CLASS OF FISHES. 



395 



of the pharyngeal cavity take the place of a respiratory appa- 

 ratus. Most zoologist arrange this degraded vertebral animal 



Fig. 411. The Binny.* 



in the class fishes ; but it seems evident to us, that in a natural 

 classification the amphioxus ought to occupy a particular 

 division. 



Fig. 412. The Flathead.f 



[It formed no part of the plan of the author's excellent work 

 to follow out any of the great views which the introduction of 

 the transcendental anatomy into science has forced on the consi- 

 deration of all observers, and I have therefore not deemed it 

 necessary to add largely to the few hints given by the author 

 himself. As in a passage or two of the preceding portions of 

 the work the author has glanced at a subject of great interest, 

 namely, the distinctness of species, and even of genera, yet strongly 

 resembling each other in different regions of the globe, I have 

 thought that the following brief sketch of the relation of species 

 to genus might interest the reader : 



"Zoology, to be esteemed a science, must be based on philo-, 



* Barbus Binny : Cyprinus Binny. It is extremely common in the Nile, 

 and very good to eat. Its qualities as an article of food have given rise to the 

 following Egyptian proverb " If you know of any better than I am, do not 

 eat me." K. K. 



t Flathead : from a drawing by Mr. Burchell. It inhabits the waters of 

 the Great Orange Itiver in South Africa. E. K. 



