254 
J. STUART THOMSON. 
vibratile fin is a “liu’e” euticiug prey to destruction, I may 
point ont that, apart from the fin’s position some distance 
posterior to tlie month, this would be impossible in certain 
cases, as the prey either does not possess the power of sight 
or has only feeble visual power. In other cases it is probnble 
that this part does excite curiosity and arrest attention, and 
that, by this means, the prey is brought within the sphere of 
action of the taste-bnds. On the other hand, it is evident 
that as the rocklings lie more or less hidden in the sand, 
animals may come quite accidentally into the proximity of 
the terminal buds. 
It is not suggested in this paper that external taste-buds 
are exceptional in fishes, but it is held that the vibratile fin 
region of the rockling is a localised and specially efficient 
taste- or food-locating organ. 
In terrestrial animals the taste-buds are confined to the 
lips and mouth cavity, and in this case their function is rather 
to test than to search for food. On the other hand, the 
external taste-buds of fishes can be used in locating food, and 
complex reflexes are associated with this in order to effect 
the capture of food. 
'This work has been carried out at the Marine Stations of 
iMillport and Cullercoats, and to the authorities at these 
institutions I must express my cordial indebtedness. I must 
also thank Dr. E. J. Allen, of the Marine Biological Station, 
Plymouth, who kindly sent me some material, and also my 
colleague, Mr. E. W. Shaun, for collecting further specimens 
while working at Port Erin. To Mr. Walter H. Young, 
Cullercoats, my thanks are also due for some excellent photo- 
graphs taken during the progress of my work. 
Literature. 
Beard, John. — “ On the Segmental Sense-organs of the Lateral Line, 
etc.,” ‘ Zool. Anz.,’ vii Jahrg., 1884, Nos. 157-184, pp. 123, 140. 
Bogoljubshy, S. — “ Znr Kenntniss der Dorsalflosse hei Motella 
tricirrata,” ‘ Zeits. Wiss. Zool.,’ Bd. xc, 1908. 
