28 



Genres des Poissons 



defining the genera and characterizing the species. On this account 

 we take especial pleasure in presenting the following paper by our 

 asteemed corresponding member, Professor Poey, of Havana, on the 

 great group which stands at the head of the Order of Fishes, the 

 perplexing characters of which he has sougbt to more clearly define 

 and describe. Well known as a careful observer and able anatomist, 

 he is al so a diligent and indefatigable collector of specimens and of 

 information, qualities rarely found combined in the older naturalists. 

 He has sought to become thoroughly acquainted with the entire 

 Fauna of the tropical island which he inhabits, and his studies have 

 thus a peculiar and abiding valué. Examining, as in the case before 

 us, specimens of every age and at all seasons, he learns their habits 

 and native characteristics, so as to surely fix the species and mark 

 the genus. His generic descriptions in the following paper are so 

 thorough, that they can hardly be disputed or misunderstood. His 

 bibliographical knowledge withal is most extensive, enabling him to 

 present the history of each genus and criticise the labors of his pre- 

 decessors. 



The paper is published as it was received, for were a translation of 

 it to be attempted, the sense might be slightly altered, and the true 

 meaning of the author be lost. J. C. B.] 



CLASSIS PISCITJM. 



Les Poissons sont des animaux vertébrés ovipares, á circula- 

 tion double et complete, á respiration bronchiale, et par con- 

 séquent incompléte, ce qui fait baisser la température du sang. 

 Le cceur est veineux, á deux cavités, séparé du sinus aortique. 



La plupart ont le corps couvert d'écailles. 



La locomotion s'éffectue par le mojen des nageoires, prin- 

 cipalement par la caudale. Les nageoires pectorales représén- 

 tent les membres thoraciques, et les ventrales les abdominaux. 

 Ces nageoires sont soutenues par des rayons, tantót épineux ? 

 tantot mous, articules, et le plus souvent branchus. 



Les dents sont implantées sur les máchoires. II peut y en 

 avoir encoré au vomer, aux palatins, aux ptérygoidiens in- 

 ternes, sur la langue et sur les os pharyngiens; les ares 

 branchiaux sont hérissés de tubercules épineux. 



