812 PROFESSOR W. C. M'INTOSH AND MR E. E. PRINCE ON 



in length, and in form closely approaches the general appearance of the adult.* The 

 spines on the head are, however, proportionately larger. The first dorsal is appreciably 

 larger, its supporting spines stronger, and their tips project beyond the connecting 

 membrane, while a deposit of pigment has appeared in its median region. The 

 posterior fin-rays of both dorsal and anal fins have increased in length, so as to cover, 

 when depressed, most of the space intervening between the second dorsal and the caudal. 

 A row of prominent conical papillae, larger posteriorly, extends along each side of both 

 dorsal fins. A series of more minute papillae marks the lateral line. By a further 

 development of the parts of the tail-fin at the dorsal and ventral accessory fin-rays, the 

 outline of the tail becomes less conical, and the posterior border is now, indeed, 

 distinctly truncated. The caudal fin is, in fact, much longer than broad at this stage. 

 The pectoral fins, though still large, appear of less size on account of the continued 

 growth of the trunk, as well, probably, as from atrophy of the upper or long rays. 

 The pigment-corpuscles are, moreover, definitely grouped upon the pectorals — forming 

 a basal and two distal bands, the latter conspicuously colouring the expanded fin. The 

 three inferior rays are larger than the others, but still connected by membraue. The 

 ventrals now extend considerably beyond the shorter pectoral rays. In some examples 

 several of the parasites (Chalimus-sta,g& of Caligus) occur on the cephalic and hyoidean 

 regions. The pinnately fringed branchiae show greatly increased complexity. 



A specimen, 22 mm. in length, procured in St Andrews Bay, Aug. 23, 1886 (PL XVII. 

 fig. 7), presents considerable increase in the pigment of the various parts, a feature 

 probably connected with its life in the shallower waters of the bay, where the sunlight 

 has more direct access. The pectoral and dorsal fins, and general surface of the trunk 

 and head, are boldly marked ; indeed, the little fish is most vividly tinted. Moreover, 

 it is important to note that the three stronger radial filaments of the lower anterior 

 border of the pectorals are now separated, and during confinement, for a short period, 

 the connecting membrane was observed still further to disappear, as shown in the figure. 

 Though very slightly longer than in the preceding stage, the pectoral fins are propor- 

 tionately shorter, while the first dorsal and ventral are somewhat longer. The appear- 

 ance of the fish, viewed from above, is shown in PL XVII. fig. 6. 



When a few millimetres longer {e.g., 24 mm.), the spines on each side of the dorsal 

 fins, and along the lateral line, are very distinct. A trace of the connecting membrane 

 still remains at the bases of the three free filaments of the pectoral. 



Next season the young gurnards appear to reach the length of 2f to 3 inches in 

 June, though others range to 4§ and 6^, but whether the latter and those reaching 

 4^ and 6^ inches in May are older forms of the same season, or belong to a previous 

 one, has not yet been determined. It is probable that all may be included in the 

 season's growth. 



Gadus morrhua, L. — The ova of the cod are very abundant in many parts of the 



* In a specimen whose total length was 205 mm. the following proportional measurements occurred : — Head, 

 •5 mm.; tail, 5 mm.; longest feeler, 5 mm.; trunk, 10 - 5 mm.; pectoral, 6"2 mm.; breadth of head, 3 mm. 



