INTRODUCTION. 



The principal object of the present Catalogue lias been to 

 give a complete list of the specimens of Fish contained in the 

 collection of the British Museum, indicating the peculiarities 

 of each, as regards variation of character, locality, and the 

 source from whence it has been derived. 



The characters of the genera of Sharks and Kays, with 

 the Synonyms, have principally been derived from the work of 

 Professors Midler and Henle. The specimens which were not 

 named by those Authors when engaged on their work, or by 

 Dr. Andrew Smith, have been determined by Mr. Edward 

 Gerrard, who has paid considerable attention to tins subject, and 

 has compared several of the specimens with the authentic types 

 contained in the Paris collection. 



The more important characters of the new genera of Lam- 

 preys are figured. 



The other parts of this List will follow as soon as they can 

 be completed. 



JOHN EDWARD GRAY. 



British Museum, 



July <Z5th, 1851. 



