6 PREFATORY NOTICE. 



observations and experiments of Mr Shaw, Drumlanrigg," — notwithstanding which, how- 

 ever, there are not wanting zealous advocates to maintain the specific distinction of the 

 fish in question. In the present state of the case, I think it unnecessary to qualify the opi- 

 nions expressed upon the subject in the following Treatise, although I think that Mr Shaw's 

 views regarding the slow growth of salmon fry, and their long continuance in river water, 

 are founded upon too definite data to be disregarded, and that, when confirmed by a more 

 extended series of observations on these creatures in their native streams, they will mate- 

 rially modify the sentiments of naturalists, and eventually lead to an alteration in our fis- 

 cal regulations regarding the conservation of the most important of all the species which 

 breed in fresh waters. 



The student of Scottish Ichthyology will peruse with interest the descriptive Essay by Dr 

 Parnell, " On the Fishes of the Firth of Forth," at present on the eve of publication.' 



J. W. 



WooDviLLE, Edinburgh, May 1838. 



■ Account of some experiments and observations on the Parr and on tlie Ova of the Salmon, proving the Parr to 

 be the young of the Salmon {Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal for July 1836). Experiments on the develop- 

 ment and growth of the Fry of the Salmon, from the exclusion of the ovum to the age of six months. (Read be- 

 fore the Royal Society on 18th December, and published in the Edinburgh New PhilosophicalJournal for January 

 1838.) 



' Memoiriofthe Wernerian Natural History Society, vol. vii. 



