CHAPTER Y. 
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SPECIES AND GENERA INHABITING 
THE FRESH WATERS OF THE INDIAN CONTINENT. 
In these descriptions I shall not altogether follow 
the order of sequence observed in strictly scientific 
works, but I shall attempt to describe first such fishes 
as are most commonly met with, and most easily pro- 
cured for purposes of identification. It will be found 
that when once acquaintance has been formed with the 
peculiarities of a few species, it becomes much easier 
to recognise any other kinds, and to hit off at once the 
points of difference or resemblance they may possess. 
Neither shall I attempt to give a full scientific de- 
scription of each species, for such as wish to devote 
much time to the study more ambitious works are 
procurable. My aim will be to indicate some one or 
more peculiarities of each species by which it may be 
quickly identified, preferably such outward peculiari- 
ties as the number of the scales, or of the fin rays, and 
