294 TRANSACTIONS LIVERPOOL BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



former, and terminates near tlie anus. This bone may be 

 called the first axonost, but it is probable that it represents 

 at least 3 separate axonosts fused together since it sup- 

 ports 3 baseosts. The anterior extremity of this bone is 

 sharply pointed, and in dead specimens it almost invari- 



AnuS' 



Hybertrobhied 



ana' s^me' 



Fig. 9. 



Plearonectes flesus. Dissection from the left side showing 

 the anal spine and tumour. Natural size. 



ably pierces the skin. A very slight amount of rough 

 handling of the living fish causes the spine to start through 

 the skin, and in some cases to inflict a nasty tear on the 

 skin of the fingers or hand. But without this rough 

 treatment the point of the spine never in life pierces the 

 fish's skin. 



