440 INDIAN CYPRINID^. Apalopterinee- 



figure, arched back, and comparatively lengthened intestine, seem to conduct 

 us back once more to the Cirrhins and other typical forms of the PceonomirKs. 

 In order that this interesting fact may be conveniently seen by the reader, I 

 have copied Buchanan's figures of the two species in question, Plate 61, f. 8 

 and 9, for the sake of comparison with the Ruee, PI. 41. f. % and other 

 Cirrhins. 



It will be evident to the naturalist, or indeed any one who may con- 

 descend to reflect on the subject, that we could not consistently commence in 

 this group by describing Cohitis dario and Cohitis geta immediately after 

 Cohitis guttata and Cohits phoxocheila, with which the last group ended, espe- 

 cially if we regard the order in which species are described as that in which 

 their affinities pass from one to another. We must differ therefore in this 

 instance from the usual practice of describing the most perfect species first, 

 and we are compelled, whether we will or not, to commence with the most 

 imperfect form, because it corresponds nearest in every respect with the form 

 last described ; and this appears to be a natural result, which must always 

 be experienced in that group which closes a perfect circle of affinities. 



I. — SCHISTURA MONTANA, J. M. 

 t. 57. f. 1. 



This small species was discovered by Dr. Macleod in mountain streams- 

 in the vicinity of Simla. It is characterised by twelve zones or rings, which 

 encircle the body, and with a black bar at the base of the caudal fin. It is 

 furnished with a single suborbitar spine on each side. The fin rays are, 



D.8:P.10: V.8: A.6:C.18. 



Dorsal and caudal each marked with a single row of spots ; it is one of the 

 most lengthened forms in the group. 



