CHAPTEE IV. 



DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL FAMILIES OF 



FISH. 



I propose here to notice very briefly some of the 

 most important and best known of the Families, 

 previous to the consideration of those species in 

 detail, with which we are more especially concerned. 



Gasterosteidce. Sticklebacks. 



These are eccentric little fishes, inhabiting both 

 fresh and salt waters ; being fonnd plentifully in 

 England, their habits have been well observed and 

 described by Couch, Yarrell, "Wood, and other 

 authors. Some of the species build nests for the 

 protection of their eggs, and are very pugnacious 

 in their defence. 



Percidce. Perch. 



This is a very extensive family, inhabiting fresh 

 and salt water, in all climates. The common Perch 

 of England, the Black Basse of America, are ex- 

 amples. In Indian seas the family is represented by 



