480 Gobioidei, Discocephali, and Tzniosom1 
been described, but in most instances each was based on one 
or two specimens. It is probable that future studies may be 
as fruitful as that of Emery, who, by means of a series of twenty- 
three specimens, succeeded in uniting at least three of the 
Mediterranean species which for half a century or more had 
been regarded as distinct. The common species of the eastern 
Atlantic, Trachypterus atlanticus, is not rare, one or more speci- 
mens, according to Giinther, being secured along the coast of 
northern Europe after almost every severe gale. We desire to 
quote the recommendation of Dr. Gimther, and to strongly 
urge upon any one who may be so fortunate as to secure one 
of these fishes that no attempt should be made to keep it entire, 
but that it should be cut into short lengths and preserved in 
the strongest spirits, each piece wrapped separately in muslin.”’ 
The family of Sivlephoride is known from a single specimen 
of the species, Stylephorus chordatus, taken off Cuba in 1790. 
In this form the tail ends in a long, whip-like appendage, twice 
as long as the head. 
No fossil dealfishes or oarfishes are known. 
