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



well-defined bars behind the abdomen — by a partial coalescence of the dorsal and ventral 

 masses of pigment ; the others have been modified into a band of black pigment, which 

 passes along the roof of the abdomen, and if somewhat younger forms be examined 

 the steps leading to the coalition of the two pigment-touches are clearly demonstrated. 

 Various black chromatophores occur on the head, at the angle of the mandible, and on 

 the ventral surface of the abdomen. There is thus already a change of pigment, and it 

 is easily seen how the post-larval colouration develops normally from the condition just 

 described. 



The scanty supply of suitable nourishment and the indifferent nature of the 

 surroundings (for the water in tanks is very different from the freely aerated and 

 healthy oceanic water) probably retarded growth to a considerable extent. Those 

 of 4' 5 mm. in length, however, were brought within a very brief distance of the forms, 

 6 mm. long, caught by the mid-water net in the bay. 



Between the stage above mentioned and the appearance of the young cod in shoals at 

 the margin of the tidal rocks, there has been in this country till now a blank more or less 

 complete, only a stray specimen or two — half an inch long — having been captured 

 in the tow-net near the surface. The observations of the last two seasons, and 

 this with the large mid-water net, # have, however, advanced the inquiry within a 

 measurable distance of completion. By employing the net during the winter, as well 

 as during the spring, summer, and autumn, most of the intermediate stages were pro- 

 cured. 



For some years the efforts of one of us have been directed specially to the 

 elucidation of the history of the present species in its young condition, as the account 

 given by Professor G. 0. Sars for Norway was not applicable in all respects to the 

 British Seas. In 1886, indeed, some remarks were made on the young stages of the 

 cod, which Professor Sars had captured, at the surface of the sea, some years ago, 

 in April amidst quantities of the "herring-food," viz., Calanidse, e.g., Calamus jin- 

 marchicus and Temora longicornis, species which abound under similar circumstances 

 in our own seas. Besides the points indicated in the paper just mentioned it may 

 be noted that on the 12th of June Sars found "that the clear and undivided 

 embryonic fin surrounding the whole body had already in part dissolved into the 

 first and second dorsal, and a small barbel was present." On the 5th of July, again, 

 they were discovered along with young haddock, shorter and stouter in shape, under 

 Aurelia aurita and Cyanea capillata, as well as under pieces of Algse; and he con- 

 sidered that they associated with the Medusas for the sake of the benumbed animals 

 and the parasitic Hyperige. It must, however, be borne in mind that in our seas 

 Hyperiae (e.g. Parathemisto) are frequently found in a free condition and in very great 

 numbers. Similar young cod were found at Lofoten in the stomachs of pollack 

 (Gadus pollachius), shoals of which surrounded them, chased them to the surface, 



* Vide Ann. Nat. Hist., Oct. 1886, p. 310. 



