Professor von Siebold and the Freshwater Fishes of England

Abstract

THE object of the present letter is to appeal to naturalists throughout the British islands to assist Prof. von Siebold—the eminent zoologist of Munich—in his studies of the freshwater fishes of Europe. Prof. Siebold is preparing a new edition of his well-known work on that subject, and is exceedingly anxious to obtain specimens of some of our British freshwater fishes to compare with the specimens which he has collected from all parts of Europe. In spite of various attempts, he has, I am very sorry to have to say, failed to obtain specimens from English naturalists. I am sure that this can be only owing to the fact that he has not been able to make his wants known directly to those who could help him. I have not myself been able to do much in supplying the specimens of which he forwarded to me a list, but from the Thames at Oxford have sent him Dace, Bleak, Pope, Miller's Thumb, and Sticklebacks. The list to which I refer included the Graining and the Azurine fishes which have been obtained in or near Knowsley Park; and I have received a kind assurance from Lord Derby that efforts shall be made to procure specimens for Prof. Siebold. Specimens of these and of the Powan, the Pollan, the Gwyniad, and the Vendayce, are the chief desiderata which I am anxious to obtain for Prof. Siebold; his list also includes the Sharp-nosed and the Broad-nosed Eel.