310 FISHES AND FISHING 



fin, the number of such fins and the number of rays in 

 each should be noted. 



When from lack of time it is impossible to take the 

 actual measurements of a series of specimens, their 

 proportions should be noted (for example, eye goes 

 five and a half times into head ; head, six times into 

 length without caudal fin, etc.) ; but even where it is 

 only possible to note proportions in this manner, the 

 total length of the specimen examined should always 

 be recorded. 



It is well to adopt some regular method of recording 

 measurements in tabular form, any particular notes 

 as to maturity, coloration, shape of fins, or other 

 matters requiring note, being added at the foot of 

 the list of measurements. The general practice is to 

 indicate spinous fin-rays by Roman figures, and soft 

 fin-rays by Arabic numerals, and to insert a comma to 

 mark a break in the continuity of a fin. 



The copy on p. 311 of actual measurements and notes 

 as taken should help to explain this. 



Before dealing in detail with the special points to 

 which we think the attention of an observer of fishes 

 should be directed, and with the necessary gear, it 

 seems convenient to commence with a very brief ac- 

 count of the best methods of searching for fishes in 

 localities of different natures, even if the information 

 may have to be repeated hereafter. 



To begin at the very margin of the sea, numerous 

 fishes are to be found between tide-marks on rocky 

 shores. In searching a locality of this nature, it is, 

 as a rule, not much use beginning far above half-tide 

 mark, unless large and sheltered rock-pools are to be 

 found at higher levels. The site selected for examina- 

 tion should be as sheltered as possible, and, even on 

 bare and exposed coasts, gullies and crevices among 



