38 



consisted of four bundles, two on each side, divided by a fibrous aponeurosis, and 

 numerous fine, hair-like bones attached, especially in the situation of the lateral 

 line, and also to the skeleton. In treating of the skin, I have alluded to the 

 cutis-niuscles extending from the pharynx to the anus, as, no doubt, 

 supplying the want of the usual pectorals and ventrals. In describing the 

 skeleton, I have mentioned the development of lateral processes in the caudal 

 portion of the spine, those processes were closely attached to the spinal muscles, 

 and the great vascularity of the muscular fibre, indicated the constant use, and 

 great power in all the lateral movements of the caudal extremity. - 



organs op sense. — Smell. 



The nostrils opened on each side of the upper jaw, about half way from 

 the tip of the jaw to the centre of the eye. They present a kind of represen- 

 tation of the aloe in the human subject, and, no doubt, could be closed, or 

 opened, according to circumstances ; and, indeed, I observed on the inner 

 surface of the integuments, in the situation of the nostril, a series of fine 

 semi-cartilaginous fibres sweeping around the situation of the nostril, resem- 

 bling the radii supporting the membrane surrounding the gills : a bristle 

 introduced into the nostrils, passed directly into the cavity lodging the brain. 



Sight. 



The eyes are protected (I cannot say concealed) by the integuments 

 passing completely over the orbits, having no connection similar to a tunica 

 conjunctiva, with the eye itself. The detached skin, however, when dried, 

 exhibits a beautiful transparency, answering the purposes of a pane of glass, 

 and protecting the eyeball, under all circumstances. 



Hearing. 



The single specimen I had, afforded no means of ascertaining the power 

 of hearing, or state of the ossiculse. 



CIRCULATION, AND ORGANS OF RESPIRATION. (Fig- 8.) 



The heart, remarkably small, but formed of an auricle, ventricle, arterial 

 bull, and brachial artery, as in other fishes. 



The tongue is edentulus. 



Hyoid and Branchial apparatus so perfectly accord in the Ophisurus, 

 with the type observed in fishes, as to leave no doubt as to what division of 

 the vertebrata it belongs. The chief difference from that in other fishes, is in. 

 the Radii Branchiostegi, and in the extreme smallness of the Hyoid bones. 

 The Radii of the Ophisurus (twelve on each side) are grouped in close juxta- 

 position, at their attachment to the hyoid, but, branching out, make a sweep 

 round the operculum, nearly meeting on the dorsal line, and being intimately 

 connected with the integuments, might escape the observation of the 

 naturalist. The free margin of the branchiostegal membrane forms the 

 anterior edge of the gill apertures, whilst the pectoral fins form, in a great 

 measure, the posterior margin, evidently assisting the radii, branchiostegi, and 

 membrane, in guarding and adjusting the all-important gill openings. The 

 branchiae appear to have been composed of little tufts. The state of the 

 viscera prevented me from ascertaining the presence, or absence, of a swimming 

 bladder. 



organs op digestion (Assimilating). 



The (Esophagus is wide, and composed of three tunics ; the muscular layer 

 of great strength ; the inner or mucous membrane, resembling the lining 



