N O T HI S 
OP THE 
EDIBLE FISHES OP VICTORIA. 
The edible fishes of Australia do not generally present very 
remarkable fonns, and to a superficial observer tliey would, in 
most instances, be considered as similar to those of Europe. In 
point ol beauty also they are not superior to those of that conti- 
nent ; as very few present those symmetiical stripes, those strange 
bands, that ricli variety of colour, so often to bo admired in the 
inhabitants of the toiTid regions. Those of the fresli waters, in par- 
ticular, are few in number and generally of most modest aj)pearance, 
but nevertheless, to the naturalist, their study is an object o+* 
gi*eat interest. 
The dispersion of animal life over the surtace of the globe is a 
subject ot vast scientific importance, as by its knowledge we ma3^ 
ac(juire a correct idea (jf the changes that have (jccuired in the 
geographical forms of continents. It is universall}^ admitted that 
the outlines of must of tlie regions of the earth have been subject 
to considerable alterations, due to various geological revolutions, 
which have occurred at periods of which the j)i'ccise date cannot 
in genei’al be well ascertained, but wliich may be determined, at 
least, in a com]>arative way. 
When, for instance, an island presents a faium almost entirelj^ 
and specifically similar to that of another land, it is certain that 
they have botl» been united, and that their separation has only 
taken place at a geologically modem period. If the majority of 
the sorts is specifically difierent, but belong to the same natural 
groups, it is probable that the two lands have been united, but 
that their se[)aration has taken place at a much more remote 
date. If iiot only the sj)ecies are different, but also nearly all 
the generic forms dissimilar, it is likely that these regions have 
iievei* been united. J (.) give this stud^^ a degree of* certaint}' we 
