56 
Dr. Harwood on a 
caudal filament. The body exhibits no apparent lateral line ; 
but perhaps the most curious structures which the creature 
presents to our notice, are connected with the head and jaws. 
The almost entire absence of a tongue, might perhaps prove 
one of its most characteristic distinctions, were we as yet 
sufficiently acquainted with the condition of this organ in 
those nearest allied to it. The teeth are disposed in a single 
row above and below ; above, they exist only along the 
margins of the intermaxillary bones ; below, they extend 
almost the whole length of the maxilla ; but the ossa palati 
are entirely destitute of teeth. Lastly, the jaw-bones are so 
long, and their articulation is such, that their capability of 
expansion exceeds what I have seen in any other animal, the 
rattlesnake not excepted ; and as in snakes, when fully dis- 
tended, the edges of the jaws describe a large circle, and then 
appear but as the hemming of an ample sack, the pharynx, 
which usually occupies so small a space, being an equal par- 
ticipant in this extensile property. When the jaws were 
gently opened, they measured 2|- inches across, and 3j- inches 
from the front teeth above to those below ; but while they 
possess this capability of distension, their contractile power 
is no less remarkable, as may be observed in Plate VII. fig. 1. 
which represents the usual appearance. Fig. 2. exhibits the 
jaws and pharynx more depressed and extended. Fig. 3. 
represents an anterior view of the same. 
Thus provided then, we find the Ophiognathus to be one of 
the most predatory and voracious of all the belligerent inha- 
bitants of the ocean, as was proved by the efforts of Captain 
Sawyer’s specimen to gorge a species of perch of more than 
its own usual circumference, in striving with which, as before 
