42 
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 
much during' the voyage, and had noted their observations, that the extent of 
these should be made known : it must also be advantageous to future voyagers, 
as indicating at least that there existed in certain localities species apparently 
novel, and as pointing out to them the more striking characters of some sub- 
jects deserving of their inquiry. It is on this principle that an enumeration 
has been given, in the order of the voyage, of very nearly the whole of the 
tishes mentioned in the notes of Mr. Collie and Mr. Lay.* In enumerating 
them, it has been attempted to render the notes referred to as intelligible to 
the ichthyologist as their nature would permit. Here some portion of conjec- 
ture was unavoidable : but in no instance has a name been given to a species, 
although apparently new, on the authority of the notes alone. Some specimens 
of fishes have been preserved, and of these we speak with confidence. Of 
others we have drawings taken from the recent fishes ; and these, although 
probably not free from trifling errors in the details, may yet be relied on for 
general accuracy and effect. 
Such are the materials placed in our hands, and such their relative value. 
In employing them, we propose to give, in the first place, lists of the species 
observed at each station visited during the voyage ; and in the second place, 
characters and descriptions of such novelties as rest on the authority of speci- 
mens or of figures ; distinguishing in all cases the materials from which our 
information is derived. 
We commence with the enumeration of the several species observed. 
* Mr. Lay regrets, that, influenced by opinion, lie fell into the vulgar error oflabouring to cultivate 
an acquaintance with the more obvious productions of the earth, in the room of pursuing the more 
curious and retired cantons of animated nature; and laments that instead of investigating the rationes 
habendi of vegetable structures, he did not occupy his time in etching out the internal configurations, 
and in defining the habitudes, of the various “ saecla animantum” (Lucret.) that people the ocean. 
