Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 1 (1897).djvu/417



would seem to be a racial peculiarity of the British community concerning those matters in which ultimately they attain preeminence, that they should, more often than otherwise, only be arrived at through a series of blundering experiences. Expressed otherwise, the English slow-to-move habit and perfect do-as-you-like freedom beget a tendency to let things move in their old circle until personal interests of a few spread to the many. Then follow surging and activity, seldom resting until leeway is made up, and they are abreast of, perchance push beyond, the nations started earlier and more systematically disciplined in the given field. Unfortunately too many examples might be cited, particularly in the political sphere, as well as in those of literature, art and science. Speaking broadly, British efforts, as a rule, have sprung from private individual exertion, the Government only falling in perforce, whereas Continental nations in the main reverse the process.

Our economic Sea Fish and the associated industries are instances in point. Seemingly it has taken a long time to realize and arrive at the conclusion how close is the connection between these and Ichthyology.

When her Majesty ascended the throne, and indeed almost for half her reign, the Cuvierian and Müllerian classifications of Fish, Zool. 4th ser. vol. I., September, 1897.