Page:Natural History, Fishes.djvu/66

52 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. 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 (Fishes) into four Orders, Acanthopterygii, Malacopterygii, Plectognathi, and Cartilaginei.