258 



INDIAN CYPRINID^. 



of the Polynesian Islands.* In India the fishes of several of the great rivers 

 yet remain to be investigated, as those of the Irrawaddi, the Indus, and the 

 Nerbudda. A collection of drawings of the fishes of the Indus, prepared during 

 a scientific mission under Capt. Burnes, has recently been deposited in the 

 museum of the Asiatic Society ; and Mr. Griffith, to whom every branch of 

 science is as dear as the one in which he is fast rising to the highest station, 

 is now engaged in making extensive collections of, and observations on, the 

 fishes of the same river. The museums of Paris must already be well stored 



* This and other blanks in our knowledge of the animals of New Holland are now about to be 

 supplied by Mr. Macleay himself, who, in August last, embarked with the intention of pursuing 

 researches in every department of the natural history of New Holland. On his departure from 

 England, Mr. Macleay intimated his desire to receive at Sydney, where he may remain for 

 three or four years. Insects, Crustacea, and other neglected objects of a similar nature from 

 India in exchange for the productions of New South Wales, which he would be happy to supply : 

 Few who entertain a just pride for the scientific character of our country which Mr. Macleay 

 has been the means of elevating, would require the stipulation proposed to induce them to for- 

 ward the views of one of our countrymen who has already been the means of exalting zoological 

 pursuits to the highest place among intellectual occupations. Considering the intimate intercourse 

 now established between Calcutta and Sydney, it is to be hoped that an appeal to India, 

 from such a quarter, will not have been made in vain, and that all who are interested in 

 the advancement of natural history will collect and forward whatever objects their particular 

 localities may afford, with a view to facilitate the researches of the illustrious author of Hone 

 Entomologicce. Mr. Macleay Avrites from London, J 2th August, 1838 — "I am now on the 

 eve of embarking for Sydney, where I intend to remain for the next three or four years, and 

 what 1 would ask of you is to exchange invertebrated animals, collected in India, as the Anne- 

 lida, Annulosa, Cirrepedes, Radiata, and Acrita for other objects collected in New Holland ; Insects, 

 Spiders, and Crustacea of India I at present desire above all ; and shall feel obliged by any 

 notes on their metamorphosis or economy. With regard to such notes, I need not say I sliall bear in 

 mind the axiom " Suum cuique" if you will point out your particular desiderata in natural history 

 I will endeavour to add to your collections." 



Mr. Svvainson also writes as follows — " At present I am engaged in Ichthyological 

 volumes ; but as these will be published before you would have time to render me any 



