ON THE EAST COAST OF FLORIDA. 15 



fewer than the number of scales in it, we have usually indicated the 

 fact. 



"The fin formulae are usually shortened as much as possible ; thus 

 ' D. 10,' ' D. IV, 9,' or < D. VIII-13,' means that in the first case 

 the fish has a single dorsal fin of 10 soft or articulated rays ; in the 

 second case, a single dorsal fin of 4 spines and 9 soft rays ; and the 

 last indicates a fish with 2 dorsal fins, the first composed of 8 spines 

 and the second of 13 rays. 



"Spines are always indicated in Roman letters. 



"The abbreviations for the other fin formulae are similarly 

 explained. 



" The measurements given in the text are intended to apply to 

 the average of mature fishes. Young fishes usually have the depth 

 less, the head and eye larger, and the mouth smaller than adult 

 examples of the same species. 



" Descriptions not taken from specimens, or at least not verified 

 by us, are credited to the author from whom they have been copied. 



" ' Eu.' after the account of any species indicates that it is found 

 in Europe. 



" The names of the localities from which the types of the species 

 were obtained are printed in antique old style type in connection 

 with the synonymy of each species. 



" When the type specimens are in the United States National 

 Museum, we have given the numbers which they bear on the regis- 

 ter of that institution. 



"An atlas, containing anatomical figures and illustrations of many 

 of the more important species, is now in preparation and will appear 

 upon the completion of the second volume of the present work. ' ' 



I am afraid the above will seem complex and tedious to some of my 

 readers, but the scientific men must have formulas to go by, and they 

 have, of course, devised as simple ones as will meet the case. It is a 

 very difficult matter to find language which will convey to the lay- 

 man's, or non-expert's, mind a clear idea of the construction of any 

 animal. Nothing but an illustration (or the animal itself) will con- 

 vey the information desired, and in the case of fishes one in colors of 

 each fish is necessary. It is to be hoped that some Audubon will 

 arise to illustrate fishes in colors as well as the great man of that 

 name illustrated the " Birds of America." 



I will give, 1st — The common names of the fishes. 



