PREFACE. 



In the General Introduction to this work, a few facts were noted, to illustrate 

 the peculiar position of this State in reference to the number and variety of its 

 animal species. In continuation of this subject we may remark, that by means 

 of the great lakes Ontario and Erie on our northern and western borders, we 

 have numerous northern lacustrine fishes. Through Lake Champlain we have 

 many northern fluviatile species ; by the Alleghany river ascend numerous wes- 

 tern species ; and while our numerous rivers teem with those of fresh water, our 

 extensive sea-board furnishes us with marine species ranging from the coast of 

 Labrador to the shores of Brazil. It cannot therefore fail to be perceived that 

 the Ichthyology of New-York will embrace a very large proportion of the Fishes 

 of the United States ; and that the following pages can only be considered in the 

 light of an outline, to be filled up, and enlarged and modified by the labors of 

 future naturalists. 



The study of Fishes, or that branch of natural science which is termed Ich- 

 thyology, has, until recently, attracted in this country less attention than any 

 other. Almost the first positive knowledge of our fishes is derived from Linneus, 

 who received many through Dr. Garden of Charleston, South Carolina. From 

 the letters of Garden, we gather that he was an indefatigable collector in all 

 departments of Natural History, and a man of eminent attainments. Cotempo- 

 raneously with Garden, appeared the work of Catesby on the Natural History 

 of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands. This work is imposing in its form, 

 Fauna, Part IV. b 



