PLATE LXVI. 



in the recent fish and as expressed in Mr* Tobin's drawing; and 

 Dr. Shaw appeared so well satisfied in this respect, that we rest 

 persuaded had it subsequently devolved to him to discuss the sub- 

 ject, he would have expressed his conviction to that effect. Some 

 years elapsed, after that time, before any other specimens 

 appeared in Europe. About two years ago we received a well 

 preserved and very elegantly charactered example from Mr. George 

 Humphrey, which had been caught on the coast of Van Dieman's- 

 land ; and besides that, we have seen two other specimens, one in 

 private hands, the other in the Paris Museum. There is some 

 small variation between these specimens in point of colour and in 

 markings, but they are nevertheless sufficiently characteristic, and 

 leave no doubt as to the identity of the species. 



Having ascertained distinctly that those two presumed species, 

 Auritus and Striatus of Dr. Shaw, are individually the same, we 

 conceive it will best obviate the confusion that might arise from 

 retaining either name in preference, to distinguish it as one species 

 only, under the appellation of Tobinii, a compliment to the indivi- 

 dual who introduced the first distinct description we possess of the 

 true character of this very extraordinary species. 



The fish described by Dr. Shaw is about four inches long, which 

 seems to be nearly the usual size, but we have seen it a trifle larger ; 

 and in one instance likewise an accidental variety has occurred, having 

 three spines on one side of the back instead of t wo on each side. We 

 may upon the whole conclude with observing, that a more singular 

 being than this curious fish cau scarcely be conceived, or one move 

 fancifully grotesque when viewed directly in front, the appearance 

 of which is represented in the upper part of the pJate. 



