SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED. 215 



Sandpride, (Ammocetes, Dum.) 

 Common Sandpride Ammocetes branchialis, Flcm. 



Micsin, (Mixine, Linn.) 

 Glutinous Micsin Mixine glutinosa, Linn. 



Lancelet (Amfioxus, Yarr.) 

 Common Lancelet Amfioxus vulgaris. 



All the larger divisions here are from YarrelPs truly beautiful 

 work on British Ichthyology ; and a glance will suffice to show in 

 what need they stand of revision. I have, however, made some 

 approach to exactitude in nomenclature, and have not given up all 

 attempts at correctness because perfection was at first unattainable. 

 Indeed, the space taken up by the catalogue would have been lost, 

 and worse than lost, if it had been a mere transcript of the com- 

 monly-received lists ; for it is better to remain in ignorance than 

 to be led into error. I have lately seen some passages of Swain- 

 son on nomenclature, which he should have been the last to have 

 written : and, doubtless, he will be heartily ashamed of them ere 

 long. The public has, on several memorable occasions, lately shown 

 itself superior to the weakness of being led away by a great name 

 from the paths of truth; indeed it is now arriving at years of dis- 

 cretion, and will no longer suffer itself to be drawn into the bog of 

 error bv every one who pretends to superior wisdom. 



S. D. W. 



October 15, 1836. 



[This is certainly a most laudable attempt at a correct nomenclature of 

 British Fishes. We, in general, approve of the names adopted ; but fear 

 that some of them will be found too uncouth by lovers of the euphonious. 

 However, we are glad the attempt has been made, especially as such appel- 

 lations as are objected to can easily be altered at any time. We wish that 

 our Correspondent could be ashamed out of the absurd mode of spell- 

 ing he has thought fit to employ ; as we feel convinced that this trifling will 

 deter many from adopting his really useful alterations Eds ] 



