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52
FISHES.

In the classification of the very numerous species of Fishes now known to naturalists, the system of Cuvier is generally adopted, either with or without modification in the subordinate divisions. One of the most recent arrangements is that of the Prince of Canino, who, taking the system of Cuvier as the basis, has made some improvements in the distribution of the Families.[1] The knowledge, skill, and erudition of this eminent zoologist are universally acknowledged; and in these pages, we propose to adhere to his arrangement.

We divide the Class Pisces (Fishes) into four Orders, Acanthopterygii, Malacopterygii, Plectognathi, and Cartilaginei.

  1. This learned zoologist has during the present year (1850) published another system of Fishes, in which he has greatly multiplied the number of the Families; but we prefer in this volume to adhere to his former arrangement. We shall, however, make use of this later publication, at least in estimating the number of species belonging to the different genera and families.