252 On the Scales of Fishes. 



some further particulars of their peculiarities, are given in the 

 order in which they were studied, but with the exception that 

 those of the same genus are now classed together. 



Triyla cuculus. — The scales appear obscurely, as if in rows, 

 almost perpendicular to the sides, and not appearing to overlap 

 each other ; and yet they lie much as in other fishes, but with 

 the widest part concealed by the skin ; so that only the outer- 

 most portion appears. On the upper part of the body each 

 alternate row is more raised than the next ; but in some parts 

 irregularly so. 



In T. lineata these lines of scales are much more strongly 

 marked than in T. cuculus, as well by their colour as linear 

 arrangement, and in both cases more plainly when they have 

 become dry. 



T. gumardus, T.fiyer. 



Ammodytes Tobianus. — This fish is placed next to the 

 gurnards, because of the somewhat similar arrangement of its 

 scales with that of T. lineata, but the rows are more oblique. 



Labrus balanus. — A particular formation in the scales of 

 this family is, that not only is the (commonly finely -coloured) 

 skin carried under the fore edge of each scale, but in the form 

 of a membrane it is extended a little beyond it. This covering- 

 skin is rather loosely attached to the surface in which it is 

 enclosed ; but it is held firmly by a band or process which 

 proceeds from a stout and tough membrane that lies on, and 

 is firmly fastened to, the flesh beneath. In L. coquus they are 

 still adhering by a process below them, as iu L. balanus, 

 although more feebly. 



L. comubicus. 



Mitllus surmidetus. — The scales are but loosely fastened, 

 and yet the strongest bond is on the under surface of the 

 disk; and toward the free edge there are perforations, and 

 vessels that pass toward the root ; among winch arc two that 

 are larger than the others, and which lie along the lines or 

 channels of the hindmost crenations. These vessels are not 

 clearly marked in all the scales ; but it cannot be doubted that 

 they exist in all, and thus they serve to demonstrate, as in 

 other instances, that the centre of action is in the disk. Of the 

 gorgeous colours of this fish, which are in perfection only iu 

 life, the yellow of the lines, and also a tinge of red, are in the 

 skin covering the scales, the yellow being especially over the 

 disk : but there is a strong border of bright red in the skin 

 beneath, toward the free edge, and which shines through the 

 transparency of the scale. The more vivid colour of the yellow 

 is also below the scale. 



Pagellus centrodontus. — The scales in some degree resemble 

 those of the surmullet, but arc smaller; and those of the 





