of Edinburgh, Session 1881-82. 
679 
depth of 555 fathoms ; therefore, this fish will have to be admitted 
in the fauna of the deep sea. Its horizontal distribution includes 
the northern and southern coasts of Europe, Japan, and the Cape of 
Good Hope.* 
2. Cottus thomsonii , sp. n. — Hitherto one species only of this 
littoral genus was known from the deep sea, viz., Cottus bathybius , 
which was dredged on the “Challenger” expedition near Japan in a 
depth of 565 fathoms. The single specimen before us was obtained 
in 555 fathoms (Station 4), and is 7 inches long. It may be shortly 
characterised thus : — 
The praeopercular spines, like the remainder of the armature of the 
head, are short pointed tubercles covered by the skin. Four similar 
spines are placed in a quadrangle on the crown of the head, the 
quadrangle being much longer than broad. Eyes large, as long as 
the snout, their longitudinal diameter exceeding the width of the 
interorbital space. Vomerine teeth in two oblique bands separated 
in the middle ; palatine teeth none. The first dorsal fin enveloped 
in skin, continuous with the second. Ventrals rather short, terminat- 
ing at a considerable distance from the vent. Skin with scattered 
minute granules. Colourless (in spirits). D. T 5 T , A. 13, P. 22, V. 2. 
3. Cottunculus microps , Collett. — This singularly shaped Cottoid is 
quite a recent discovery, a single very young specimen having been 
obtained by the Scandinavian explorers and described by Mr. Collett. 
Adult examples, up to 12 inches long, in a perfect state of preserva- 
tion, are in the collection. Station 8, 540 fathoms. 
4. Liparis liparis , L. — New to the deep-sea fauna. Station 8, 
540 fathoms. 
5. Lycodes murxna, Collett, and 6. Lycodes pallidus , Collett— 
both new to the British fauna, and only recently described. Station 8, 
540 fathoms. 
7. Haloporphyrus lepidion , Risso. — Specimens of this fish, which 
was originally known from Madeira and the Mediterranean, and met 
* This specimen was 2 feet in length (caudal filament included). When 
taken from the trawl the pectoral and dorsal fins were covered with a green 
sheen on a velvety black ground, the sheen being more pronounced at the 
base of the fins than towards the tips. The back, tail, and head were light 
brown. The belly and long whip-like portion of the tail were white. There 
was a bluish colour about the mouth and gills. The eye had a beautiful golden 
appearance. A green sheen surrounded the pupil. J. M. 
