54 



shells, many of our fishes have been described from single 

 specimens, or from individuals sent to Europe at various 

 times more or less imperfectly preserved. The difficulties 

 of dealing with the classification of certain species are great 

 enough when the specimens available are abundant and per- 

 fect, but they are increased tenfold when the only specimens 

 available for examination are both imperfect and few in 

 number. The limits of variability must first be accurately 

 determined before a satisfactory classification can be estab- 

 lished in respect of closely allied species. It is not expected 

 that the vexed subject of " what is a species" and *' what is a 

 variety" can be settled by the references made in this paper 

 in respect of some of our fishes about which there is some 

 doubt ; but it is hoped that the observations carefully re- 

 corded by me may be helpful at least in basing the classifi- 

 cation of some of our local species upon a wider and more 

 secure foundation. As such, these observations are respect- 

 fully submitted for the consideration of those eminent in 

 the science. 



Of the 188 species known to exist in Tasmanian waters 

 I have personally examined the general characters of about 

 145 species. Indeed, I have been in the habit of making 

 drawings and recording particulars of all individual fishes 

 which came into my possession, whether rare or common. 

 Of the more common fishes I have recorded characteristic 

 particulars of several hundred distinct individuals. I 

 mention this for the purpose of showing that the opinions 

 herein advanced by me in respect of matters related to 

 classification are based upon the observations of many 

 individuals of the same species taken in different seasons 

 and in various stages of development. It is in this place 

 also desirable to state that as a Member of the Royal 

 Fisheries Commission, which has now almost completed its 

 enquiries into all matters relating to Tasmanian Fish and 

 Fisheries, I have been enabled to verify many observations 

 of which I was formerly doubtful, and to extend my in- 

 formation with respect to the habits of the more common 

 market fishes, and to matters relating to the fishing industry 

 of this Island generally. 



The great portion of our fishes were described from 

 specimens collected by various naturalists who accompanied 

 expeditions from Europe between the years 1834 and 1842. 



The following are the names of authors who have deter- 

 mined the greater number of species known to exist in 

 Tasmanian waters : — 



