Dr. A. Gunther on the British Species of Mugil. 351 



only the species mentioned will be recognized, and their distri- 

 bution and natural history elucidated (as has been done already 

 by Mr. Couch for M. capito and M. septentrionalis), but also 

 that others will be discovered, either new to the British fauna 

 or to science in general. 



Finally, I cannot refrain from subjoining some remarks on a 

 passage in Yarrell's work, by which I have been particularly 

 struck, not only because it is one of the numerous proofs of 

 Yarrell's admirable dexterity in embodying in his work everything 

 by which ichthyology could be advanced in a practical way, but 

 also because it deserves particular attention at a time when 

 the acclimatization of animals and of fishes is so much dis- 

 cussed. I quote the passage in full (2nd edit. i. p. 239) : — 



" Mr. Arnould put a number of the fry of the Grey Mullet 

 about the size of his finger into his pond at Guernsey, which is 

 of about three acres' area. After a few years, Mullets of four 

 pounds' weight were caught, which proved to be fatter, deeper, 

 and heavier, for their length, than others obtained from the 

 sea. Of all the various salt-water fishes introduced, the Grey 

 Mullet appeared to be the most improved. A slight change in 

 the external colour is said to be visible." 



It needs no comment to prove that the plan of Mr. Arnould, 

 as stated by Yarrell, must give a return worthy of consideration, 

 if systematically and more extensively carried out. The Grey 

 Mullets belong to the better fishes for the table, especially the 

 thick-lipped species, and at present fetch a price of Qd. to 9d. 

 per pound in the London market. Besides, the ponds in which 

 they are kept will afford constant opportunity for fly-fishing. 



This is only one of the numerous examples from which it could 

 be shown that, if the natural resources which this country pos- 

 sesses in its indigenous species of fishes are resorted to and deve- 

 loped, and if due attention is paid to improving the condition 

 and the number of the individuals, the endeavours to increase 

 the natural stock by the introduction of foreign species lose 

 much of their practical value. And is it not quite clear that 

 such foreign species, when their introduction has become an 

 accomplished fact by long-continued efforts and by a great ex- 

 pense of money, will require at least the same care and attention 

 as the indigenous species, if they are expected to yield an 

 adequate return ? 



The possibility of transferring marine fishes into freshwater 

 ponds was indicated by Mr. E. T. Bennett, formerly Secretary to 

 the Zoological Society, as far back as the year 1828. After 

 giving an account of an ichthyological collection made by 

 Mr. Frembly in the Sandwich Islands (Zool. Journ. 1828, iv. 

 p. 32), he adds— 



