10 .') 
of larger ones, that extends downwards over the pectorals at 
about one-fifth the length of the body, and then stretches itself 
backwards to the full length of the above mentioned. This 
lateral line, from the posterior part of the space occupied by 
these large scales to the base of a ridge, which exists on each 
side at the posterior part of the body is margined by a succes- 
sion of round scales, numbering about one hundred and eighty, 
and having each a longitudinal ridge or keel ; the prieoperculum is 
covered with irregular transverse lines, that are barely visible on 
the fresh specimens ; the teeth are conical, rather curved back- 
wards, sharp, and number from twenty -five to thirty on each side 
of both jaws. The first dorsal has thirteen or fourteen spines ; 
it is high in front, and strongly emarginated, all the spines be- 
coming smaller as they are inserted backwards ; the second 
dorsal, which is separated by a short distance from the first, is 
composed of one spine and thirteen rays ; the upper and 
lower pinnulm number nine ; the caudal is formed of eighteen 
long rays, and of a largo number of shorter ones on each side ; 
some of these are nearly as long as the full sized ones ; the anal 
has the same form as the second dorsal, and has thirteen rays ; 
the pectorals equal in length two-thirds of the head; they are 
received in a sort of a groove ; they have thirty -two rays. 
This fish is entirely of a blueish black, with brown tinges on 
the sides of the head. The first dorsal is of a general obscure 
colour, with the spines reddish ; the other fins are brown, with a 
part blue ; the pinnulce of the last colour ; eye silvery. 
The flesh of this fish is not eaten, or at least is not esteemed 
as food. It is very scarce at Melbourne ; those I saw appeared 
towards the end of November. 
On the dried specimens there are two small ridges on the pos- 
terior part of the larger one we have mentioned, but they do 
not appear on the fresh ones. 
My largest specimen is about twenty-three inches long. 
SCOMBEE. 
The type of this genus is the common Mackerel ; it used to 
contain a very considerable number of fishes, but it is to-day 
restricted to a very small number of species, all very nearly alhed 
to the sort just mentioned. One species has been described by 
