idea — inadequate though it may be — of the richness and singu- 

 larity of pattern of the coloration of these fishes, a few have been 

 painted from living specimens. Very small kinds of fishes or such 

 as possess a very soft body cannot be instructively exhibited in a 

 dried state, and are represented by specimens in spirit if prac- 

 ticable. 



Some groups of Reptiles and Fishes are therefore represented 

 in these Galleries by a comparatively much larger number of spe- 

 cimens than' others, which may comprise many more species. But 

 in the present Guide, which has for one of its objects to give a 

 general account of these animals, a more uniform treatment of 

 the subject has been adopted. In its preparation I have been 

 assisted by Mr. G. A. Boulenger, the assistant in charge of 

 these Collections. 



ALBERT GUNTHER, 



Keeper of the Department of Zoology. 



British Museum, N. H., 

 February 28, 1887. 



