V 
PLATE LIII. 
abdomen; and within these limits, they occupy the whole space 
between the skin of the upper, and of the under surface : they are 
thickest at the edges, hear the centre of the fish, and become gra- 
dually thinner towards the extremities. Each electric organ, at its 
inner longitudinal edge, is a convex elliptic curve. The anterior 
extremity of each organ, makes the section of a small circle ; and 
the posterior extremity makes nearly a right angle with the inner 
edge. Each organ is attached to the surrounding parts by a close 
Cellular membrane, and also by short and strong tendinous fibtes, 
which pass directly across, from its outer edge, to the semicircular 
cartilages. They are covered above and below by the common skin 
of the animal ; under which there is a thin fascia spread over the 
whole organ. This is composed of fibres which run longitudinally, 
or in the direction of the body of the animal : these fibres appear to 
be perforated in innumerable places ; which gives the fascia the ap- 
pearance of being fasciculated : its edges all round, are closely con- 
nected to the skin, and at last appear to be lost, or to degenerate into 
the common cellular membrane of the skin. Immediately under this 
is another membrane exactly of the same kind, the fibres of which, 
in some measure, decussate those of the former, passing from the 
middle line of the body outwards and backwards. The inner edge 
of this is lost with the first described ; the anterior, outer, and poste- 
rior edges, are partly attached to the semi-circular cartilages, and 
partly lost in the common cellular membrane. This inner fascia 
appears to be continued into the electric organ, by so many pro- 
cesses, and thereby makes the membranous sides or sheaths of the 
columns, which are presently to be described ; and between these pro- 
cesses the fascia covers the end of each column, making the outermost 
or first partition. Each organ is about five inches in length, and, at 
the anterior end, three in breadth, though it is but little more than 
