of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



105 



In order that changes in the ratio of a to x during succeed- 

 ing months of the spawning season, such as are seen when the sum 

 of the eggs is treated, may be found also in the eggs of one species, it is 

 necessary that the eggs of that species be present in considerable 

 numbers. In the case of those eggs which formed the bulk of the tow-net 

 collections the gradations are well marked ; but species which are 

 represented by comparatively few eggs do not furnish evidence in support 

 of the rule. Again, if the eggs of any one species were obtained in 

 sufficient numbers, a more correct estimation of the changes in the ratio 

 would be discovered. A Table has been prepared showing the ratio 

 of a to x for each month for a number of species. 



[Table. 



