BECKER. 
229 
this fish said to be mistaheii by Mr. Yarrell for the true 
Pagrus of the older and continental authors. The above- 
named distinguished Eritish naturalists inform us that the 
Pagrvs they are describing is the same that was known by 
the name of Pagrus to Rondeletius, Bclon, Aldrovandus, and 
Gcsner, and that it was known in England as (at least a 
species of) Sea Bream. 
The figure they give, Tab. v. 1, f. 5, is certainly different 
from that of the fish familiarly known to us as the Becker; 
and indeed if I felt myself compelled to resort to some 
already published likeness for a representation of the species 
known to our fishermen by the name of Becker, it would 
not be this, but rather to the original of Mr. YarrelTs figure, 
at *east in its outline, to which I would assign the preference. 
The distinctions drawn by Willoiighby and his friend between 
the species he knew as Erythrinus, and that which he de- 
nominates the Pagrus, besides the wide difference of form, is, 
among others, that the Pagrus so much exceeds it in size as 
to attain the weight of ten pounds, while that of the Erylhri- 
nus rarely amounts to a pound and a half. Willoughby is 
particular in mentioning the sinus or gathering up, which is 
so conspicuous at the end of the dorsal and anal fins, in his 
Pagrus and our Becker; but he unfortunately adds that there 
is a strongly-marked iron-coloured spot on the side, at the 
origin of the lateral line, which does not exist either in our 
Becker or the two species he names, as represented in his 
figures, and which, in our British Sea Breams, is only seen 
in Pagellus centrodontus and P. curtus, if the latter should 
prove to be a sejrarate species. 
Amidst so much apparent doubt and confusion it therefore 
becomes necessary that no further mingling of synonymes should 
take place; and hence, as regards the present species and one 
or two more that will follow, my intention is to confine myself 
to such a representation, both of resemblance and description, 
as shall present a satisfactory account of the species as it is 
found with us, without mingling it with the authority of British, 
and still less with that of foreign writers. 
The Becker is common on the south and west of England, 
but it does not appear to be of frequent occurrence in the 
north of England or Scotland. It probably will be found in 
