PREFACE. vii. 



a great extent is, by one observer alone. But, if we 

 have scanty local lists to refer to, we have in Dr. 

 Day's Fishes of Great Britain (1880) a nomenclature 

 and arrangement that leaves nothing to be desired. I 

 have adopted these throughout, and have likewise 

 freely used the records there given of species captured 

 in the county. For the rest, I look forward to a con- 

 siderable addition to the number of Essex Fish when, 

 if ever, a second edition of the present work is 

 required. Should its publication arouse greater atten- 

 tion to and study of this important class, I shall feel 

 amply repaid for the labour of preparing it. 



A list of the principal works which have been 

 referred to in the preparation of the present volume 

 is given at the end in the form of an appendix. 



My thanks are also due to Mr. E. A. Fitch, 

 F.L.S., for much acceptable help; to Mr. Thomas 

 Taylor, M.R.C.S., of Bocking, for a list of the 

 fresh - water fish of the Blackwater and Chelmer 

 rivers; to Mr. William Cole, F.L.S., of Buckhurst 

 Hill, Honorary Secretary to the Essex Field Club, 

 for many valuable suggestions made whilst the work 

 was passing through the press ; and to Mr. Walter 

 Crouch, F.Z.S., of Wanstead, for several suggestions 

 and for the loan of his drawing of the Rorqual 

 captured in the river Crouch. 



To Miss C. Fell Smith, I am indebted for 



