No. 3.] DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOAD-FISH. 501 



A different explanation of this fact is given by Dr. Ryder in 

 a recent paper. 1 He says : " The future axis of the whole 

 brood of embryos was predetermined in the body of the parent." 



It was observed during the past summer that the embryos 

 within the egg membrane do not have their heads all turned the 

 same way, but in every possible direction, and it is only after 

 the young toad-fish are hatched that the heads of the whole 

 brood are turned in the same direction. 



During the larval period the yolk sack is attached to the 

 inside of the egg membrane, and the possibility is suggested 

 that the turning toward the light is effected at the time of 

 hatching, when, according to Dr. Ryder, the attachment of the 

 yolk sack may take place. 



1 Proc. of Am. Phil. Soc, Vol. XXVIII., p. 141. 



