INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 



A visit to the Bermudas during the months of February and March, 

 1872, afforded opportunities for collecting the notes and specimens upon 

 which the present paper is based. The enumeration of species here 

 attempted, although necessarily far from exhaustive, is believed to indi- 

 cate, with some degree of accuracy, the character of the ichthyological 

 fauna of the group; and it is hoped that this list, with its annotations, 

 may not be without interest as a contribution to geographical zoology. 

 Surprisingly little has been done by naturalists in the investigation of 

 the marine life of this region, interesting as it is likely to prove on 

 account of its isolated, mid-atlantic position, the peculiarities of its cli- 

 mate, and its proximity to the G-ulf Stream, rendering so easy observa- 

 tions upon the influence of ocean-currents in the distribution of living 

 forms. The ichthyologist finds here the best of opportunities for the 

 study of pelagic and migratory species. A broad field lies before some 

 resident naturalist who will do for the ichthyology of the Bermudas 

 what Poey and Bleeker have done and are doing for that of the East 

 and West Indies. Comparatively little could be done in two months, 

 least of all in winter and early spring, when stormy weather rendered 

 explorations of the reefs impracticable, and often prevented the fisher- 

 men from leaving their moorings in the harbors. At the time of my 

 visit, only seven species of fishes had been recorded from this locality; 

 and the only authentic information regarding the fish-fauna was con- 

 tained in one chapter, which was unfortunately very short, of Mr. Jones's 

 admirable little work,* the author at that time not having turned his 

 attention to the study of this class. The list given by Godett should 



* The Naturalist in Bermuda ; a sketch of the geology, zoology, and botany of that 

 remarkable group of islands ; together with meteorological observations. By John 

 Matthew Jones, esq. (of the Middle Temple), assisted by Maj. J. W. Wedderburu (late 

 42nd Roy. Highlanders) and J. L.Hurdis, esq. — With a map and illustrations. — " Every 

 kingdom, every province, should have its own monographer." — Gilbert White. London : 

 Reeve & Turner, 238, Strand.— 1859. 12mo, pp. xii, 200. 



t Bermuda, its History, Geology, Climate, Products, Agriculture, Commerce, and Gov- 

 ernment. By T. L. Godet. London, 1860. 12mo. 



