368 CLASSIFIOATION OF FISHES. 



soft-rayed order^ and our first volume, by a few general 

 remarks on tbe Siluridce. For many years previous to 

 that analysis of the Malacopteryges, which we have 

 laid before tne ichthyologist in the foregoing pages^ 

 we had entertained a strong idea that the Siluridce 

 connected this great division of osseous fishes with the 

 cartilaginous order^ on account of the general depression 

 and breadth of their head, the inferior situation of the 

 mouth in several genera^ and the viviparous nature of 

 others. But, upon analysing this family^ in conjunction 

 with that of the Gadidce, we were induced to relinquish 

 this idea. Affinity of general structure must always be 

 the primary object of the naturalist's researches: if this 

 is studiously followed up^ and successfully traced, the 

 analogies he is desirous of possessing, to strengthen his 

 views of affinity, are sure to follow; because they exist 

 throughout all nature, material or immaterial. The 

 close connection of the GadidcE with the Gymnetres, or 

 riband-fish, by means of Cepola in one, and Brotula in 

 the other, proves at once the situation of these two fa- 

 mihes to be annectant between the two great divisions 

 of osseous fishes. Now, it is clear that the SiliiridcE 

 show an affinity to the Gadidce sufficiently strong to 

 authorise our placing them in succession : and it is 

 equally clear that the Cohitidce intervene between these 

 and the salmon family. On these considerations, there- 

 fore, we arranged our groups, and on these affinities do 

 we take our stand; not, indeed, presumptuously, but 

 with the most ardent desire of acquiring further know- 

 ledge, and a vivid impression of the great things which 

 will hereafter be done in this Httle-known department 

 of zoology, when we shall have long passed away to 

 purer and brighter regions, removed alike from the cen- 

 sure of opponents or the applause of friends. 



END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. 



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