6 



fish-markets and certain of the Government offices and 

 other magnificent buildings, highly creditable to Mr. James 

 Barnet, the colonial architect. 



As preliminary to the list of objects exhibited, notes of 

 the chief families of Australian food-fishes, &c., have been 

 introduced, as follows : — 



Berycid^e. 



This family affords us with but one useful food-fish, 

 Beryx affinis, known among the fishermen of Port Jackson 

 as the " Nannagai," or, as it is sometimes spelt, " Nannygy." 

 It is a most delicious fish, always brings a high price, but 

 is seldom found in sufficient numbers to form a regular 

 supply. It is a deep-water fish, but enters the harbours 

 during the summer months to spawn in small troops, and 

 is then found on the sandy flats near reefs in comparatively 

 shallow water, where it is usually taken with the hook and 

 line. It is more plentiful along the coast, frequenting the 

 Schnapper grounds, and is there taken in larger numbers. 

 Future search will probably be rewarded by finding its 

 winter-quarters, or localities where it is more plentiful, 

 from which a regular supply can be obtained. 



It is a beautiful fish, of a bright deep red colour. Very 

 young specimens are sometimes taken in the dredge and 

 trawl, ample proof of its breeding in Port Jackson. 

 Recently, Mr. Johnstone, of Hobart, has reported it from 

 Tasmania — a curious fact, as formerly this genus was 

 supposed to be confined to warmer waters and not to 

 extend beyond the semitropical zone. 



Percid/e. 



Among the Percidae, a family largely represented in 

 Australia, there are but few species which occur in large 



