248 ACANTHOPTERYGII. 



It is to be regretted that the happy eels cannot 

 be made thoroughly acquainted with the delight- 

 ful intelligence, which gives them the privilege of 

 multiplying ad libitum, — some convenient months 

 in the year, perhaps the exact time when the 

 honorable gentleman who originated the brilliant 

 project, (probably un connoisseur en anguilles,) is 

 from home, engaged in manufacturing statutes. 

 There is nothing in this intellectual age, (amicus 

 curia, the delighted eels may exclaim,) like hav- 

 ing a friend at Court. 



ORDER IX. — ACANTHOPTERYGII. 



In this order are included several distinct fami- 

 lies, the first of which, Tcenioides, have long, thin 

 bodies, with a dorsal fin the entire length ; but at 

 present are not known to exist on this coast. 



In the second, Gobioides, the fishes are distin- 

 guished by slender, flexible dorsal spines ; an in- 

 testinal canal of uniform calibre, and totally desti- 

 tute of swimming bladders. The characteristics 

 of each will be noticed as we progress. 



