iv PREFACE. 



painted from living specimens. Very small kinds of fishes or such 

 as possess a very soft body cannot be instructively exhibited in a 

 dried state, and are represented by specimens in spirit if prac- 

 ticable. 



Some groups of Reptiles and Fishes are therefore represented 

 in these Galleries by a comparatively much larger number of spe- 

 cimens than others, which may comprise many more species. But 

 in the present Guide, which has for one of its objects to give a 

 general account of these animals, a more uniform treatment of 

 the subject has been adopted. In its preparation I have been 

 assisted by Mr. G. A. Boulenger, the assistant in charge of 

 these Collections. 



ALBERT GUNTHER, 



Keeper of the Department of Zoology. 



British Museum, N. H., 

 February 28, 1887. 



TO SECOND EDITION. 



Besides some changes in the nomenclature of Freshwater Tor- 

 toises and references to the more important specimens added to 

 the Fish Gallery within the last twelve-month, no alterations have 

 been made in the present (second) issue of this " Guide. v 



ALBERT GUNTHER. 



British Museum, N. II., 

 February 28, 1888. 



