582 PEOr, T. W. BRIDGE Olf THE MESIAL 



the series is exceptionally long and stout. The four cartilagi- 

 nous nodules representing the distal segments (d.s.) do not 

 correspond in position with the dorsal extremities of their 

 proximal segments, but are concentrated towards the anterior 

 border of the fin, and support in the usual manner the first four 

 fin-rays. The remaining rays have tbeir bases imbedded in a 

 posterior extension of the fibrous tissue (Z.y.), wbicb in the 

 anterior part of the fin connects the fused cartilaginous 

 extremities of the proximal segments with the distal segments. 

 In all other respects the anal fin closely resembles the dorsal. 



Dioclon hystrioo. 



Dorsal fin. — There are eleven proximal radial segments 

 (PI. XXIII. fig. 37, p-s.), all of which, except the first and last, 

 are cylindrical for tbe middle portion of their length, but fused 

 distally into a continuous, dorsally grooved, cartilaginous margin 

 (cm.), while their expanded and cartilage-tipped proximal extre- 

 mities are suturally united and at the same time firmly wedged in 

 between the neural spines of the subjacent vertebrae. The first 

 and last of the series are much more massive and difi'er some- 

 what in shape from the others. The distal segments (d.s.) are 

 more numerous than the proximal, being sixteen in number. 

 The first is thick and cubical in shape ; the remainder are more 

 or less elongated cartilaginous rods, except the last two or three, 

 which are much shorter and approximate to the condition of 

 simple nodules. The fin-rays are also sixteen in number, and 

 their bifid basal ends (fig. 38, f.r.) ensheath the distal radial 

 segments (d.s.). 



Anal fin. — This fin consists of nine proximal radial segments, 

 fifteen distal segments, and fifteen soft fin-rays, but in all other 

 respects it is almost precisely similar to the dorsal fin. 



OrtJiagoriscus mola. 



The fins and fin-supports of this species, with the remaining 

 portions of the skeleton, have been described and figured by 

 Wellenbergh [13] and Cleland [14]. As far as the fins are 

 concerned, Cleland's account and figures are on the whole the 

 more detailed and accurate, but in some respects his description 

 is either incomplete or not sufficiently clear to admit of the 

 comparison of these structures with those of other Teleosts. 

 For this reason I have thought it desirable to revise Clelaud's 



