OF THE BRITISH ISLANDS. 161 



phoric properties. The external resemblance of the 

 first-named type to the immature state of some laterally 

 compressed fish, such as a Dory or Boar-fish has been 

 observed by previous writers, while the Sheppey Argen- 

 tine may be compared in shape and proportions to a young 

 Sprat or Herring. Examples of both these species will be 

 found among the spirit series of the Day Collection. 



FAMILY II. THE SALMON TRIBE (Salmonidce). 



Margin of the upper jaw formed by the pre-maxillary 

 and maxillary bones ; barbels not developed ; dorsal fins 

 two in number, the anterior of normal construction, the 

 posterior one destitute of fin rays, simply membranous, and 

 constituting the so-called " dead," or " adipose " fin ; the 

 ova passing into the abdominal cavity before extrusion. 



The Salmon tribe is of such high importance from a 

 commercial point of view, and has now for several centuries 

 occupied so prominent a position in our State legislation, 

 that one or more handbooks are deservedly being devoted 

 to its biography, innumerable varieties, and highly perfected 

 methods of artificial cultivation. Such being the case, the 

 briefest possible space is here allotted to this group, the 

 reader specially interested in the Salmonidae being referred 

 to the companion handbooks for further information. 

 As is befitting so estimable and noble a fish, the lordly 

 Salmon, or "King of Fishes," as his worshippers have 

 dubbed him (Salmo salar), No. 143, takes his place at the 

 head of the family tree. No more instructive introduction 

 to the various aspects, proportions, and growth phases of 

 this important species could be obtained than a visit to the 

 magnificent series of casts included in the Buckland 



Museum, all the clever handiwork of the enthusiastic 

 VOL. I. ii. M 



