^67 
GRAY’S CHAR. 
Balmo Grayi, GusiHEE; Journal of Zoological Society, 1862, 
p. 15, pi. 7; where it is called the Fresh 
Water Herring of Lough Melvin, but to be 
distinguished from the Pollan, which is also, 
and more appropriately named Fresh Water 
Herring. This Char is among the species 
referred to by Mr. W. Thompson, vol. iv, p. 160. 
Much obscurity bangs over this species, as also on the two 
others Avhich are to follow, so far as regards their distinctive 
habits. And this is so much more the case in regard to Gray’s 
Char, as there is another which inhabits the same Lake Melvin, 
with which it is likely to be confounded. In order, therefore, 
that we may not add to the uncertainty which still exists, by 
describing the habits of one, which might more properly belong 
to the other, it is thought best to limit our notice of this and 
the others as enumerated by Dr. Gunther, to a simple description 
of each, with a corresponding figure so far as the latter are 
within our reach. After which we shall give a list of the 
situations in the United Kingdom in which the several kinds of 
Chars have been found; but without pledging ourselves to the 
fact that the individual species are to be referred generally, 
with one or two exceptions, to the particular lakes we have 
mentioned. W e will only add here, as bearing on the question 
of the distinguishing these species of Chars from one another, 
a remark of Dr. Gunther, that although the colours in each are 
liable to some degree of variation, yet by the colours alone 
when the examples are fresh, the S. salcclinus, S. umUu, S. 
Grayn, and S. Willotiyhhii , may be always distinguished from 
each other. 
Head and body compressed, slightly elevated, the greatest 
depth being below the origin of the dorsal hn; upper profile 
