how the margin 

 of one fibre is received into the angle formed by the borders of 

 the adjoining fibres. In Birds the hexagons are very long and 

 narrow, proving that the fibres of the lens are in them much 



Fig. 375. Vertical sections through the fibres of the lens in their 

 natural position ; a, from the Calf ; b, from the Fowl. 



more flattened than in Mammals. I consider the so-called radi- 

 ating fibres in Birds to belong to the epithelial layer of the lens. 

 In Fishes the fibres are so flat that it is difficult to determine 

 with accuracy what form they present on transverse section. 



