38 SALMONID^. 



book will treat (with one exception^ the Apodal Malocopterygii, 

 one species of which will be slightly mentioned) possess the 

 following : — 



Two pectorals. One caudal. 



Two veutrals. One dorsal. 



One anal. 



No fish has more than two pectorals, or two ventrals ; many 

 have several anals, and several dorsals ; none, unless deformed 

 or monstrous, have more than one caudal. 



The Apodal Malacopterygii, of which I have spoken, lack the 

 ventrals entirely; wherefore their name apodal, footless; the 

 ventral being assumed as performing the function of feet in the 

 quadruped, although somewhat fancifully. 



Now, on the texture of these fins is founded the distinction 

 between the first two orders of fishes, as instituted by Baron 

 Cuvier; the first order, Acanthopterygii, having the rays, by 

 which the filamentous part of the fins is supported and extended, 

 in part hard, spinous, and in some species, sharp and prickly ; 

 whence the designation — " acanthos," signifying a thorn ; while 

 the second order, Malacopterygii, have these rays invariably 

 soft and flexible, as the term, derived from " malacos," soft, 

 sufficiently indicates. 



This distinction is so easily drawn, that when once mentioned 

 it cannot be missed or overlooked by the most superficial 

 observer ; and as to one or other of these orders belongs every 

 fish, without an exception, of which the sportsman takes cogni- 

 sance — I do not of course include shell-fish— its importance is 

 self-evident. 



Of the spiny-finned fishes, though there are many families. 



