ADVEETISEAIEXT. 
in imitation of the original drawings ; which latter, with 
few exceptions, it should be observed, were taken from 
living or recent examples of the respective fishes for the 
express purpose of this publication. 
1 he outline of our design is sufficiently developed in 
the foreping observations, but it may still be necessary 
to enter into a further explanation : — something more than 
a genera! notice of its leading object will be naturally 
expected as an introduction to an undertaking of such an 
extensive nature. With respect to the general merits of 
Its execution the author will forbear adducing any obser- 
vation. The progre.ssive manner in wbich it lias been 
brought before the Public must have enabled every reader 
to form his own conclusion on that subject, and it is not 
therefore for the author to interfere in their decision, 
vhether favourable to his endeavours, or otherwise. He 
niay nevertheless be allowed to mention, that the attention 
it has obtained was sufficiently flattering to induce him to 
extend the work to its present bulk, or at least to add the 
fifth volume to the four originally proposed j and this he 
is inclined to think may be considered as some criterion of 
public countenance and approbation, 
When the author first conceived the idea of producino- 
a woik on J3iitish Fishes in part of his engagements to 
elucidate the Natural History of the country, *tiiedi%ulty 
of procuring the subjects requisite for such a work seemed 
to present an inaurinoimtablc obstacle to the undertakino-. 
He clearly saw the impropriety of ]>roceedi!ig a single step 
till he became possessed of the whole, or greater part of 
them. But in this instance he was content to solicit the 
