‘ 
_ While these observers are 
‘read to the Asiatic Society in Sept., 1838, and published in their 
: 
* 
9 —- A Notice of Indian Cyprinide. 
Art. X.—A Notice of “ Indian Cyprinidae,” being the second 
. part of the nineteenth volume of Asiatic Researches, by Mr. John 
M’ Clelland. Read Feb. 17, 1841, to the Boston Society of 
Natural History, by D. Humpureys Storer. vont 
We are almost entirely ignorant of the fresh-water fishes of ma- 
ny of those countries, whose marine species are tolerably well 
known, to ichthyologists.' The reason is obvious—the smallest 
sea-port has its market constantly supplied with those species 
which are used for food—the great proportion of such species, are 
taken along the shores of the different countries, and but very few 
fluviatile fishes are considered of sufficient value to be procured— 
so that, we are compelled to learn from the zealous naturalist, who 
is actuated by other motives than the expectation of pecuniary 
reward, the characters and habits of such species as inhabit the 
streams and rivers and lakes. He therefore who attempts to elu- 
cidate a subject so desirable to be known, recommends himself by 
the'mere effort, to our regard—should he succeed in his attempt, 
‘we ought not to withhold our gratification. 
_ Agassiz, whose name is a guarantee of the value of his labors, 
is at this moment preparing a magnificent work upon the “Pois- 
sons d’Eau Douce de Europe Centrale.” In our own country, 
_ Dr. Kirtland, like a true naturalist, with an enthusiasm propor- 
you with the “ Fishes of the Westar Waters” arid I feel confi- 
dent, when his entire paper shall be published, although future 
research may, and undoubtedly will point out errors, that it must 
be invaluable to the American ichthyologist. 
ile rosecuting their enquiries, we are sur- 
prised to receive an elaborate paper upon the “Indian Cyprinidz,” — 
tionate to the obstacles he encounters. is endeavoring to present 
“Researches” the following year. This paper, to which I wo 
now call your attention, was prepared by Mr. George M’Clellai 
assistant surgeon in the Bengal medical service. Our auth 
induced to undertake the elucidation of this subject, by pere 
that Cuvier had adopted only such of the Indian Cy prini a as 
were figured in Dr. Buchanan’s work on Gangetic Fishes—leav- 
ing the remaining three fourths of the species described in that 
we i 
‘ yy as not well determined—and feeling satisfied that these 
- ° . 
* 
me 
