480 Gobioidei, Discocephali, and Tsniosomi 



been described, but in most instances each was based on one 

 or two specimens. It is probable that future studies may be 

 as fruitful as that of Emery, who, by means of a series of twenty- 

 three specimens, succeeded in uniting at least three of the 

 Mediterranean species which for half a century or more had 

 been regarded as distinct. The common species of the eastern 

 Atlantic, Trachypterus atlanticus, is not rare, one or more speci- 

 mens, according to Gimther, being secured along the coast of 

 northern Europe after almost every severe gale. We desire to 

 quote the recommendation of Dr. Gunther, and to strongly 

 urge upon any one who may be so fortunate as to secure one 

 of these fishes that no attempt should be made to keep it entire, 

 but that it should be cut into short lengths and preserved in 

 the strongest spirits, each piece wrapped separately in muslin." 



The family of Stylephoridcc is known from a single specimen 

 of the species, Stylephorus chordatus, taken off Cuba in 1790. 

 In this form the tail ends in a long, whip-like appendage, twice 

 as long as the head. 



No fossil dealfishes or oarfishes are known. 



