I,ANCEI;ET, 
419 
distinct line. The anal fin has these rays also, but they 
become shorter and then disappear, in both the dorsal and anal 
fin, at about one fifth of the whole length from the tail; beyond 
which the structure of these fins is simple membrane, as in 
the corresponding part in the Lamprey; but wider above and 
below as they approach the tail, and ending at last in a 
lengthened point. 
In the larger example I was able to discern a structure in 
these fin-rays which appeared extraordinary; since they did 
not rise from a single root, as in most fishes, but in the form 
of a transverse arch, in which the curve formed the support 
of the fin, while its pillars rest on what may be two transverse 
spinal processes. The rays of the fin are but little raised or 
depressed, and when not much expanded the fin appears as 
thick to the extent of these rays. The vent is at the length 
of one third of the body from the tail, which is to be especially 
noted on account of what will be observed presently of what 
may be supposed another species; and close behind the vent 
the anal fin begins; but further forward, and along the belly, 
is a fin or fold without rays, which stretches almost to the 
throat. The abdominal cavity is long and narrow, and in the 
first-discovered example when alive there could be seen a row 
through its length of small round grains; which Avere not seen 
in others after death. There was a tinge of yellowish colour 
on the body Avhen alive, with tinted reflections of green and 
yellow near the tail. 
Several eminent anatomists have employed their ingenuity in 
dissecting this remarkable little fish; but we can only refer 
briefly to the descriptions they have given us. With the 
appearance of separate joints in the backbone. Professor Owen 
says that this entire column consists only of the gelatino-cellular 
chord and its membranous sheath; and from what we have 
termed the brain the fifth nerve distributes fine tlu-eads to the 
head, opening of the mouth, and the filaments that belong to 
it; thus supplying those parts Avith quick sensation; but the fish 
does not appear to be endoAved with Avhat are termed organs 
of special sense; although there appear to be parts Avithin the 
cavity of the mouth that are capable of the sense of taste. 
The filaments at the mouth appear to be organs of prehension, 
to convey the food to the entrance of the gullet. It is said 
