52 BRITISH FISH AND FISHERIES. 



CHAPTER III. 



FISHES WITH THE RAYS OF THE DORSAL FIN 

 SPINOUS. 



FROM these details, let us next proceed to notice 

 some of the fishes of the British Islands. It 

 must be evident, that in a discursive sketch like 

 the present, we shall be able only to make a 

 selection of such as are most likely to come 

 under the observation of the general reader, 

 or have more than ordinary interest. Of these 

 some are river fishes, others are exclusively 

 confined to the sea, while others, again, inhabit 

 both salt and fresh water. Without respect to 

 these particulars, we shall follow a scientific 

 arrangement, but, at the same time, forbear 

 from entering into details, which are rather 

 more proper for purely scientific works than 

 popular treatises. A few brief preliminary 

 observations, however, may be permitted. 

 It is necessary that the reader should know 



