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V. Some Observations on the Genus S^ualus of 

 Linne, with Descriptions and Outline Figures 

 of two British Species. 



By William Elford Leach, Esq; F. L. S.— W. S., &c. 



(Bead I8tk Januari/ 18 12 J 



No family of the Amphibia, is in greater confu- 

 sion, or wrapped in such obscurity, as the Squa- 

 LiNiD^ ; the characters which distinguish its ge- 

 nera remaining undefined, and the figures of spe- 

 cies being so incorrectly given, as never to be 

 quoted without doubt. Much, therefore, remains 

 to be done, and I trust that no zoologist will neglect 

 to describe and figure all that may come under 

 his inspection, and communicate his observations 

 to this Society, through the medium of whose 

 Transactions we may hereafter hope to be made 

 acquainted with such species as are found on our 

 coasts. The principal characters which distinguish 

 the species, may be drawn from the nose, neck, 

 and fins, and probably from the colour as well as 



