386 Classification of Fishes 



in favor of this combination has been pubhshed by Professor 

 Agassiz in his 'Lake Superior,' but that eminent naturahst 

 subsequently arrived at the opposite conclusions already indi- 

 cated. 



"The evidences of the closer affinity of the Elasmobranchi- 

 ates (than of any other fishes) with the Marsipobranchiates 

 are furnished by (i) the cartilaginous condition of the skele- 

 ton; (2) the post-cephalic position of the branchiae; (3) the 

 development of the branchiae and their restriction to special 

 chambers; (4) the larger number of the branchiae; (5) the 

 imperfect development of the skull; (6) the mode of attach- 

 ment of the teeth; (7) the slight degree of specialization of the 

 rays of the fins; and (8) the rudimentary condition of the 

 shoulder-girdle. ' ' 



