52 FISHES. 



In the classification of the very numerous 

 species of Fishes now known to naturalists, the 

 system of Cuvier is generally adopted, either 

 with or without modification in the subordinate 

 divisions. One of the most recent arrangements 

 is that of the Prince of Canino, who, taking the 

 system of Cuvier as the basis, has made some 

 improvements in the distribution of the Families.* 

 The knowledge, skill, and erudition of this emi- 

 nent zoologist are universally acknowledged ; and 

 in these pages we propose to adhere to his ar- 

 rangement. 



We divide the Class Pisces {Fishes) into four 

 Orders, Acanthopterygii, Malacopterygii, Plecto- 

 giiathi, and Cartilaginei^ 



* This learned zoologist has during the present year (1850) pub- 

 lished another system of Fishes, in which lie has greatly multiplied the 

 number of the Families ; but we prefer in this volume to adhere to 

 his former arrangement. We shall, however, make use of this later 

 publication, at least in estimating the number of species belonging to 

 the different genera and families. 



