29 



in other branches of natural history. In the latter case, we have always 

 carefully investigated into the history of the first name or names, and only 

 changed that of a genus when it has been ascertained that the former has 

 been legitimately conferred on an older established group, and is entitled 

 to priority. The characters of new genera, and the reason for changing 

 the names of old ones, will be published in due time. 



As we could not conveniently, except in very few cases, refer to more 

 than one author in the synonymy, we have used the work of Dr. Storer 

 on the Fishes of North America. In that compilation will be found 

 references to other authors. The synonymy of a large proportion of our 

 marine fishes has been collated ; but it is not yet convenient to publish 

 the results. When a species has not been noticed by Dr. Storer, reference 

 has been made to the first author by whom it was indicated as a native 

 of our waters. 



The true popular names, when known, have been added after the specific 

 name. "We have not deemed it proper to invent "scientific popular" 

 ones, as we see no advantage that can be gained by their introduction. 

 They will never be used by the people at large, nor will they be recognized 

 by naturalists. There is but one true name for a species, and by that 

 name alone is it known to the scientific men of all countries. It is proper 

 to warn the unscientific reader, that because he recognizes a name applied 

 to a species, it is by no means certain that such a name indicates the same 

 species in his own section of the country. There is no constancy nor rule 

 in the application of vernacular names. The same designation may apply 

 to fifty different species, and the same species may receive, in different 

 parts of the country, fifty different names. It is, therefore, with much 

 doubt that any species is to be identified from a similarity of the popular 

 names alone. The names inserted are generally those by which the species 

 are known at New York. Those by which some are designated at Charles- 

 ton are also included. 



The author, trusting that the present list may prove of some benefit to 

 the student, and induce investigation among a class that has hitherto not 

 received a due share of attention from the American naturalist, respect- 

 fully submits it to the public. 



Smithsonian Institution, Washinqton, D. C. 



