16 B 
BONY FISHES. 
The races are continued by the shedding of spawn, the 
grains ,of which are of small size. In a very few species, 
one or two only of which are found in Britain, this spawn is 
hatched within the body of the parent; and in one other remark- 
able family, (the SyngnatM,) some very curious means are adopted 
to secure the completion of this natural proceeding. But 
whatever subordinate variations of these general principles, of 
form or habit, may offer themselves to our notice in particular 
families, will be pointed out in their proper place. 
