CHAP. XVI. ] Couchia Thompsons. 293 
clared to be a new species, and even a new genus. At first 
he supposed it to be the mackerel midge, but, after a care- 
ful examination, he declared it to be entirely new. Mr. 
Couch concluded his letter containing his views as to the 
new fish with these words: “You will perceive that I set 
a-great value on your communications, and I shall take 
care to acknowledge them when I speak of these different 
species.” 
Edward, in his reply to Couch, observed: “I was aware 
that the new fish was not the mackerel midge, for I have 
examined it. But this is a far more splendid species; in 
fact, its colors and resplendence equal, if they do not excel, 
those of the pretty argentine. The one I sent you first, I 
kept alive for two days. It was one of the most restless 
and watchful fishes I had ever seen. I took it with a small 
hand-net, which I used for taking the smaller crustaceans. 
I only took one at first; but a few days after, I took sev- 
eral together. I also found some cast ashore on the sands. 
Those that I send now are old and young. There is a lit- 
tle thing just out of the egg; it has the ovary sac still at- 
tached. Be kind enough, when you write me, to let me 
know the name of the fish.” ; 
In replying to Edward, Couch said: “ Your last box has 
reached me, with its contents in good order, for which I 
heartily thank you. I have already written an account of 
‘the fish. My intention is to give it the name of Couchia 
Thompsoni ; and as I shall particularly refer to you, I think 
it may prove to your advantage to obtain as many speci- 
mens as possible, to answer any demands that may be made 
upon you..... The reason why I have not answered you 
sooner is, that I have been much distressed by the loss of 
my eldest son—an eminent surgeon living at Penzance, in 
attendance on whom IJ was at that town for a fortnight. 
‘He was eminent in many departments of science, and was 
only forty-six years of age when he died. You may judge 
from this that I have.had but little disposition to active ex- 
