VI 
PREFACE. 
But beyond this it has been deemed of special importance 
to give, with as much precision as possible, an account of the 
characteristic habits of each species; a large portion of the 
particulars of which is derived from attentive observation 
under favourable circumstances through a considerable extent 
of time; coupled also with frequent communications from 
practical fishermen of great intelligence; who have always 
been ready to acknowledge small obligations by a free com- 
munication of facts in tlieir cxpcricnco. 
And in addition to these matters an object has been kept 
in view, which the Author has deemed of high importance, 
although it has not usually found a place in works on Natural 
History; and it is to him a matter of regret that it has not 
been worked out to such extent as the subject demands. He 
has laboured, however, by repeated examination of the organs 
and internal structure of the several species and orders or 
classes of fishes to trace the connection of their several parts 
with their instincts and modes of life; and in all these 
researches, of which particulars are scattered through the 
work, he has been able to discern such a connection and 
reciprocal dependance as to establish the conviction of a 
presiding mind that has formed and set in action the whole; 
so that the inhabitants of the water are not less furnished 
than those of the land with the means of existence, and with 
faculties which enable them to turn what may appear to be 
unfavourable circumstances to good account. Linn£eus inquires 
Quis, nisi vidissit, pisces habitare sub undascredo-ret P 
And his proper answer is — 
Quam sapienter ea fecisti! O, Jehovah! 
