i88 7 .] 
A Protandric Hermaphrodite. 
29 
When we sum up these various facts, I think we are entitled 
to conclude, that Myxine has no limited breeding season, but breeds 
at every season of the year. 
Before I conclude this paper, it may not be amiss to draw a 
comparison between the protandric hermaphroditism of Myxine 
and the hermaphroditism of the few other hermaphroditic verte- 
brates known (Serranidæ, Sparridæ) ; but as my time is very limited, 
at present, I must put it aside for a later and better occasion, when 
I have, perhaps, also studied the hermaphroditism of Myxine some- 
what more thoroughly. 
Summary. 
1. Myxine glutinosa is a protandric hermaphrodite. 
Up to a body-length of about 32 or 33 centimetres, it is 
a male, after that time it produces ova. 
2. The proportion, between the posterior male portion of the 
reproductive organ and the anterior female portion, is not con- 
stant; the male portion is generally, however, about one third 
of the whole length of the organ. 
3. The few »true« males of Myxine observed, are probably trans- 
formed hermaphrodites. 
4. The young testicular follicles, or capsules, have a structure quite 
similar to that of the young ovarian follicles. They contain a 
large sexual cell, spermatogon, which is enveloped by an epi- 
thelium, follicular epithelium, and a connective-tissue envelope. 
5. The spermatogon is, by subdivision, converted into spermatides r 
which are separated from each other and swim in a fluid 
inside the testicular capsules. By gradual elongation of the 
nucleus, as well as the whole cell, the spermatides are con- 
verted into ripe spermatozoa which pass into the body cavity 
when the testicular capsules burst. 
6. Nearly ripe spermatozoa may be found in specimens af Myxine 
at every season of the year. 
7. Myxine deposits its ova at every season of the year. 
