FISHES 1337 



zigzag manner, and its stem is ringed. The buds de- 

 velop jelly-fish, but they never escape, and hang on 

 by stalks for the rest of their lives. 



FISHES. ANDREW WILSON 



THIS division every one must know as that of 

 the Vertebrata, a word which may be used in 

 a popular sense, as corresponding to the expression 

 "backboned" animals. At the head of this group 

 man and quadrupeds are found, while the fishes form 

 the lowest class in the division. 



There are few groups of the animal world more 

 interesting to the ordinary observer than that of the 

 fishes. To survey the various forms and shapes pre- 

 sented by these animals as displayed in a great 

 museum should prove a sufficient incentive to gain 

 a more intimate acquaintance with the class; and 

 when, even in a popular sense, we investigate the 

 structure and habits of fishes, the study increases in 

 its fascination and interest. While if we reflect that 

 on a knowledge of the habits of fishes, of their dis- 

 tribution in our oceans and seas, and of the special 

 products which many of them offer for our use and 

 luxury, the commercial success of our fisheries de- 

 pends, it can need no further argument to convince 

 us that, after all, there is something of great practical 

 benefit to be derived from the study of zoological 

 science. 



It is not our intention at present to say anything 

 regarding the commercial or economic aspects of 

 fishes, and even their general habits must be very 



