8 
Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa. 
got in fair numbers during August and the first half of September. They 
vary in diameter from '85 to "79 mm., and contain from seven to nineteen 
oil-globules, with diameters ranging from '09 to -016 mm., and these, though 
scattered about the yolk before the gastrula stage is completed, seem con- 
stantly to collect in a group about the time the blastopore closes, after which 
several become fused so that the largest frequently attains to 13 mm. in 
diameter. They are yellow in colour with dark margins. Numerous reddish- 
brown pigment-spots appear on the yolk and on the embryo as it develops, 
and faint black, branching spots also appear on the yolk, the surface of which 
is covered with polygonal markings. 
The newly-hatched larvae measure from 1*98 to 1'65 mm. in length, and 
a distinctive feature is the grouping together of the oil- globules in the 
posterior angle of the yolk-sac. The colouring matter, which is reddish 
and black by reflected light, is disposed abundantly over the body, fins 
and yolk. Clear, polygonal markings cover the whole of the surface of 
embryo and yolk. The position of the rectum is anterior, and the greater 
portion of the notochord is multicolumnar. 
Specimens were kept alive for four days. On the second day the pectoral 
fins were apparent, and on the third, black, branching pigment had spread 
on to the caudal region. On the fourth day the development of the mouth 
was noticeable and the length had increased to 2' 7 mm. 
These eggs and larvae may be compared with those of S. pectoralis, the 
eggs of which were frequently procured and artificially fertilised during the 
course of the work of the " Pieter Faure." The eggs of S. pectoralis were 
recorded as varying from '83 to "72 mm. as contrasted with '85 to '79 mm. 
of this sole. In the former the oil-globules were from one to twelve in 
number, whereas here they were from seven to nineteen. The greater 
number of oil-globules is the only distinguishing feature. In the account 
of the egg and larva of S. pectoralis the description of the larva was deferred 
and is now here noted. The head, body and yolk are covered with branching 
greenish-yellow pigment-cells, and on the margins of the dorsal and anal 
fins there is a continuous band of such cells. There is also a band of such 
pigment across the fins and body midway between the rectum and the 
extremity of the caudal fin. The region behind this vertical band is entirely 
destitute of pigment. In contrast to this colouring of the larva of S. pec- 
toralis that of S. microlepis is reddish. 
Arnoglossus capensis, Blgr. 
Ten of the eggs of this fish were procured in Table Bay in October and 
one in March. They measured "72 mm. in diameter, and contained one oil- 
globule from '13 to '11 mm. in diameter. The yolk was covered with small, 
clear round spots, and a pinkish tinge appeared on the embryo. 
