166 



BONY FISHES. 



The races are continued by the shedding of spawn, the 

 grains of which are of small size. In a very few species, 

 one or two only of which are found in Britain, this spawn is 

 hatched within the body of the parent; and in one other remark- 

 able family, (the Syngnathi,) some very curious means are adopted 

 to secure the completion of this natural proceeding. But 

 whatever subordinate variations of these general principles, of 

 form or habit, may offer themselves to our notice in particular 

 families, will be pointed out in their proper place. 



