CYPRINIB^. 
3 
As it appears from an extended survey of the Carp family, 
that a separation into genera on the grounds here referred to 
would divide asunder some species which in other characters 
appear to be closely united, it has been proposed to form the 
separation according to the length or shortness of the alimentary 
canal, which organ varies in the jrroportion as the food is 
found to be vegetable or animal, in the former case the entrails 
being convoluted, and of considerable length, while in the latter 
they are short and straight. But to an arrangement formed on 
these relative proportions it may he objected, that probably in 
no instance is the food exclusively vegetable or animal, and 
consequently the absolute length of the intestine will not be found 
so definite in the separate species as to afford a sufficient means 
of distinction; to which we may add, that a doubtful example 
or new species must be dissected or mutilated before its place 
in the family can be ascertained; and if preserved in a museum, 
its supposed generic character will be altogether lost sight of. 
It may happen, however, that a division of the species, which 
is built on principles that might be objected to when applied 
to the wdiole of this extensive family, shall still be appropriate 
to the comparatively few which we find in British waters; and 
accordingly, we so far adopt the arrangement of Cuvier, as to 
place in his genus Cyprimis, those of the British species which 
he has comprised within it, and which are marked by the 
possession of barbs at the mouth; while the others that do not 
possess these appendages are classed in other divisions. 
