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Show 708 MR. R. H. BURNE ON MYXINE GLUTINOSA. [Dec. 20. the support to the cutaneo-oesophageal duct, there is also present a skeleton to the true gill-tubes on both sides, thus to a certain very slight extent bridging over the gap between the small unpaired basket of Bdellostoma on the one hand and the enormous complex branchial basket of the Lamprey on the other. It is worthy of note that in Bdellostoma, a creature which approaches the Lamprey very nearly in the structure and general form of its gills, the gill-skeleton is reduced to a minimum, whereas Myxine, with its highly specialized gills, in its gill-skeleton inclines towards the perfection of the Lamprey. In conclusion I wish to thank Professor Stewart for the kind way in which, by criticism and suggestions, he has allowed m e to profit by his experience. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XLVII. Fig. 1. Myxine glutinosa dissected from the left, showing gills and gill-skeleton , (X2J.) 2. Myxine glutinosa dissected from the right, showing gills and gill-skeleton. (X 2f.) 3. Left half of the branchial basket of Myxine glutinosa isolated. (X 2^.) 4. Right half of the branchial basket of Myxine glutinosa isolated. (X2|.) 5. Cutaneo-oesophageal duct and branchial basket of Bdellostoma cir-rhatum. (Nat. size.) 6. Branchial basket of Bdellostoma cirrhatum. (Nat. size.) Reference letters :-A. Cutaneo-oesophageal branchial basket. B. The portion of the branchial basket in Myxine which supports the true gill-tubes on the left side. 0. Branchial basket of tbe right side. C.ceD. Cutaneo-cesophageal duct. G^G6 . Gills, a?. GJsopbagus. T. Tongue. |
