Prof. Agassiz on Viviparous Fishes from California. 383 
About a fortnight ago, I was informed by Mr. Cary, in a letter 
dated San Francisco, August 10, 1853, that after a search of sev- 
eral months he had at last succeeded in obtaining several speci- 
mens of this remarkable fish, three of which were sent by ex- 
press, (which have reached me lately), while a larger supply was 
shipped round Cape Horn. After a careful examination of the 
specimens, I have satisfied myself of the complete accuracy of 
every statement contained in Mr. Jackson’s letter of February, 
1852, and I have since had the pleasure of ascertaining that there 
are two very distinct species of this remarkable type of fishes, 
among the specimens forwarded to me by Mr. Cary. I propose 
for them the generic name of Embiotoca, in allusion to its very 
peculiar mode of reproduction. 
feel some hesitation in assigning a family name to this type. 
It is probable that all its members will present the same peculiar- 
ity in their mode of reproduction, and that therefore the name #’m- 
biotoca may with perfect propriety be modified into E’mbiotocoide, 
as Didelphis has given its name to a numerous family, the Didel- 
phyide, after having been for a long time simply a generic name. 
Should it however be found that other types of this family present 
Various modifications in their vivaporous reproduction, for whic 
the name Embiotocoide might be objectionable, I would propose 
we parallel to the base of the posterior dorsal fin, separating the 
scales which cover the base 2 = rays, from those of the sides of 
the body and name it Holcon 
The perseverance and caeikion with which Messrs. — 
and Cary have for a considerable length of time been watching 
every opportunity to obtain the necessary materials for a pelonitife 
examination of these wonderful fishes, has induced me to com- 
memorate the service they have thus rendered to zoology by in- 
scribing with their names the two species now ity my hands, and 
which may be seen in = museum in Cambridge, labelled Emb. 
Jacksoni and Emb. Car 
A country a idiathics such novelties in our days, bids fair 
to enrich science with many other unexpected facts, and what is 
ene ie of California, is in some measure equally true 
of all our waters. This ought to stimulate to renewed exertions 
not clap our naturalists, but all the lovers of nature and of science 
in this country. 
Family Holconoti or Embiotocoide. 
The general appearance of the fishes upon which this family is 
founded, is that of our larger species of Pomotis, or rather that of 
the broader types of Sparoids. Their body is compressed, ~ 
covered with scales of medium size. The scales are cycloid, 
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