PREFACE. vii.
a great extent is, by one observer alone. But, if we
have scanty local lists to refer to, we have in Dr.
Day's Fishes of Great Britain (1880) a nomenclature
and arrangement that leaves nothing to be desired. I
have adopted these throughout, and have likewise
freely used the records there given of species captured
in the county. For the rest, I look forward to a con-
siderable addition to the number of Essex Fish when,
if ever, a second edition of the present work is
required. Should its publication arouse greater atten-
tion to and study of this important class, I shall feel
amply repaid for the labour of preparing it.
A list of the principal works which have been
referred to in the preparation of the present volume
is given at the end in the form of an appendix.
My thanks are also due to Mr. E. A. Fitch,
F.L.S., for much acceptable help; to Mr. Thomas
Taylor, M.R.C.S., of Bocking, for a list of the
fresh - water fish of the Blackwater and Chelmer
rivers; to Mr. William Cole, F.L.S., of Buckhurst
Hill, Honorary Secretary to the Essex Field Club,
for many valuable suggestions made whilst the work
was passing through the press; and to Mr. Walter
Crouch, F.Z.S., of Wanstead, for several suggestions
and for the loan of his drawing of the Rorqual
captured in the river Crouch.
To Miss C. Fell Smith, I am indebted for