V 3 i3 ! ^-^r HARVARD UNIVERSITY. LIBRARY MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY Library of SAMUEL GARMAN llM^€4^^-iresented for the examination of the Reader. We mention these details as the shortest explanation of the dis- crepancy which will he found between the references to the Plates in the Letter-press of this Volume and the Plates it contains. They are chiefly in the way of omission, several fishes being stated to be exhibited which it was found impos- sible to introduce. The Reader, accordingly, ivill have the icindness to take as his guide for the Plates, not so much the Lettei -press, as the following Contents, which contain a correct List of those it has been found practicable to introduce. CONTEl^TS, VAQE Memoir of W. Rondelet .... 17 Introduction ..... 45 Bearing on the Structure of Fishes :— Structure of the Lancelot . . 46 Electric Organ of the Silurus ... 52 Gill-cover of the Siluridse , , 57 Lvmuhatic Hearts .... 58 CONTENTS. Bearing on tlieir Physiology and Habits :- Process of Development in Pishes Oviparous Viviparo-aeotyledonous Viviparous Marsupial Fishes Obstetrical Parental Care of Fishes Fishes' Nests Colours and Varying Colours of Fishes Parasitic Fungi in Fishes Economic Use of Fish : — Demand and Supply Artificial Hatching Chinese Method Transportation of Fish and Fry Naturalization of Fresh- water Fish Migratory Pishes Salt-water Fishes Fish Preserves ; their Stocking . Ditto, in Ancient and Modem Times The Gentle Art . 6i 62 63 66 67 68 69 71 77 86 96 100 104 104 105 108 110 114 115 116 NATURAL HISTORY OF BRITISH FISHES. Arrangement . . . . .121 FIRST SERIES. OSSEOUS FISHES. FIRST SUBDIVISION. OSSEOUS FISHES WITH SPINOUS RAYS. Order I. Spinous-finned Osseous Fishes. Acanthop- terygii ..... I. FAMILY OF PERCHES. PERCID^. Gen. 1. Perca ..... STp. I. P. fluviatilis. The Perch. Plate I. Oen. 2. Labrax ..... Sp. 2. L. lupus. The Basse or Sea-Perch. PL I. 12? 125 125 128 12.« CONTENTS. Gen 3. Sp. 3. 4. Gen. 4. Sp. 5. Gen. 5. Sp. 6. Gen. 6. Sp. 7. 8. Gen. 7. Sp. 9. 10. Serranus JTAUt 130 S. Cahrilla. The Smooth Serranus 130 S. gigas. The Dusky Serranus . 131 ACERINA .... 132 A. vulgaris. The Ruflfe. PI. II. 132 POLYPRION 133 p. cerniwn. Couch's Polyprion . 133 Trachinus 134 T. draco. The Great Weever. PI. II. 135 T. vipara. The Lesser Weever . 136 MuLLus. Siu-muUets 137 M. harlatus. The Red Surmullet. PI. Ill 139 M. surmulkis. The Striped Surmullet 140 Gen. Sp, Gen. Sp Gen. Sp Gen. Sp FAMILY OF MAILED CHEEKS. BVCCM LORICATiE. 8. Trigla ..... 143 11. T. cuculus. The Red Gurnard . . i44 12. T. lineata. The French or Rock Gimaard 145 13. T. Mi-undo. Sapphkine Gurnard . 146 14. T. pocciloptera. The Little Gurnard . 146 15. T. lyra. The Piper . . .147 16. T. mmiardus. The Grey Gurnard . 147 17. T.Blochii. Bloch's Gurnard . . 148 18. T. lucema. The Long-finned Captain. PI. IIL . - . . .149 9. Peristedion . . . .150 ,19. P. malarmat. The Mailed Gurnard. PI. IV. ... i50 10. COTTUS . . . . . i51 . 20. a//o6w. The River Bullhead . . 152 21. C. scorpius. The Sea-scorpion . . 153 22. C. huhalis. The Father-lasher . . 154 23. C. qnadricornis^ The Four-homed Cottus 155 11. ASPIDOPHORUS .... 155 ,24. A. Ewopaeus. The Armed Bullhead. PI. V 155 CONTENTS^ PAUI» Gen. 12. Sebastes . . .156 Sp. 25. S. Norvegieus. The Norway Haddock. PL V. . . . 156 Gen. 13. Gasterosteus. Sticklebacks . . 157 Sp. 26. G. trachurus. The Rough-tailed Three- spined Stickleback . . .159 27. G. semiarmatus. The Half-armed Stickle- back ..... 161 28. G.leiurus. The Smooth- tailed Stickleback 162 29. O.hrachycentrus. The Short-spined Stickle- back ..... 163 30. Q. spinuhsus. The Four-spined Stickle- back ..... 163 31. G. pungitim. The Ten- spined Stickleback 163 32. G. spinachia. The Fifteen-spined Stickle- back. PL VI. . . .164 III. FAMILY OF THE MAIGRES. SCIENIDiE. Gen. 14. Sci-ENa . . . . .168 Sp. 33. S. aquila. The Maigre. PL VII. . 169 Gen. 15. Umbrina . . . .170 Sp. 34. U. vvlgaris. The Bearded Umbrina. PL VII. . . . ,170 IV. FAMILY OF SEA-BREAM. SPARID^. Gen. 16. Chrysophrys. Gilt-heads . . 173 Sp. 35. a awrata. The Gilt-head. PL VIII. . 173 Gen. 17. Pagrus . . . . .174 STp. 36. P. vulgaris. The Braize. PL VIIL . 174 Gen. 18. Pagellus . . . .175 Sp. 37. P. erythrinus. The Spanish Sea-bream . 176 38. P. acanie. The Axillary Bream. PL IX. 177 39. P. centrodontus. The Sea-bream. PL IX. 178 Gen. 19. Dentax . . . .179 Sp. 40. Z). vulgaris. The Four-toothed Sparus. PL X. . . . . 180 Gen. 20. Cantharus . . .181 Sp. 41. C. griseus. The Black Bream . 18J CONTENTS. V. THE SCALY-FINNED FAMILY. SQUAMIPENNiE. Gen. 21. Br am a .... Sp. 42. Drama Rati. Ray's Bream. PI. XI. 183 184 VL THE MACKEREL FAMILY. SCOMBERID^. Gen. 22. Scomber. Mackerels . . .187 Sp. 43. *S^. Scomber. The Common Mackerel PI. XL 44. S. colias. The Spanish Mackerel Gen. 23. Thynnus Sp. 45. Th. vulgaris. The Tunny 46. Th. pelamys. The Striped Tunny, or Striped Bonito Gen. 24. Auxis .... Sp. Al. A. vulgaris. The Plain Bonito. PI. XII Gen. 25. Xiphias . . . , Sp. 48. X gladim. The Sword-fish. PI. XII, Gen. 26. Naucrates Sp. 49. N. dudor. The Pilot-fish Geo. 27. Caranx Sp. 50. C. trachunis. The Scad, or Horse MaC' kerel. PI. XIII. Gen. 28. Centrolophus Sp. 51. C. pompilus. The Black-fish. PI. XIII Gen. 29. Zeus .... Sp. 52. Z. faber. The Dory, -or John Dory PI. XIV. Gen. 30. Capros Sp. 53. C, aper. The Boar-fish Gen. 31. Lampris Sp. 54. L. guttatus. The Opah, or King-fish vn. FAMILY OF RIBAND-SHAPED FORM. T^ENIOIDtE. 188 193 195 195 197 199 199 200 201 205 205 210 210 212 212 215 215 217 217 219 219 Gen. 32. Lepidopus . . . .22: Sp. 55. L. argyreus. The Scabbard-fish. PI. XV. 22; CONTENTS. Gen. 33. Trichiurus Sp. 56. T. kjoturus. The Silvery Hair-tail. PI. XV, Gen. 34. Trachypterus ... Sp. 57. T. Bogmarus. The Deal-fish, or Vaag maer Gen. 35. Gymnetrus Sp. 58. G. Eawkmii. PI. XVI. G^n. 36. Cepola Sp. 59. C. rubescens. The Red-band. PI. XVI PAGE 229 230 234 234 236 237 238 238 VIII. THE MULLET FAMILY. MUGILIDiE. Gen. 37. Atherina .... 242 Sp. 60. A. hreshyter. The Atherine, or Sand- smelt. PI. XVII. . . . 242 Gen. 38. Mugil . . . .244 Sp. 61. M. capita. The Grey Mullet. PI. XVII. 246 62. M. cMo. The Thick-lipped Grey Mullet 249 63. M. Curtis. The Short Grey Mullet . 251 IX. THE FAMILY OF GOBIES. GOBIOID^. Gen. 39. Blennius Sp. 64. B. Montagui. Montague's Blenny 65. B. ocellaris. The Ocellated Blenny Butterfly-fish. PL XVIII. 66. B.gattorugine. The Gattoruginous Blenny, PI. XVIII. . 67. B. TaiTellii. Yarrell's Blenny Gen. 40. Pholis .... Sp. 68. P. IcBvis. The Shan or Shanny Gen. 41. Gunnellus Sp. 69. G. vulgaris. The Spotted Gunnel Gen. 42. Zoarcus Sp. 70. Z. viviparm. Gen. 43. Anarrhicus Sp. 71. A. lupus. The Wolf-fish. Gen. 44. Gobius Sp. 72. O. niger. The Black Goby The Viviparous Blenny PI. XIX. 255 255 256 257 258 260 260 262 263 264 265 267 268 270 271 CONTENTS. PAGB Sp. 73. G. Rvthenspam. The Double-spotted Goby ..... 272 74. G. minutiis. The Speckled Goby . 273 75. G. gracilis. The Slender Goby . 274 76. G. imipunctahi^. The One-spotted Goby 275 77. G. alhus. The White Goby . .. 275 Gen. 45. Callionymus . . . . 276 Sp. 78. C. lyra. The Gemmous Dragonet. PL XX 277 79. C. dracvMculm. The Sordid Dragonet . 278 X. THE WRISTED FAMILY. PECTORALES PEDUN- CULATI. Gen, 45. Lophius .... Sp. 80. L. piscatmus. The Fishing-frog. PL XXL 283 284 XL THE FAMILY OF WRASSES. LABRID^. Gen. 46. Labrus. Old Wives of the Sea . Sp. 81. L. hergylta. Ballan Wrasse 82. L. Donovam. Donovan's Labrus 83. L. mixtus. The Blue-striped Wrasse, PL XXII. . 84. L. tnmaculatus. Three-spotted Wrasse 85. L. comber. The Comber Wrasse Gen. 47. Crenilabrus Sp. 86. a melops. The Gilt-head 87. C. Norvegicus. The Cork wing . 88. C multidentatus. The Corkling 89. Ci-upestris. Jago's Goldsmny. PL XXIII, Gen. 48. Acantholabrus Sp. 90. A. Couchii. Couch's Wrasse . 91. A. Yarrellii. Yarrell's Wrasse 92. A. exoldus. The Rock-Coek . Gen. 49. Julis .... Sp. 93. J. 'vulgaris. The Rainbow Wrasse 290 291 293 294 296 297 297 298 298 299 300 302 302 303 304 306 CONTENTS PAeB XIl. FAMILY OF PIPE-MOUTHED FISHES. FISTULARIDiE. Gen. 50. Centriscus • . . . 31C Sp. 94. C.scolopax. The Trumpet-fish. PI. XXIII. 3K The Letter-press descriptive of the remaining Plates will be found in the Second Volume, and references more at length. PI. XXIV. The Common Carp and the Barbel. XXV. The Gudgeon and Tench. XXVI. The Carp-bream and Roach. XXVII. The Loach and Groundling. XXVIII. The Pike. XXIX. The Garfish and Saury-pike. XXX. The Flying-fish. XXXI. The Parr, — a day before hatching, — a day old, — three months old, — eighteen months old. XXXII. Salmon, full-grown and Salmon-Grilse. XXXIII. Great Loch Trout and Salmon-Tr^Tut, or Phinock. XXXIV. Common Trout and Northern Cbar. Portrait of Rondelet ... .2 Vignette Title-page ... .3 in aU Thirty-six Plates in this Volume. MEMOIR OF WILLIAM RONDELET MEMOIR OF RONDELET. [n his historical sketch of the progress of Ichthy- ology,— the department of Natural History in which Rondelet's reputation has been acquired, — Baron Cuvier recognises three principal epochs, the first of which may be indicated by the name of Aristotle> who collected the scattered information of previous ages and gave it some degree of' consistency and method ; the second dates from the middle of the sixteenth century, when a small band of original observers took ap the subject in a more philosophi- cal manner, and paved the way for the third grand epoch, signalised by the names of Artedi and Lin- na&us, jn which, by the introduction of a correct nomenclature and a lucid system of arrangement, the permanent foundations of the science were at lenorth laid. The individuals whose labours consti- tuted the second era, are chiefly Salviani^'Belon, and Rondelet, and this triumvirate were seconded by others, such as Gesner, Aldrovandi, and a few others.^f comparatively li tie rcj)ute. Tlio works of the former appeared nearly at tlic r- natural history which has derived important benefits from Rondelet's labours, he by no means confined his attention to that, but carefully investigated many others, particularly such as aSbrd the most valuable contributions to the materia medica. On one occasion we find him enumerating the subjects of his study in the following terms : — '' Rursus in hac nostra prseciara Monspeliensi Academia tractare et contemplari res cognitione dignissimas, divinam et nondum omnibus plane perspectam corporis hu- mani fabricam ; stirpes plantasque ; multiplices et varias quibus regio nostra abundat metalla, pisces, aliaque plura quae medico vel necessaria sunt, vel perutilia ; neque enim brevibus cancellis circum- scripta est medendi scientia, sed multarum et mag- nanim rerura cognitione instructus atque omatus esse debet is, qui Medici nomine dignus haberi veiit." The progress he made in botany, in parti- cular, is known to have been considerable. He left nunrterous manuscripts on that subject to Mathias de Lobel (whose name is familiar to botanists of the present day, as affording an appellation to a beautiful genus of pentandrous plants), who found them of much value. To commemorate his services in this department of natural history, Plumier has named after him his genus Rondeletia, comprising a series of simple and entire leaved West Indian slirubs, of the class Pentandria, order Monogynia, natural order Stellatag (Rubiacea? of Jussieu). Rondelet was justly regarded, both by his cotem- porarie^ and successors, as oae of the greatest oma- 30 MEMOIR OP RONDELET. ments of the Montpeilier school. As a public testimony of the estimation in which they held him, and from a sense of gratitude for the benefits which had accrued to the university from his exertions, the authorities caused the following inscription to be placed on the front of the Schools of Medicine : — " Gul. Rondeletius Montispel. ingenii fcecunditate et Doctrinae uberitate toto orbe Clariss. Universi- tatis Medicinae xxi. annis Professor Regius, x. annis Cancellarius digniss. post diuturnam in docendo et. scribendo navatam sedulo operam, et edita rarae eni- ditionis non pauca monumenta, pluribus ex Codicillo • ad recognoscendum creditis fidei Laur. Jouberti in. Regia Profess, successoris sui, Tolosa rediens obiit in Regali Monte as. D. 1566, die 30 mensis Julii. Vixit ann. 58, mens. 10^ dies .4. Laurentius Jou- .bertus Cancell. Praecept. Chariss. D. S. M. H. P. C." Rondelet has left a considerable number of trea- tises on medical subjects, but they cannot be regarded as of much value, in the present day, otherwise than in relation to the general history of the progress of knowledge in this department. Indeedy it may be affi"tmed gene rally, respecting them, that they are not of such a high character as might have been ex- pected from an individual so celebrated. It is stated, -as a, means of accounting for this fact, that he wrote very hastily, and never took, the trouble to revise and correct his compositions. It is likewise well knovsTi th&t several of them . were published without his knowledge or concurrence, a circum- »twce. to which .mafty of their. iwperfecti.ons may MEMOIR OF RONDELET. 31 reasonably be ascribed That he could write with accuracy and elegance, is sufficiently evident from the dedication^ as well as many other portions of his great work on fishes. A collection of his medical writings was published in 1583, and soon went through three different editions, which appeared re- spectively at Frankfort, Montpellier, and.Gfeneva. The same work, with the addition of several new articles, was published in l(i28 b}' J. Cfoquer, under th^e title of " Opera omnia medica, nunc ah icfinitis quibus antea scfttebant mendis, studio et opera Joannis Croqueri, Poloni, repurgata, et in •gratiam Medicinae Studiosorum nitori suo restituta. Geneva 1628, 8vo.'' The principal treatise in this work is entitled ' Methodus Curandi raorbos,' and has been ccmmended for its correct description of the symptoms of diseases, and its elegant and dis- tinctly expressed formulae. There is another, ' De morbo Italico,' which was previously pubhshed at Venice (1567^ in folio: this has likewise been translated into French, Articlea ' De dignoscendis morbis,' * De febribus,' ' De medicamentis inter- nis et e-xtemis,' ' De Pharinacopolarum officina,' * De fucis,' ' Introductio ad Praxin/ ' De Urinis,' * Consiha medica,' form. the remaining contents of the volume. As Rondelet's other works, relating to medical subjeqts, are but few in number, it may be as well to enumerate them in this place. A treatise *' De ponderibus, seu justa quantitate et proportione medicamentorum," appeared at Padua in 1556, and. has frequently been reprinted alonit with othew o» , 32 MEMOIR OP EONDELET. the same subject. " Dc materia medioinali, et compositione medicamentorum," Padua 1556, 8vo, " Formulae aliquot remediorum, libro de intemis remediis omissae" was printed as a continuation of Lobel's Historia Plantarum (An vers, 1576, fol.). *■'■ De Theriaca tractatus** formed a part of Valerius Cordus Dispensatorium Pharmacorum, in the edi- tions published at Leyden in 1627 and 1652, i2mo. ; ' Tractatus de Succedaneis' was included in Schwenckfelds Thesaurus Pharraaceuticus (Basle and Frankfort, 1587 and 1630). " Consilia quje- dum Medica" were contributed to a collection of treatises published by Laurent Scholzius in 1598. But it is almost exclusively for the value of his contributions to Natural History that any distinc- tion attaches to the name of Rondelet in the present day ; and these contributions are almost entirely contained in the works on Fishes already a'lud«d to. These are entitled, " De piscibus marinis libri xviii., in quibus vera? piscium effigies expressee sunt," Lyons 1554, and " Universae aquatilium historiae pars altera, cum veris ipsorum originibus," Lyons 1555. The former of these forms a folio volume of about 600 pages, and is unquestionably the most valtiable work that appeared on fishes, not only up to the time of its date, but for a long while afterwards. It is dedicated, in rather eloquent terms, to his patron. Cardinal de Tournon. The subject is divided into eighteen books, the first four of which treat of the general properti^ of fishes ; 1 st, Their differences, as derived from theij mode of life, the waters which MEMOIR OF RONDELET. 33" they inhabit, kind of food, &c. ; 2d, On the parts, substance, figure, size, taste, smell, colour, &c. of fishes ; 3d, On the particular parts of fishes and their differences, such as the head, eyes, ears, mouthy rostrum, jaws, teeth, branchiae, heart, &c. ; 4th, Action, and its different kinds ; generation, respira- tion, &c. &c. It is asserted by Cuvier that Ronde- let made little addition to what was previously known of the anatomy of fishes, and no one can peruse the four books of his work just spoken of, without readily assenting to this statement. Indeed, this portion is the least valuable of the whole, and comparatively little of it seems to be derived from his own observation, although he states, oftener than once, that the number of fishes he dissected was very great. Having discussed their generalities, he proceeds in the fifth book to treat briefly of the order which he designs to observe in describing the species, and then enters upon the descriptions. In the first four books, he informs us, he followed the steps of Aristotle and Theophrastus ; but in giving the descriptions and figures of individual species, it was a matter of long and serious consideration what order he should adopt. He was long in doubt whether he should commence with the mugil, as Galenus has done, or by some other which might be considered as a type among its kind, a.s the scarus among those that live among rocks, or such as are considered delicious articles of food, as the sole and sturgeon. At last he came to the conclu- sion that it would be most convenient to befjin with 34 MEMOIR OF RONDELET. a species well known to all, most celebrated among the ancients, which may be found at all seasons of the year, and which is distinguished from others by its brilliant golden colour, and then to proceed to the consideration of others in many respects similar to it, but differing by their proper marks. He is unwilling that any one should suppose that he placed the golden carp (Aurata) first because the name commences with the letter A, for he regards alphabetical arrangement as not less objectionable in regard to fishes than in the descriptions of plants, in as much as it brings together many dissimilar objects, and separates such as are allied.* From this it will be inferred that not much was to be expected from our author in the arrangement of his materials. Indeed there cannot be said to be any attempt at systematic arrangement in his work, the only approach to that, and it is a very distant one, consisting in grouping together such species as have a certain resemblance to each other in their general forms. No families are defined, and no genera characterised. Although in the title the work is said to refer to marine fishes, it likewise includes those frequenting fresh waters, there being, according to Cuvier, 97 sea fishes and 147 fresh- water species. In common with all the naturalists of early date, Rondelet regards almost all animals inhabiting the water as fishes ; and his work ac- cordingly includes the cetacea, certain molluscs, testacea, Crustacea, echinodermata, &c. His notions * Page 113. MEMOIR OF RONDELET. 35 of the limits of what are now called classes, and the general differences and relations of such sections of the animal kingdom, cannot be said to be superior to those of Aristotle, from whose writings, indeed, they were principally derived ; and they may even be affirmed, in some respects, to fall greatly short of the A'iews of his great master. Such being the character of the work in regard to the more general features of the subject, we must look for its merits in the particular history and description of the species introduced, and on examining these we are at no loss to find much to commend. It is true that no small degree of what we are now prone to regard as useless labour and erudition are employed in tracing out the old names of species, and making us acquainted with all that ' those ancients' have said and sung about them ; but when released from this prolixity, w^e find a good deal of accurate observa- tion and description, and what may be called legiti- mate natural history. This holds true in particular in regard to the fishes of the Mediterranean, as the author's residence on its shores afforded him facilities for investigating them such as few writers have en- joyed. Here, accordingly, we have useful notices of their habits, and other interesting particulars in their general history, points in which the accounts of the fishes from other quarters are very defective. The same advantage enabled our author to become ac- quainted with a good many very rare species, which few ichthyologists even of the present day have had an opportunity of examining, and they are obliged. 36 MEMOIR OF RONDELET. therefore, in regard to such, to derive their informa- tion chiefly from Rondelet. This circumstance renders his work useful even in the present day, when it might have been supposed to be completely- superseded by subsequent publications. Thus we find Cuvier, in his latest work on fishes, very often referring to his figures, and citing him as a classical authority on the fishes of the Mediterranean. Of the genus Lichia, for example, he states that all the three species have been well characterised by Ron- delet, and the distinctive marks he specifies are nearly the same as those given by that author. Many other similar instances occur, indicating the value which the most able ichthyologist of modern times set on the labours of Rondelet. The order he follows, in the descriptive part of his work, is thus noticed by himself: " In giving the history of each fish, we first mention the names, whether Greek, Latin, or French, particularly speci- fying those used in the south of France, and in the provinces. To these we sometimes add the Italian, German, and Spanish names. A figure of the whole body then follows, and a representation of the parts, both external and internal ; for from these the marks are principally derived by which fishes are distin- guished from each other. An account of the move- ments and manners is subjoined to these; the us4; of the fish, whether for food or medicine, is then explained. Sometimes an account is given of the mode of fishing; finally, the mode of preparation for food, and the variety of its properties io ii»at MEMOIR OF RONDELET. 37 state. Occasionally some of these particulars are omitted, either because they are well known or resembling those formerly mentioned, and the above order is sometimes changed on that account." Every species described, as we are here informed, is likewise figured, and these figures are well deserv- ing of attention, as they form the most remarkable feature of the work. They are all wood-engravings, amounting to 251 in number. They represent the objects in pretty large dimensions, many of them extending nearly across the folio page. The out- lines of the fishes are in general delineated with great accuracy, so much so that a practised eye has seldom much difficulty in recognising them from their contour alone. The scaling and filling up of the superficies is likewise in many instances well executed, and when that is the case, the representa- tion upon the whole is extremely faithful. It is true that the engraving is somewhat rude, and the details not in every instance to be depended upon ; they are likewise very unequal in merit, and a few are positively bad. But by far the greater number are deserving of high commendation, and would almost bear comparison with modem examples of the art; and we cannot but feel respect for the extreme care and assiduity which the author must bave exercised to enable his artists to execute them with such accuracy. We shall now lay before the reader, in a some- what abridged form, one or two of our author's notices of fishes, in order to convey a more accurate 30 MEMOIR OF RONDELET. Qotion of the kind of information to be derived froift. tiis work. In the commencement of the tenth book, he describes one of the common flying fishes of the Mediterranean ( Dactylopterus volitans. Trivia voli' tans, Linn,). " We have hitherto spoken," he says, " chiefly of broad and scaly fishes, now we have to treat of such as are rounded and of a reddish colour, some of which are scaly and others not ; but all of them were either very famous among the ancients, or present certain and very singular marks in which they diff*er from others. First of all comes the ^sXiduv of the Greeks, named hirundo by the La- tins, from its resemblance to the bird of that name. For the same reason that name is used by almost all nations; for the Greeks of the present day still call it y^iXih'jiv, with the addition of the word ^ago, to distinguish the fish from the bird ; our countrymen call it arondella ; the inhabitants of the shores of the Adriatic, rondela or rondola ; the na- tives of Montpellier, rondole ; Spaniards, volador ^ some of the French, wlant, because, when a stone is thrown, it flies out of the water Hke a bird. Others call it papilio, and some ratepenade, that is, bat, because it resembles that animal in colour, as well as in the size and spotting of its wings. But if we consider the matter attentively, we will be inclined to consider its flight (for it flies low, like birds when about to take up water from a river, or to collect seeds from the ground) as more resem- bling that of a swallow than a bat. The hirundo- then is a sea-fish, very closely resembling a swallow MEMOIR OF RONDELET. 39 in the great expansion of its tail and fins. The head is osseous like that of a tortoise, quadrate, hard, and rough, the hinder part ending in two long spines turned towards the tail. The opercula of the bran- chiae are osseous, likewise ending in two long spines, which nearly extend to the fin placed beside the branchis. On each side of tlie extremity of the opening of the mouth, two globular bodies resem- bling pearls may be seen. The eyes are large, round, red, or rufescent, like those of an owl. The whole body is covered with rough osseous scales, each row of which forms a line, and they render the body angular or rigid. About the head and tail, the body is quadrate ; about the belly, round and white ; but the back is reddish, with a dark ground colour. The branchial fins are very long and broad, almost reaching to the tail, rather dark-coloured, sprinkled with stellated and variously formed spots, like the wings of butterflies. Before these fins are placed what may be called their appendages, which are found in nearly all the fishes treated of in this book ; these are, as it were, cartilaginous pili situate before the branchial fins. There are other two erect fins on the back, ornamented with the same colours and marks as the branchial fins. The tail terminates in a single fin, very like the tail of a swallow. The greater part of the body is of a reddish colour with a dark ground (ex nigro ruhescit). Sometimes in- dividuals wholly red are met with at Rome ; but those of our neighbourhood are rather dark, and of larger size. The inner parts of the mouth are 40 MEMOIR OF RONDELET. red, of a bright and beautiful tint, deeper than cinnabar. These parts shine in the night, so that the animal seems to hold burning coals in its mouth, from which it may be supposed to be the fish named liicerna by the ancients. This fish has a very short throat ; its stomach has numerous ap- pendages ; a gall-bladder in the liver, and an angu- lar heart. The ova are red. It flies out of the water that it may not be preyed on by larger fishes, as we are informed by Oppianus and Aristotle. Marine hirundines also make a noise in flying; and the cause of this is a small and narrow fissure in the branchi^, for the air, on being pressed through a narrow aperture, produces a stridulent noise. For this same reason, the hirundo can live longer in the air, because the latter does not enter suddenly nor abundantly through the narrow holes of the bran- chi«, and, having once entered, it is more easily re- tained. The flesh of this fish is hard and dry, afi'ording much nourishment, but it is difficult of digestion. Owing to the flesh being so hard, it becomes better and more tender by long keeping ; hence it is that it is better when carried to Rome than when used near the shore. I have found that the gall of the hirundo may be used with benefit in cases of suffusion of the eyes. The fish, as we have figured it, resembles the cucullus and mullet, both in colour and form of body ; but it has very long and broad wings, and flies out of the water, as many who have seen it assure us. Those who have sailed through the Straits of Gibraltar affirm that they MEMOIR OF RONDELET. 41 have sometimes seen such flocks of flying hirun- dines, that they supposed them to be aquatic birds rather than fishes." * The following is a portion of his account of that singular looking fish the Lophius piscatorius, or Angler. He names it Rana piscatrix. " By the Neapolitans of the present day it is called the fish- ing-frog, and by the Italians marino piscatoro or diavolo di mare. By the inhabitants of Marseilles it is named Irandroy^ on account of the very wide gape of its mouth; by the Burdegalensiansjo^^efeaw; by the inhabitants of Montpellier gallanga ; and lamia by the SiciHans, I know not for what reason, unless it be on account of its wide gape or voracity. It obtains the name of piscatrix from its custom of Ashing, and rajia from its resemblance to a tadpole or young frog. This fish is cartilaginous, flat, of a brownish or sooty colour, the head very large, round and depressed. It is like the small fish named cotta in the shape and colour of its body. The tail seems to be fixed directly to the head, without any body, so that nothing appears but a head and tail. The head is beset with many acute spines. Its mouth is not in the upper part of the head, but in front, and it is large and wide, skilfully adapted by provident Nature to the disposition and manners of the fish. The upper jaw is shortest, the under long and pro- minent, so that the mouth gapes widely ; the tongue also, which is longer than the upper jaw, is broad and large in proportion to the size of the jaw. There * Page 284—286. 42 MEMOIR OF RONDELKT. is a kind of membrane rising from the inner part of the gums and folded in the mouth, which, unless carefully examined, will not appear separated from the maxilla. The teeth are large, acute, and curved, not only placed in each jaw, but likewise fixed to the two palatal bones, and also to the root of the tongue. The eyes on the upper side of the head, looking sidewise, are encircled with spines ; in front of them are two slender white appendages, of a disagreeable smell, if we may believe Oppian, with which the animal most skilfully allures and captures other fishes as with a bait ; a fact proved, not only by the most weighty testimony of Aristotle, but also by the experience of many fishermen. Contrary to the nature of flat fishes, it has two fins in the middle of the body. There is one branchial foramen on each side, covered by an operculum, not osseous. The tail is fleshy and thick, ending in a broad fin ; and another fin stands erect on its upper part. From the sides of the head and tail some fleshy appendages, placed at certain dis- tances from each other, are suspended, which swim on the surface when the sea-frog is in motion. In- ternally, the peritona9um is black, the ventriculus large, having a single short appendage on each side. The intestines slender, convoluted in numerous folds, as was necessary, on account of its voracity and the small capacity of its stomach. The liver is red, small, contrary to the nature of voracious and glut- tonous fishes ; nor is it divided into lobes as in galea; and is not inferior in tenderness to the liver of th& MEMOIR OP RONDELET. 43 torpedo, deserving to be sought after on that account alone. The gall-bladder is long, the gall watery ; the spleen blackish. If we examine this fish through the mouth, when its body is distended as much as possible, the whole seems pellucid ; and by the light admitted, it appears like a lantern of frightful ap- pearance. The rana marina can live a considerable time out of water. We have seen them sometimes live two days on the shore among grass, and have known them seize with their teeth the foot of a fox in search of prey in the night and hold it till morn- ing, from which we may form an opinion of the strength of its mouth and teeth. The flesh is soft, excrementitious, and unsavoury." * These specimens, which it is unnecessary to multiply, will convey some idea of the character and properties of Rondelet's famous work. Not a small number of the Mediterranean fishes he des- cribes are so rare, that they were not again seen by naturalists till the time of Risso and Savigny. This work furnishes nearly all that has been said re- specting the fishes of the Mediterranean by Ges- ner, Aldrovandi, Willughby, Artedi, and Linnasus. Bloch does not say much about them ; but Lacepede was not a little indebted to Rondelet. The work was translated into French (Lyons, 1558), and this translation has been ascribed to Laurent Joubert, the friend of Rondelet, and also his biographer ; by others it is assigned to Desmoulins. Boussuet wrote an abridgement of the ' De piscibus marinis' in Latin. * Page 363—367. 44 MEMOIR OF RONDELET. verse. Gesner, in his work on animals, wliicli was so far designed to be a compilation, inserted some of Rondelet's articles entire, and copied his figures. Rondelet has not escaped the charge of pla- giarism ; but it rests on so slight a foundation, that it would be unnecessary to allude to the subject, were it not for the respectable parties by whom it has been preferred. M. de Thou and Scaliger allege that Rondelet derived his materials from a manuscript of William Pellicier, Bishop of Montpellier, which formed a commentary on Pliny's Natural History ; and that these commentaries were afterwards either lost or suppressed. But this is a mere assertion, without the shadow of proof. Rondelet was well known in his day to be a skilful and able naturalist, and to devote his attention more particularly to the history of fishes ; and there is nothing in his work which one circumstanced as he was, was not perfectly competent to produce. In absence of every thing like probability, or evidence of any kind to the con- trary, it is quite superfluous to vindicate his claim to the undivided honour of the authorship. INTRODUCTION. " Quicquid nascatur in parte naturse ulla, et in mari esse ; praeterqiie multa quae nusquam alibi." — Pliny. " Immensa et summe admirabilis Dei potentia atque solertia in rebus coelestibus, iisque quae in sere et terra fiunt, maxime vero in mari, in quo tarn varise et stupendae rerum formae conspiciuntur ut quaerendi et contemplandi nullus tmquam futurus sit finis."— IIonde'',et. " The sounds and seas, each creek and bay, With fiy innumerable swarm, and shoals Of fish that with their fins, and shining scales. Glide under the green wave, in sculls that oft Bank the mid sea: part single, or with mate, Graze the sea-weed their pasture, and through groves Of coral stray ; or, sporting with quick glance, Show to the sun their waved coats dropt with gold." Milton. In the Introduction to the Yolumes of the Na- turalist's Library dedicated to the History of British Fishes, wa purpose to submit to the atten- tion of our readers luch novelties concerning the structure, habita, and economic use of this impor- tant Class, as, within a recent period, have been 46 INTRODUCTION. brought to light by the many labourers who are now so assiduously cultivating this as other departments of Natural History. Any thing more than this is unnecessary, after what has already appeared in the other volumes of this Series ; the Introduction to the first volume, consisting of a comprehensive sum- mary of the nature and uses of fishes ; and the plan of the second being formed with a view of present- ing a more complete generalization of the same interesting topics : any thing less, would have a tendency to disappoint the hopes of those who, unsatisfied with mere details, keep an eye upon the general results to which these eventually lead. ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE LANCELOT. We commence with the recent discoveries which have been made in the anatomical structure of the Lan- celot ; and for which we are indebted to the ability of Mr. Goodsir, late Conservator of the Museums of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. This singular animal had been known, indeed, since the days of Pallas, who procured it from England, and directed some share of his rare talent to its in- vestigation ; it had also fallen under the notice of Mr. Couch, the well-known Ichthyologist of Pol- porro, and of Mr. Yarrell, so distinguished as a British Naturalist ; as also of Professors Retzias and Sandevall of Stockholm, and Professor Miiller ^f Berlin, all of whom improved the opportunities, -scanty from the rarity of the animal, which they STRUCTURE OF THE LANCELOT. 47 enjoyed; and yet it cannot be doubted, that to Mr. Goodsir, who obtained two specimens, pro- cured on the Manx coast, from Mr. Forbes, we are chiefly indebted for a full and lucid descrip- tion of this extraordinary croiiture, the lowest link now known in the scale r4" vertebrate animals. That it is a fish of singular character will at once be conceded, when it is known that Pallas and the naturalists of his day arranged it as a Limax, that is, with the slugs and snails, in the class MoUusca. Mr. Yarrell, upon careful examination, very properly transferred it into the division Vertebrata, and class of Fishes, placing it in the family Petromyzidae, near the Cyclostomes, or Round-mouthed Fishes ; so connecting it with the Lampreys and JMyxine. The details of Mr. Goodsir's labours clearly demon- strate, as that gentleman remarks, that the Lance- lot can no longer be retained even in the same family with the last named fishes, but must assume an ordinal value in any new arrangement of this class. We have remarked that the true position of the Lancelot has been assigned in the division Verte- brata, and class Fishes; and yet, it has no true bone nor cartilage, and consequently no true verte- brae, in the composition of its skeleton: no more has it any proper head, cranium, or brain; nor eye, nor ear. It is placed in the class of fishes, and yet it has nothing like true gills or branchial arches ; once more, it has neither hepatic, renal, nor common reproductive orcfans ; and yet, when Mr. Forbes' 48 INTRODUCTION. specimens were dredged up on the coast of the Isle of Man, they were extremely active, and on first inspection had a strong resemblance to small Sand- eels. That so many striking deficiencies, as are im- plied in these statements, should exist in a true fish, could scarcely have been credited; and the most assiduous efforts of skill to supply their places, would overtask the ability of the most ingenious. In fact, it was only an extensive and intimate ac- quaintance with the minutiae of Nature's works as exhibited in the lower links of the animated scale, and more especially of embryonic forms, examined with the aid of powerful microscopes, that could have enabled the indefatigable author of the Paper under review, to have reached those satisfactory conclusions with which he has so re- cently enriched the annals of science. Referring the curious reader, for minute and ample details, to the Memoir read to the Royal Society of Edin- burgh in May last (Vol. xv. p. 247), we now pro- ceed to state very shortly the mechanism and principles by which the phenomena of life in this singular animal must necessarily be conducted. "We have already stated that there are no true vertebra, and, in fact, no bones nor cartilages in the composition of this animal's frame-work. The skeleton consists only of a series of sacs, assuming particular forms according to their several positions, and appearing flattened in the spinal column, and cylindrical in the place of the fin bones. The spinal column consists externally of a fibrous sheath, and STRUCTURE OF THE LANCELOT. 4J* iDtemally, of a great number of layers or laminaB, each of the size and shape of a section of the column at t/ie place where it is situated. When any part of the column is removed, thin plates may be pushed out from the tubular sheath, like a pile of coins. They have no great adhesion to each other; are of the consistence of parchment, and appear like flattened bladders, as if formed of two tough fibrous mem- branes pressed together. The fibres of the sheath are chiefly circular; but there are strong ligaments stretching along its superior and inferior aspects. From the sides of the column aponeurotic laminae pass ofi^ to form septa of attachment between the muscular bundles; and, along the mesial plane, over the column, there is a fibrous canal for the spinai cord. Foramina exist along the sides of this canal for the passage of nerves. The form of the spinai column therefore is sufficiently marked, and about sixty divisions and upwards, passing obliquely from above downwards, may be counted. There are, besides, a dorsal and ventral series of germs of in- terspinous bones, and fin rays, between the peri- pheral elements of the spinal column. The total want of brain, eye, and ear, in one of the vertebrate animals, is scarcely less extraordinary than the complete absence of any thing like a bony skeleton; and yet the fact seems established on the same satisfactory grounds. The nervous system, ac- cordingly, consists only of a spinal marrow or corG, and nerves, the latter branching from the former regularly on both sides. The spinal cord stretches D 50 INTRODUCTION. along the wliole length of the spinal column, is largest in tne middle portion, points at both ends, and exhibits not the slightest cerebral development at the anterior extremity. A shallow groove runs along the mesial line of the upper part of the cord, vt'hich is partially filled with a black pigment. The cord may be traced with great ease to within one-sixteenth of an inch of the anterior extremity of the column, and far from dilating into a brain, it becomes, on the contrary, extremely slender. When the spinal cord is examined under a high magnifying power, it is found to be composed en- tirely of nucleated cells, very loosely attached to each other, and enclosed in an exceedingly delicate covering of pia mater. From fifty-five to sixty nerves pass off from each side of the cord, having no double roots, but inserted at once into its €dges, in the form of simple cords. These nerves divide into two sets of branches, which are seve- rally distributed upon the dorsal and ventral aspects of the body. The first pair is excessively minute, and is distributed about the superior angles of the mouth ; and the second pair corresponds to the tri- facial of more highly developed animals. The pe- culiarities of the structure of the spinal cord are not less remarkable than those of its configuration; nor is it an easy matter to understand how a spinal cord destitute of primitive fibres or tubes, and alto- gether composed of isolated cells, can transmit influences of any kind in any given direction. Thirdly, that an animal should be correctly ar- STRUCTURE OF THE LANCELOT. 51 ranged in the class of fishes, and yet have neither gills nor branchial arches, is as wide a departure from the common analogies of nature as any of ■those to which we have already alluded. The question then here occurs, In what does the respi- ratory system of this animal consist ? We answer, in a Hyoid apparatus which supports the mouth, and in a range of what may be called tracheal rings, — corresponding to the windpipe, — whicli supplies the place of gills. The hyoid apparatus guards the entrance of the mouth in form of a longitudinal slit, and is divided into many mi- nute pieces. Immediately behind this apparatus, what may be called the tracheal cavity commences, and continues as a dilated tube till it at length con- tracts, and becomes continuous with the digestive portion of the intestine. The walls of the two an- terior thirds of the tracheal cavity are strengthened, on each side, by a series of transparent rings to the number of seventy or eighty, hair-like and highly elastic, which are imbedded in their substance, their general direction being from above down- wards. There results from this arrangement a sort of skeleton canal, the walls of which are completed by membrane; and thus is formed an apparatus for respiration which has hitherto been unobserved in the class of fishes. Tliis fish then respires, by re- ceiving sea-water into the anterior compartments of its intestinal tube, thus kept dilated by these filamentous rings: and the dilatation may be in- creased by the action of the superimposed lateral 52 INTRODUCTION. muscles ; and the contraction, by the action of the abdominal muscles. This mode of respiration is not unknown in some of the molluscous animals, whose branchial membrane exactly resembles that yust described. Were the animal examined during life, it would undoubtedly exhibit numerous cilia, not only for renewing the supply of water for re- spiration, but also for conveying food to the orifice of the digestive organ. This orifice is guarded by filaments, acting as a sieve to prevent the entrance of foreign bodies, or of such food as it has neither jaws to masticate, nor powers of stomach to digest. In conclusion, it is to be observed that no opportunity has occurred for examining this fish when alive, so that much remains to be done in the investigation of its peculiar habits : and, moreover, that the peculiarities of the hepatic, renal, and other systems of this most anomalous of vertebrate animals, still leaves much for the examination of the physiologist. THE ELECTRIC ORGAN OF THE SILURUS OP THE NILE. The exact structure of the Electric Organ of the Silurus of the Nile, Malapterurus electricus, being now ascertained, we shall avail ourselves of the researches regarding this apparatus by M. Valen- ciennes, as contained in the last volume of his great work on Fishes which has reached this country. ELECTRIC ORGAN OF THE SILURUS. 63 /Tom. XV.) Though Adanson, in the year 1756, directed the attention of NatiiraHsts to the extra- ordinary power possessed by this fish, yet de- tached notices concerning it existed centuries before in the works of our earlier voyagers. In the year 1775, the Editors of the Papers of the eminent Forskall gave a somewhat extended account of it ; and M. Broussonnet, in a Memoir read to the Academy of Sciences of Berlin, published in 1782, supplied the first representation of the fish. It was to M. Geofiroy St. Hilaire, however, that we were indebted for the first account of the electric organ, and, with this, he supplied a fair representation of the animal, in 1802. In 1824, Professor Rudol- phi furnished an excellent memoir upon the subject in the Berlin Transactions, in which some of the internal parts were described; and M. Valenciennes has now presented us with all that was required to make the account complete. Of the six fishes which constitute the present list of those possessed of this singular power, the apparatus of two of them, namely, the Torpedo and Gymnotus, has long since been minutely explained, and we hail with plea- sure this additional triumph of patient and success- ful investigation. Dismissing all further chronolo- gical details and criticism, we now supply a de- scription of the organ, as accurate and succinct as we can render it. The account of the outer aponeurotic membrane we shall derive from that furnished by M. Rudol- phi, as being somewhat more precise than that of 54 INTRODUCTION. M, Geofiroy. Immediately under the skin, there is a distinct and peculiar membrane composed of rhomboidal cells, the walls of which are compressed against each other as in young leaves. A longitu- dinal aponeurotic band or raphe, proceeding from the skin to the muscles, both on the back and abdomen, divides it into two portions, one on either side. The whole of its internal aspect is doubled by a silvery aponeurosis, which is com- posed of interlacing fibres. This tunic extends up- wards as far as the eye, leaving a hollow space for the pectoral fin, and downwards does not extend below the ears ; backwards it reaches no further than the anal fin, and beyond that is simply aponeuro- tic. The par vagum nerve runs under this aponeu- rosis, and supplies it with numerous branches, which penetrate it, to be distributed among the cells. M. Geoffrey, as already stated, had previously described this peculiar coat. To this M. Rudolphi adds, that there is present, moreover, another re- markable tunic, covered with minute cells, consist- ing of a flaky irregular tissue, quite peculiar in its nature. When a portion of this membrane is taken hold of with a pair of pincers, its tissue appears to be composed of loose tufts of exceedingly soft fibres, without any regular arrangement, and without any fatty matter in its composition. M. Yalenciennes describes the former of these tunics, M. Geoffrey's, as a thick layer of spongy cellular tissue imme- diately under the true skin, and strongly adhering ELECTRIC ORGAN OF THE SILURUS. 55 to it, composed of thin and crossed layers, mois- tened with a gelatinous fluid, doubled at its inner aspect by a silvery looking aponeurosis, to which it also strongly adheres. Under this aponeurosis the great vascular and nervous trunks are distri- buted, their branches penetrating, to be distributed upon the overlying tissue. Besides this there is the second tunic, which M. Rudolphi described but this, instead of being quite simple, as that cele- brated anatomist supposed, M. Valenciennes found was composed of at least six folds or layers, which in every respect resemble each other, but are altogether distinct, and may readily be sepa- rated fi'om the subjacent muscles, to which they are attached only by loose and not very abundant cellular membrane. These aponeurotic layers ex- tend to the caudal fin, and are thin, dense, and extensible under the finger; their external surface becomes flocculent by the imbibition of water. These tufts, which resemble moist cotton, exhibit, under high magnifying powers, a felt of fibres which are extremely minute, and interlaced among them- selves. The tunics receive upon their external aspect very delicate fibres of the nerve, running beneath the aponeurosis ; others, arising from the intercos- tals, also very fine, pass to the six membranes and are distributed on their internal surface. These de- tails supply, we believe, all the information which can be derived concerning the electric organs of the Malapterurus, so far as they can be learned from aiui-**>ls preserved in alcohol. It is inferred, that 56 INTRODUCTION. from the alternation of these different laminae an analog>' is established with the common galvanic pile; and that thus this animal can give and with- hold at pleasure electric shocks, as means of de- fence, and also as weapons wherewith to stun its prey. In the otherwise excellent representation which M. Greoffroy supplied of this fish, in the 1 st volume of the Annales du Musee, it appears covered with scales. This, however, is quite contrary to the fact, and opposed to an important law in the galvanic physiology of those fishes which are possessed of electrical powers. All of these, remarks M. Valen- ciennes, which are as yet known, have neither scales nor spines upon their body. The Torpedo, Gymnotus, and this Silurus, have the skin smooth ; and even the Tetrodon electricus furnishes an addi- tional example. Although most of the genus TetrO" don have the surface actually bristled, so that they have received the popular name of Sea-hedgehogs, yet a few are included which are destitute of osseous spines, and possessed of a smooth skin ; and to this class the electric animal belongs. The electrical powers of this fish have not hither- to been the subject of any accurate experiments. Adanson only remarked, that it did not appear to differ sensibly from the shock of the Leyden pliial; and the account of Richard Jobson is to the effect, that when using a net in the river Gambia, they captured, among other fishes, one like an English bream, but broader and thicker, which, GILL-COVER OF THE SILURID^ f)7 on being seized by one of the crew, elicited from him the exclamation, That he had lost the use of his hands and arms; another sailor, on touching it with his feet, received a shock through his leg. This fish, like the Torpedo, does not require to be very large ere it can in lict its shocks : M. Prieur assuring us, that a specimen at Senegal, which was only seven inches long, inflicted very powerful ones. Before leaving the family of the Siluridce, it may be worth while to mention a remarkable anomaly which exists in their Gill-covers, and which, we believe, was first pointed out by M. Valenciennes. It is, that whereas in nearly the whole class of fishes the gill-cover almost uniformly consists of four osseous pi'^ces, in this family it not less inva- riably consists of three only. According to this distinguished Naturalist, all the Silurid« want the suboperculum ; and this anatomical fact is unques- tionably, according to him, one of the most curious which is met with in the comparative anatomy of fishes. In this class, he remarks, whose species are so numerous, we find a constancy in the respi- ratory apparatus, both as it regards the form and composition of the organ, such as the importance of the function performed by these parts would lead us to expect. When, then. Nature exhibits these ex- ceptions which mock our artificial arrangements, they are generally found very much isolated; and it is usually a single species only which presents us with what is styled an anomaly. Here, however, 6B INTRODUCTION. on the contrary, one is found in an entire family^ comprehending nearly three hundred species, which have been collected in our Museums and examined by Naturalists, and not one of which has more than three opercular bones instead of four : and this cha- racter is constant, whatever may be the variations of the other parts, which, without entering into particulars, are as great and unexpected here, as those which are found in the other families of the class. LYMPHATIC HEARTS. A lymphatic heart having, in the year 1831, been discovered by that able physician and philosopher. Dr. Marshall Hall, in an Eel, though at the time he was not aware either of its nature or function, and many of these organs being now known to occur m the class of reptiles, and their existence being moreover anticipated even in birds and mammals, we shall here say a few words regarding them. In all living beings, besides the very necessary process of the ingestion and absorption of aliment, it is now very generally understood that there is a di- rectly contrary, or, at all events, a very distinct operation going forward, whereby the effete mat- ter of the system is unceasingly withdrawn and discharged from the body by a process which is designated absorption^ and interstitial absorption, and which is unremittingly operating in every part and tissue of the living frame. In invertebrate LYMPHATIC HEARTS. 59^ animals this function is discharged by the same machinery which moves the blood ; whilst in the vertebrate an additional system is brought into play, known under the name of the lymphatic. In fishes this system is exhibited in its simplest and most diffused form : these vessels being extensively dis- tributed through the superficial and deep seated parts of the body; they are also extremely disten- sible, and have no valves, as in the higher animals. In reptiles, although the general character of the system is much the same, yet tlie following pecu- liarity has recently been discovered by Professor Miiller, namely, that pulsating dilatations of the lymphatic trunks very generally exist ; and it is to these he has given the name of lymphatic hearts. The Berlin professor first discovered them in the frog, and subsequently in toads, salamanders, and lizards. In the first named animal there are two pairs, one situate in the neck, subservient to the upper extremities, and the other, near the hip- joint, to the lower. These last are placed imme- diately under the skin, and can be readily seen act- ing in the living animal ; pouring their limpid con- tents into some continuous vein. Their pulsations are totally independent both of the heart and of the respiration; they continue after the removal of the former, and for an hour or two after the apparent death of the animal. Neither are they synchronous with each other on the two sides of the body, nor always performed in the same space of time; they are often irregular, and exhibit long and frequent 60 INTRODUCTION. intermissions : when in regular action they contract about sixty times in a minute. One of these hearts has been lately very accurately described by Pro- fessor E. H. Weber, as occurring in a large species of serpent, the Python vivitatus : it is about nine lines in length, and four in breadth; it has an external cellu- lar coat, and a thick muscular one ; four muscular columns run across its cavity, which communicates with three lymphatic vessels, all of which have valves ; the heart has also something like an auri- cular appendage. Dr. Hall's discovery was made near the tail of the eel, and was particularly observed under the microscope. If a young eel, six or seven inches in length, be rolled up in a slip of linen cloth, leaving out a portion only of the tail, it will remain quiet when placed on a long slip of glass, and the pulsation may be readily discovered to be wholly independent of the action or influence of the heart, and the number of beats will be seen to be more than double in the same period of time; they also continue after the heart, properly so called, has been removed. There can be no question that sucn an apparatus as this must greatly promote the important process of absorption; and although it may be supposed to be particularly desiderated in fishes and reptiles, Professor Miiller expresses his conviction, that im- portant discoveries of a similar nature will ere long be made in the higher classes of animals. 61 PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT IN FISHES. In leaving these slight anatomical sketches, and turning to the more interesting field of Physio- logy, we shall first direct attention to the different methods by which the grand process of reproduc- tion is regulated in fishes. In the last part of Pro- fessor Miiller's admirable treatise on Physiology, such a flood of light is thrown upon the subject of development, that we cannot lose the opportu- nity of recommending it to the attention of all who are curious in the astonishing secrets of Na- ture's work ; and, still more to enhance this re- commendation, we shall endeavour to supply a specimen of the information which may be gleaned from his original and philosophical pages. The process of the development of the ova of dif- ferent animals appears to be exhibited under three distinct forms. First, in Oviparous animals, the ova are expelled from the system of the mother, and undergo development independent of it, the requi- site nourishment being contained within themselves. Secondly, in other instances the ova are developed within the body of the parent, where they lie free, for a time, in some part of the oviduct, with which however they have no organic connection. In this case, as in the former, they derive no nourishment directly from the parent, although some of the fluid with which they are surrounded may be appropriated 62 INTRODUCTION. to their use. To those viviparous animals in which the ova are thus situated, having no connexion by- means of vascular cotyledons, or a placenta, Miiller proposes to apply the name of Vivipara acotyledona^ answering to the more familiar term of Ovo-vlvipa- rous. Thirdly, The last division of animals is that in which a connexion with the parent, destined for the conferring and assumption of nutriment, exists : these he designates by the name of Vivipara Coty- lophora. The greater number of animals, invertebrate as well as vertebrate, are Oviparous^ — the oviparous vertebrates comprehending the majority of fishes, reptiles, and birds. The exceptions in the case of fishes, with some isolated ones presently to be men- tioned, are found chiefly in the plagiostomatous, — flat-mouthed fishes, — the Sharks and Rays, which, generally speaking, are viviparous. Such of them as are not, as the groups Scyllhim of the Sharks, and the Raia proper, and Chimera among the Rays, have a fine homy shell, well known under the fami- liar names of Mermaid's^ Sailors, or Sea-purses, usually of a flat form, oblong in the sharks, often yellow and transparent; and square in the rays, with the four angles prolonged and pointed, like horns. The gland which is destined for the forma- tion of this shell in these animals is remarkably developed. The ova of oviparous animals when deposited, in some cases undergo their further de- velopement in water, in other cases on land ; those of fishes taking pl»^« invariably in water. OVO-VIVIPAROUS PISHES. 03' Tlie second, or Viviparo-acotyledonous method, in which the ova undergo a development, more or less complete, in the oviduct of the parent, is not very uncommon in osseous fishes ; though its several examples seem far from being ascertained, and no full enumeration of them has, so far as we know, been attempted. We shall therefore specify a few. In Cuvier's Tenth family, that with labyrinthiform pharyngeals, in the genus Osphronemus^ we find the well known Goramy ( Gourami), so highly prized as food, appertaining to this category. In the Annales Maritimes et Colonieles^ 1827, we are informed that three young goramies were made the subject of examination by competent persons in the French colony of Guadaloupe. From the largest, which did not reach two inches in length, the vesicle contain- ing the young was removed, and, with the aid of a lens, the young fishes were perfectly perceptible through the transparent vesicle which contained them. "With the help of a lancet, ten distinct and well formed diminutive fishes were taken, and sur- vived the operation, swimming about in the plate which contained them for half an hour. In the other two specimens, which were still smaller, the ova were not so far advanced, but still were quite distinct. The fecundity of this fish is said to be astonishing. (Zool. Joum. iv.312.) Cuvier's Twelfth family, however — that of the Gobioidas — is the one which is by far the most celebrated for this pecu- liarity, so interesting as it regards structure, instinct, a*»d habits ; and is pre-eminent in the genua Cliniis, 64 INTRODUCTION. containing upwards of twenty species, mostly deni- zens of tropical seas. The Mediterranean species is a small fish of about three inches in length, whilst the one so common at the Cape — C. superciliosus — reaches to fourteen ; and regarding its viviparous na ture, Baron Cuvier was thoroughly satisfied. From the similarity of structure, the authors of L' Hist Nat. des Poissons infer, what was not previously suspected, that the whole genus partakes of this pe- culiarity, although it has not in every case been esta blished by direct examination. These Naturalists, however, have examined the structure of some, and have discovered a well-marked external reproduc- tive apparatus. In the genus Zoarchus^ again, to which the well-known Viviparous Blenny belongs, the apparatus of the Clinus is no longer discoverable, and the male can scarcely be distinguished, by the most minute external examination; whilst inter- nally the vasa deferentia of the milt gland corres- pond exactly with what is found in Oviparous fishes ; and no external apparatus can be perceived in creatures whose method of reproduction is so remarkable. The Viviparous Blenny, just named, is perhaps the fish which of all others has been longest and best known as belonging to the group. The young are so matured at the time of birth, that on their first exclusion they swim about with the utmost agility. Two or three hundred are some- times produced by one individual, and the abdomen is so distended before parturition, that it is impos- sible to touch it without causing them to be ex- OVO-VIVIPAROUS FISHES. 6.^ truded. Tlie able author of the elaborate work on Fishes in the Cabinet Cyclopaedia asserts, that all the blennies— his Blennidce — are " altogether vivi- parous." In his arrangement, this tribe or family is very numerous, and he states repeatedly that they all have this peculiarity. — (See Vol. ii. 10, 11, 182). According to his own subsequent showing, however, this statement is incorrect, his Blennophis being ovi- parous (lb. 276) ; and hence the assertion, from affirming too much, possesses little or no value. But besides, the assertion directly contravenes the posi- tive statement of many naturalists, M. Yalenciennes, respecting the sub-family Blennoides^ of the great work upon Fishes (agreeing generally with that of the Cyclopaedia), remarks, — " Although I have exa- mined a vast number of the females, nothing has led me to conclude that these Blennies are vivi- parous." Of a Gattoruginous Blenny Mr. Couch remarks (apud Yarr., i. 257), " at the end of May I have found it large with roe, some of a mulberry, and others of a leaden colour; and M. Risso ex- pressly affirms, that the females of certain kinds have their ovaries full with more than a thousand ova, differently coloured and spotted, which they deposit towards the end of spring, or during sum- mer."—(Cuv. & Yal., xi. p. 147.) We fear the objection equally applies to the same author's state- ment respecting the Loaches, his Colitidce, a large family of the soft-rayed or Malacopterygeous group, which he also alleges is entirely viviparous. — (Ut. ant., i. 360 : ii 10. 190 rjOOV Be this however as 0^ INTRODUCTION. it may, we have little doubt that in the Atuihleps t'^trophthahnus^ one of the family, this peculiarity exists. It is so distinguished by Cuvier : as is also the genus Poecilia^ a confined group of small fi*hes which inhabit the fresh waters of America (Cuv. & Val., xi. 334) ; and also the Silures (lb. i. 393), which may therefore be added to the list. Upon the whole, therefore, this mode of deve- lopment is rare in Osseous fishes, whilst the reverse is the case in Cartilaginous ; the sharks and rays, for the most part, belonging to this division. Of the sharks, we name the families GaleL Mttsteliy ZygceihT. Ahpecir. Spinaces^ Scymniy and Sp.ta- titio'; and of the Rays, the families Prist ide^s Bhi- nobatides^ Torpedines, Try^jjues, Mylio^'^.Uide.^, and Cephalopter'jF. The coverings of the ovum in these ovo-v^viparous fishes are remarkably thin ; and the ova increase in size, as previously hinted, by the absorption of the surrounding fluid. Dr. Davy hav- ing observed that a developed embryo of the Torpedo is much heaAner than an undeveloped one. In one instance, before the appearance of the embryo, the ovum of a torpedo weighed 182 grains — an ovum, in which the embryo was visible, 177; whilst the weight of the mature fish, preWous to birth, was 4'9 grains; a fact which is important, as it shows how nearlv allied are the viviparous development with- out immediate connexion with the parent, and the viviparous development in which that connexion su^»sists. -' third method of development exists oidy in MARSUPIAL FISHES. 67 the mainmalia, and in some genera of sbarKs; an observation which is as old as Aristotle, and wnich Roiidelct represented in one of his j)lates. Stenonis, in the year 1()73, described the onibryo of Gahus Jcnvis as connected by means of the })lacenta ; and Cnviersays briefly, that in the Carcharias the yolk- sac is attached as firndy as a jdacenta. But on this subject we must not enlarge ; and only repeat, that very ani))lc details on these curious points will be found in tlic pa^cs already referred to. Many of those who read these pages are familiar with the fact, tliat there is one group of the mam- malia in wliich the ovo-viviparoiis mode of deve- lopment, as frequently stated, exists. — (Nat. Lib. Mam. xi. 69.) We allude to the Marsupiata, includ- ing the Kangaroos, Opossums, and other families. Tn connexion with this subject, it is interesting to know that there are true Marsuplalia in tlie class of fishes; that is fish with a marsupium — a purse or bag for the safe custody of their young, first in th(! state of ova, and subsequently in that of fry, which, from their premature extrusion, are altoge- ther unable to take care of themselves. The ana- logy so far is very striking. But a marked differ- ence exists in this respect ; that whereas in the mammalia the marsu])ium is in the female, in the fishes it is found in the males. This provision is met with in various species of the Synynathi^ or Pipe-fishes, and also in the short round /////- pocampus^ frequently called the Sea-horse. To OiS INTRODUCTION. adopt the words of Mr. Walcott, the original dis- coverer of this interesting fact in the Pipe-fish, — " The male differs from the female in the belly, from the vent to the tail-fin being much broader, and in having, for about two-thirds of its length, two soft flaps, which fold together, and form a false belly or pouch. They breed in the summer ; the females casting their roe into the pouch of the male." Here the ova are nurtured, and the young, when ready, escape from the capsules. This re- markable structure in the Hippocampus had not escaped the keen eye of John Hunter; and some specimens still exist in the Museum of the London College of Surgeons, which had been exposed, and partly examined by this great anatomist. Even when able to swim about, the young pipe-fish seek the protection afforded by this curious contrivance^ " I have been assured," says Mr. Yarrell, " that if the young were shaken out of the pouch into the water over the side of a boat, they did not swim away; but when the parent fish was held in the water, in a favourable position, the young would again enter the pouch." M. Risso particularly no- tices the gTeat attachment of the adult Pipe-fish to its young, and suggests, that this pouch is the place of shelter whither the latter retreat in case of danger. To one other remarkable variety in the develop- ment of this class we must advert. The singular ^peculiarity of the Pipa, or Surinam toad, must b^ OBSTETRICAL FISHES. WJ familiar to many; the female of which animal has an extraordinary provision for protecting her eggs. The ova, in a very tender state, are no sooner pro- truded, than, with the assistance of the male, they are introduced into various small cells on her hack, when she hastens into the water, where the inte- guments swell, the cells become closed and promi- nent, and here the young remain for about eighty •days, until they have completed their metamor- phosis, and issue forth afresh, as perfect toads. Now, something nearly akin to this happens in some fish ; with this difference, as in the instance above alluded to, that this obstetrical function is in them performed not by the female, but the male. In these fishes the males, on the under part of their body, are provided with separate hemispherical de- pressions, arranged in several rows, all the females being destitute of them ; and the ova being extruded by the latter, are deposited in these depressions, and are thus for a time borne and protected by the males. This remarkable provision has been de- scribed by several authors in some species of the Pipe-fish ; and Cuvier has noticed it as occurring in the genus Aspredo, belonging to the Silurida*. The subject on which we have so long dwelt, and which we must now dismiss, naturally leads to the somewhat associated one of Parental Care, and the various means and methods in which this, one of the strongest of Nature's instincts, is exhibited and expressed. It is very generally alleged that fishes 70 INTRODUCTION. are wholly destitute of this feeling, and every other which is in any way associated with it; that all their emotions, cold as their blood, indicate only indi- vidual wants and selfish propensities. That thi* is generally true we do not mean to dispute; and, in fact, it is not easy to conceive how any parental regard can be exercised towards a progeny so nu- merous as that which belongs to the majority of fish, amounting, according to Mr. Jesse, to more than half a million in the mackarel, to nearly a million and a half in the flounder, and to 3,686,760 in the cod (Gleanings, i. 90); and these ova evolved only after having been buried in the sand or gravel for weeks and months, or wafted about on the floating billow. But while necessity thus, in the majority of cases, compels this total abandonment of their progeny, yet it is interesting to know that this practice is by no means universal, and that instances are not rare in which there is a clear manifestation of parental instinct exhibited sometimes both by male and fe- male, occasionally previous to the birth of the young, by the preparation of a suitable receptacle, or nest; and at other times afterwards, when the fry are pe- culiarly exposed to imminent hazard from the innu- merable foes with which they are surrounded. We rest this assertion not merely on what we have had occasion to mention above reg-arding the Mar- supial and the Obstetrical fishes, which, however, pre-eminently belong to this category, but upon others whose structure and habits are widely dif- ferent. All of those to which we now proceed to FISHES* NESTS. 71 allude are purely oviparous, and all belong to fami- lies of the Osseous series. The parent fishes, some- times by mutual co-operation, thereby manifesting themselves to be monogamous, prepare a nest for their young, and then subsequently protect them with the most devoted care. A few details illus- trating these particulars will not prove unaccept- able. One of the species of the well-known genus Gasterosteus — the Stickle-back s, namely, G. spina- chia^ the fifteen-spined stickle-back, has been long known to build its nest on our own shores. A slight notice concerning fishes' nests discovered on the coast of Berwickshire, by Admiral Milne, will be found in an early Number of the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal ; and although the species is not there mentioned, the deficiency has been since supplied. The nests are to be found in several parts of the coast, in spring and summer, in rocky and weedy pools between tide-marks. They are about eight inches in length, and pear-shaped, formed, as our friend Doctor Johnston of Berwick states, of branches of some common fucus, with various con- fervje, corallines, &c. These are all bound toge- ther, in one confused compact mass, by means of a thread run through and round in every conceivable direction. This thread is of great length, as fine as ordinary silk, tough, and somewhat elastic; whitish, and formed of some albuminous secretion. The eggs are laid in the middle of this nest, in several irre- gular masses of about an inch in diameter, each 72 INTRODUCTION. consisting of many hundred ova, which are of the size of ordinary shot, and of a whitish or amber colour, according to their degree of maturity. The further advanced are marked by two black round spots, which are discovered by the miscroscope to be the eyes of the embryo. Masses of eggs, in different stages of their evolution, are met with in the same nest. It would appear that the fish must first depoeit its spawn amid the growing fucus, and afterwards gather its branches together round the eggs, at the same time weaving and incorporating all the rubbish that is lying or floating round the nucleus.* — (Proc. Bervv. Club, i. 200). Concern- ing the River bull-head, Cottus gohio^ belonging to the same family, the authority of Linneeus, Fa> bricius, and Pennant may be quoted, to the extent, that it lies almost always at the bottom, deposits its spawn in a hollow it forms in the gravel, quits it with reluctance, and defends its young (Cuv. & Val., iv. JlO; Brit. ZooL, iii. 291) : a habit, this, which has been noticed in one member of the genus Gohius in other seas. These Gobies are abundant in the Mediterranean, frequenting shallow and quiet inlets among sea- weeds; and Olivi positively affirms, that one of them, the black goby {G. niger^ Linn.), excavates burrows in the mud or clay at the bottom, where it passes the winter. In spring they con- * Through Dr. Johnston's kindness, who transmitted us a Nest, we are able to supply a representation of this fish's nest, (See Plate VI.) ; the first, we believe, which has any where been Dublished. FISHES NESTS. JS struct a nest in some spot abounding with sea- weed, which they afterwards cover with the roots of algae and zostera. Here the males remain and await the females, who successively arrive to deposit their eggs; these, after fecundation, are taken care of by the males, who exhibit much diligence and courage in preserving and defending them. This is probably the (pvxig, jjiycis of the ancients, the only fish within their knowledge which was in the habit of con- structing a nest. Another striking instance of this nest-building is supplied by Dr. Hancock, regarding two species of the Silurida' family, the third of Cuvier's Abodmen- ales, as occurring in the waters of Demerara. The native name of these fish is Hassar; and both spe- cies, it is remarked, form a regular nest, in which they lay their eggs, in a flattened cluster, and cover them over most carefully. The one species con- structs its nest of grass, the other of leaves; both, at certain seasons, burrow in the banks and lay their eggs, especially in wet weather. " I have been surprised," says Dr. Hancock, " to observe the sud- den appearance of numerous nests in a morning after rain occurs, the spot being indicated by a mass of froth which appears on the surface of the water over the nest; under this are the eggs placed on a bunch of fallen leaves, or of grass, which they con- trive to cut and collect together." One other in- stance we adduce, namely, that of the well-known Goramy, Orphronemus oJfax, belonging to the lOtk family of osseous fislies, resting on the testimony of 74 INTRODUCTION. General Hardwick, who observed it in the Isle of France. " During my residence," says the General, " for some months in this island, I have witnessed the propensity evinced by some fishes for the pre- servation of their young. In the tanks and fresh- water preserves the proprietors bred the fish just named. The sinoular habits of the creature in the breeding season must have been often observed; for at this time they frequent the sides of the tanks, which afford shelter from a quantity of grass grow- ing about them, the culms of which trail and stretch several feet into the water, and supply cover to the operations going on while the goramy is busied in completing the deposition of its spawn. They are for several days seen very active, passing in and out of the grassy cover, and thickening it in some places by entangling the trailing shoots, and form- ing what is commonly considered the spot under which the deposit is made." To this we add, that abundant is the evidence now supplied of the anxious parental care which is exhibited by many fishes for the welfare of their offspring. Thus, to refer again, for a mo- ment, to the instances already adduced. Of the Stickle-back, Dr. Johnston remarks: " For a time the fish is apparently very anxious for the safety of its nest and spawn. Some individuals were watched by Messrs. Duncan and TurnbuU for weeks, and it was observed that the same fish was always in at- tendance upon its own nest. During the time of hope and expectation they become fearless, and will PARENTAL AFFECTION IN FISHES. 7^ allow themselves to be taken up by the hand re- peatedly. There can be no doubt their object in remaining near their nest is to guard against the attacks of such animals as might feel inclined to prey upon their contents." " Nor does the case of the Hassars," says Dr. Hancock, " end with the pre- paration of their nest : they remain by its side till the spawn is hatched, with as much solicitude as a hen guards her eggs; both the male and female Hassar steadily watching the spawn, and com'age- ously attacking every assailant. Hence the negroes frequently take them by putting their hands into the water close to the nest, when the male springs furiously at them, and so is captured." (Zool. Jour., iv. 245.) And once more, " the Goramies," observes General Hardwick, " continued to watch with the most active vigilance the margins of the spot they had selected and prepared ; driving away with vio- lence every other fish which approached their cover. From the time I first observed their operations, about a month had elapsed, when one day I saw numerous minute fishes close to the margin of the grass, on the outer side of which the parent fish#s continued to pass to and fro. I saw them often for many days after, though I had not an opportunity to notice their total dispersion from the spot." rib. 309.) Fabricius supplied a fact, as noted by Mr. Yar- rell, which bears on this point respecting the Lump- fish, belonging to the family Cyclopteridce. " The female," remarks the Danish naturalist, " in ap* 76 INTRODUCTION. proaching Greenland, precedes and deposits her roe; the male shortly follows, and fructifies the ova, adhering so closely to the mass, that the im- pression formed by the ventrals is left upon the hollow surface ; after which he keeps watch over the sacred deposit, and guards it most courageously against every foe. If driven from the spot by man, he does not remove far, and speedily returns. Even the well-armed Wolf-fish hazards his life if he ap- proaches the Lump's nest; for this creature, not- withstanding the smallness of its teeth, is capable of attaching itself to its adversary's neck, and there inflicting a mortal wound." And, finally, Dr. John- ston reports of the same fish, that " when she approaches the shore and deposits her spawn among the rocks and sea-weed within low-water mark, returning immediately to deep water, the male covers the spawn, and, according to the testimony of our fishermen, remains near it until the ova are hatched. The young, soon after birth, fix them- selves to the sides and on the back of their male parent, who, thus loaded, sails away to deeper and more safe retreats." Thus then it appears, that in various species of four difi'erent families of osseous fishes, these kind and parental affections have been detected, in dif- ferent climes, from the Caribbean Sea to the frozen shores of Greenland. To these instances, others, we presume, might be added ; and when we reflect on the element in which this occurs, under circum- stances so far removed from common observation, it VARYING COLOURS IN FISHES. 77 can scarcely be doubted that this is nothing more than a meagre specimen of what happens among other spe- cies and families ; so that even cold-blooded fishes yield striking examples of highly interesting instincts exercised for most benevolent andbeneficial purposes. In proceeding to offer a few remarks upon the Co- lours, and more especially the Varying Colours, of fishes, we are not so much influenced by the cir- cumstance that new facts have recently been brought under review, as by the conviction that much yet remains to be done ere all the light which is de- sirable in a scientific point of view, be thrown upon this interesting topic. If the lovely tints, so rich and varied, lavishly strewed under our feet by Flora's hand, excite the admiration of the peasant, and the investigations of the philosopher, sure we^ are that the still more brilliant hues presented un- der apparently less favouring circumstances by the tenants of the world of waters, demand a no less serious and attentive regard. It has been suggested that in some circumstances there exists an identity between the varying tints of a fish, and those which have engaged so much attention in the Chamelion : and it vdll scarcely admit of doubt, that the circulation of the blood in the minute capillaries then plays a part, when " It dies like parting day, each pang imbued With a new colour, as it gasps away, The last still loveliest, till — 'tis gone, and all is gray.' 78 INTRODUCTION. It was this modification which in ancient times so greatly excited admiration at the beauteous ver- satile tints of the dying (misnamed) Dolphin of the Mediterranean — the Cori/phcenahippurus; and which in later days drew forth the remarks of Mr. Borlasse, the learned author of the Natural History of Cornwall. " The coloured streaks of the Mackerel," he observes, " are justly admired when the fish is dead; but they are greatly su- perior in beauty when it is alive. When first caught, its colours are strong and lively; the streaks on the back are of a full dark-blue green, the ground being willow-green; but as the fish grows fainter, the streaks, losing their strength, grow paler, and the blue goes off. Put the fish again into a pail of sea- water, it will begin to move, and as it revives, the colours renew their lustre ; take it out of the water, and the colours faint and fade away as before. However inexplicable, there- fore, that configuration of parts may be, to which the tints are attributable, it is plain, in this case, that the height of the colouring is owing to the cir- culation of the juices in those fine capillary vessels and membranes of which the entire covering is composed : as the blood stagnates, the mass settles into a state of rest, incapable of reflecting the rays of light with equal vivacity. (Lib. cit. 269.) Some- thing, however, we may add, is probably owing in this instance to the different degrees of the trans- parency of the scales. But that a great and almost an immediate change VARYING COLOURS IN FISHES. 79 can be effected upon the hues of fishes in a way which must be widely different from the foregoing, has repeatedly been demonstrated by actual experi- ments. Thus, to refer to the last which have been published, Mr. Shaw, Drumlanrig, procured two large earthen-ware vessels, the one nearly white inside, and the other nearly black. He then placed a healthy Parr in each, while a constant supply of fresh water w^as maintained. The fishes when put into the vessels were of their natural colour ; but they had not remained in their new position more than four minutes w^hen each gradually assumed a colour nearly approaching to that of the respective vessel into which it had been introduced. He then frequently exchanged the position of the two fishes, and the result uniformly followed ; the fishes chang- ing their colour according to the surface around them. He next placed both fishes in one basin, when the contrast for a short time was exceedingly striking. With the view of ascertaining what effect the light had in producing the extraordinary change, the fish were allowed to remain in the white basin till they effectually attained the pale tint ; the light was then excluded by covering it with a thick mat ; on removing which, a few minutes afterwards, the fish were again changed to a dark colour; which disappeared gradually on exposure to light : the cliange being produced alike under a bright and cloudy sky. Though at the time Mr. Shaw was unacquainted with the fact, it must have been gene- rally known tliat Dr. Stark of Edinburgh had several 80 INTRODUCTION. years before obtained similar results from a set of somewhat extensive observations upon the Min- now, Stickleback, Loach, and Perch. Any analysis of these well-known experiments is unnecessary, and hence we shall quote but a sentence regarding the result. In the Stickleback the changes of colour were still more remarkable than in the Minnow ; in as much as they took place much more rapidly, and even in a few minutes, and under the eye, th( colours may be seen to fade and brighten according to the nature of the vessel in which they are for the time placed. The fine vermilion colour of the breast almost disappears when placed in a white basin, and the vivid colours are as speedily recovered on trans- ferring the animals to a black glazed jar. The sudden change, adds Dr. Stark, in relation to all the fishes on which he experimented, is so striking, that doubts of the identity of the animals might reason- ably be entertained by one who vdtnessed the re- sults without being aware of the circumstances which led to them ; a few hours being sufficient to produce all the phenomena. (Ed. N. Phil. J. ix. 327.) Upon the cause of this curious change, philoso- phers, we believe, have hitherto thrown no light. Mr. Couch, in a manuscript lately published by Mr. Yarrell, seems to ascribe the change to the eflfect of mental agitation. " The effect of passion," remarks this intelligent Ichthyologist, " on the colour of the skin of the genus Gasterosteus is re- markable ; and in one specimen, under the influence VARYING COLOURS IN FISHES. 81 '^f terror, the dark olive, with golden sides, changed to pale, for eighteen hours, when it suddenly re- gained its former tints." (apud Yarrell, i. 103). The slightest examination, however, of the observation referred to by Mr. Couch, and which, taken from Loudon's Magazine, will be presently adduced (see p. 85), will, we think, show that it by no means warrants the conclusion thus drawn from it. But whatever may be the cause of the pheno- iznenon, its effects upon the safety and economy of fish in the various coloured soils to which they are exposed in rivers'-beds, ponds, &c., by affording them additional protection from their foes, is very apparent. Practical fishers have often remarked this, and writers upon the finny race have made the same observation. " Pike," says Mr. Jesse, in his interesting Gleanings, " in muddy ponds have a muddy colour, while those in a clear stream, with a gravelly bottom, are beautifully speckled and mottled." — (iii. 67.) Baron Dumeril, in his Lec- hes on the Eel, states, " That the genus consists of many species, whose colour varies according to the colour of the bottom of the stream which they frequent ; in dark mud being black, and in gravelly bottoms greenish-white." — (apud Jess., i. 45.) And more at length, Mr. Swainson — " The resemblance between the colours of the flat fish, in general, to those of the ground they repose upon is so admira- bly ordered, as to claim both attei:tion and admira- tion. The upper surface, or that which is exposed to view- and to tha aation of the light, is invariably 82 INTRODUCTION. of some shade of earthy-brown, or of greyish saivi colour ; this is broken by dots and blotches, either light or dark, blackish or reddish, but always so disposed as to resemble those under shades, as they may be called, which are caused by the inequalities of the ground, and the presence of particles of dif- ferent tints that may be upon it. Thus, whether we contemplate the God of Nature in his more sublime productions, or in those provisions which he makes for the well-being of his humblest creatures, the same principle of design, the same perfection in execution, is equally conspicuous." (i. 313.) In the instances hitherto referred to, it will be observed that the changes appear to be speedily produced, and rapidly altered again ; and this solely through the agency of different shades of light. It must not, however, be supposed, that these form the only circumstances in which change of colour presents itself. Mr. Yarrell states, that he had obtained a variety of Perch from ponds in Yorkshire, which, when received, were of a uni- form slate-grey colour, with a silvery tint; and this peculiarity of tint was retained when the living fish are transferred from the park-ponds to oi\i3T waters, (i. 5.) " In certain waters," says Mr. Grif- fith, " the shades of the Pike sometimes vary, and it becomes yellow, with black spots ; according to Schwenckfeld, some are perfectly white." (Griff. Cuv., X. 465.) — Once more, Sir Humphry Davy, " I lave known fish — trouts — from some lakes 'ji I: land, mottled in a most singular way, theii VARYING COLOURS IN FISHES. 83 colours being like that of a tortoise ; the nature of tlie water, exposure to light, and, probably, their kind of food, producing these effects." (Salm. 41.) — Here, then, are instances of a permanent change in colour, and constituting the distinction of a va- riety. Examples of this sort are, we believe, by no means rare ; and the operation of such accidental circumstances and artificial influences is strikingly illustrated by the well-known Gold-fish, Cyprimcs auratus. Its frequent companion, the common Sil- ver-fish, is of the same species, with the mere dif- ference of metallic tinting ; and M. Sauvigny, in his learned work on this fish, has represented no fewei than eighty-nine varieties in form and colour, ma- nifesting all shades of silvery-white and purple orange, red, and gold. The causes of these changing hues, whether merelj versatile or permanent, are so latent and obscure, that scarcely a conjecture has been hazarded regard- ing them ; Suhtilitas naturce suhtilitatem census et. intdlectus tnultis partibus super at. The cause in certain instances has been recently hinted at, and with a short reference to these we must dismiss the subject. Mr. M'Lelland, in an able and elaborate Paper on the Indian Cyprinidee (Ann. of Nat. Hist., viii. 35), wherein he proposes a new arrangement into which colour enters as one element, connects the livery which is assumed with the circumstance of the food of the fish being animal or vegetable. He informs us th at the whole Sub-family of the Poeono- 7nince is remarkable for their uniform plain colours, 64 INTRODUCTION. consisting of olive-green, blueish-grey, or brown; none possessing one brilliant spot of any pure colour. On the other hand, as soon as we cross the verge of the herbivorous group, and enter the carnivorous, we find such spots as those alluded to become brighter and more numerous, many parts being stained with Vellow and red in deep and natural tints. To the first genus of the group, Systomus^ the Gold-fishes be- long, whose intestinal tube is only one-half the length of that of the herbivorous species. In advancing from this family towards another, we find, as in the genus Opsarius, the abdominal tube still fur- ther diminishes; and in proportion as this takes place, and the habits of the species become more carnivorous, the briUiancy of the colours becomes remarkable. The Perilampus is another genus of the same sub-family, which presents numerous bright lines of various colours, but particularly blue, on their sides. " They are all," says Mr. M'Lelland, " small species of little or no direct utility to man ; nor is it possible to account for the peculiar bril- liancy of their colours in any other way (as its final cause) than as an instance of that inscrutable design by which it would seem that, in pursuit of aquatic insects, on which they subsist, along the surface of waters, they become the better marks of Kingfishers, Skimmers, Terns, and other birds which are destined to keep the number of fishes in check, especially in deep waters, beyond the reach of the waders." Analogy from other animals, more especially insects, strongly corroborates these views TARYING COL.^/RS IN FISHES. 85 Whether the Nuptial garb of fishes, alluded to by JV^ Agassiz in the following sentence, has any connexioi with the change of food, either as to quality or quan- tity, still remains to be investigated. In the Fourtl Report of the British Association, this distinguishes Naturalist states, — " That it is during the autumn, and the time of the greatest cold in the winter months, that thf tints of the Salmonidse are most brilliant, and the colours become more vivid by the accumulation of great quantities of varied pigments , so that it is almost true, that these fishes bedect themselves in a nuptial garment as do birds." The very singular instance before alluded ta as recorded in Loudon s Magazine, evidently, we think, refers to one or other of these categories. The anonymous author there states, that when a number of Sticklebacks are put together \vithiii confined limits, a few more bold than the rest take exclusive possession of a chosen district, and defend it from intruders Avith all the valour of the Game- cock. Occasional combats accordingly take place between rival potentates, which terminate, if not iii the death, at all events, in the complete defeat Oi one of the parties. It is in these circumstances thaf the change of colours is observed. " An interesting change takes place in the conqueror, who, from being a speckled and greenish-looking fish, assumes the most beautiful colours; the belly and lower jaws becoming a deep crimson, and the back some times a cream colour, but generally a fine green %nd the whole appearance full of animation ano 86 INTRODFCTION. spirit. A not less striking alteration almost imme- diately takes place in the defeated party ; his gallant bearing forsakes him ; his gay colours fade away, and he becomes again speckled and ugly. Once more, previous to death, they reassume all those brilliant colours which they lost from defeat, al- though they are not so clear and distinct as when in the height of their power," (Mag. of Nat. Hist, lii. 329.) PARASITIC FUNGI IN FISHES. The attacks made by Parasites, animal and vege- table, on the whole series of the animal kingdom, hav- ing lately greatly excited the attention of Foreign and British Naturalists, we shall briefly allude to the subject, and notice a few of the extraordinary facts which are being discovered, and which, as remarked by Professor Eschricht of Copenhagen, are like the first discovered plants of a terra incognita^ which promise the richest harvest to future inquirers. On the wide field of Animal parasites we dare scarcely touch ; but how startling the proposition of the eminent Naturalist just named, that the Fauna of these parasites is probably as extended as all the other faunas put together ; a statement which :s all the more probable from the fact which seems established, that each species selects generally cer- tain animals only, and in these, certain organs only^ /or their abode. This is true of the Lernea elongata^ whose anatomy was examined by our friend Pro- 'essor Grant and which selects the eye of the Green- PARASITIC FUNGI IN FISHES. 87 land shark as the seat of its devastations ; another as has been long known, one of the Filaria, attacks the eye of the horse ; and not fewer than six specie* have been detected in the human eye and its ap pendages. Many of these parasites, as the species of Strongyli, are ascertained to appear first in the blood-vessels of their victims, obscure as the mode of introduction to such a habitat may be ; in the Porpoise they appear next to attack the bronchiae, the lungs then become loaded w4th tubercles, in which the minute animals are enveloped, and death, by pulmonary consumption, soon results ; the well- known Sturdy or Gid in sheep is produced by the Ccenurus cerebralis, and the Hot, in the same animal, by the Distoma hepaticum. (See Prof. Eschricht's Mem. Edin. Phil. Jour., vol. xxxi. 314.) But we hasten to Vegetable parasites, which, it seems now ascertained, exert their deadly agency on every class of the animal series from man down- wards, and more especially, perhaps, on Fishes. They are usually designated Parasitic fungi, and all consist of Cryptogamous plants. In their sim- plest form, as seen in Mould and Mildew, they are minute jointed filaments, composed entirely of cel- lular tissue, the cellules being laid end to end, or collected in a mass under the outer covering of leaves and other parts. In some, the joints sepa- rate, and each appears capable of reproduction ; in others, the cellules which contain the rudiments of the new plants are collected at one extremity, whilst the others serve as the stalk. The fungi spring uf t?8 INTRODUCTION. with extraordinary rapidity, acquiring a great size ; and their reproductive system is developed to such an extent, that the germs Kberated from a single plant, such as the Puff-ball, almost defy calculation. On this Doint M. Fries states, that the number is 60 immense that in a single specimen he has counted 10,000,000, so subtle, that they are scarcely visible to the naked eye, and resemble thin smoke, so light, that they are prcoably raised by evaporation into the atmosphere, and are dispersed in so many ways by wind, water, animals, &c., that it is difficult to conceive a place from which they can be excluded. These fungi have been discovered in ]\Ian, producing various obstinate cutaneous disorders ; also in cases of pulmonary consumption, the most frequent source of mortality in these countries. They have been noticed in a species of Polistes, a "Wasp of the West Indies, and in the Silk- worm in Italy and the South of France, producing the disease called Mus- cardine^ and materially affecting the produce of its invaluable labours. The fungus, in this case, very nearly resembles common mould, rapidly com- municates from one animal to another, and spreads by the extension of its own minute stems and branches ; also by the production of germs, whicli are introduced into the blood, carried to distant parts of the body, and invariably occasion death. In Fishes, the ravages of this disease have long been noticed, though perhaps they have not obtained all 'Jie attention they merit. Thus Mr. Jesse, appa- rently speaking of. fresh-water fish generally, re- PARASITIC FUNGI IN FISHES. 89 marks, in the First Series of his interesting Glean- ings, '' I have observed that when fish have been bruised, or some of their scales rubbed ofi^, a sort of white mothery (from the Moth) matter forms on the place, which invariably kills them. When it be- gins to form they seldom move ; and if they do, it is by slight darts forward. Their heads get lower and lower, as if they were too heavy for their body ; and when it touches the ground, they turn up and die." This mothery appearance of Mr. Jesse, judg- ing from the investigations which have been made on the silk-worm, is probably not so much the im- mediate effect of external abrasion, as the advanced stage of the disease on which we are now dwelling. Dr. Stark, again, observed this afi'ection in the Stickleback, in the year 1830, and put this inter- rogatory, " Is this the natural death of fishes ? In these fishes," says Dr. S., " when full grown, and, I suppose, arrived at the extremity of age, I have often observed, some days previous to death, the tail ex- tremity to lose its flexibility, and to become covered with a mould, or conferva-like substance, to the height of two or three lines ; and that this substance, or growth, gradually crept along towards the middle of the fish, the rigidity of the parts still increasing, till they died." (Edin. N. Phil. Jour. ix. 331).— Concerning the Carp, Mr. Griffith, in his learned edition of Cuvier, has the following statement : — *' When the carps have attained this very advanced age, they are subject to a malady which is often mortal ; their head and back become covered with 90 INTRODUCTION. excrescences similar to moss. It seems that this disease also appears in young carp which live in corrupted, or snow-water; which latter also pro- duces particular germs under the scales, which fishermen call the Small-pox." (L. c. x. 453). — In January last, Mr. Goodsir communicated to the Royal Botanical Society of Edinburgh a description, with a drawing, of a vegetable found upon the gills and fins of a Goldfish, with a minute account of the parasite, explaining its form, structure, and mode of fructification. This Memoir we have not seen ; probably it is not yet published. Dr. Bennet gave an account of these fungi to the Royal Society of Edinburgh in the month of February last. " To the eye," he remarked, " they presented the appear- ance of white cottony, or flocculent matter, attached to the animal. Under the microscope two distinct structures were perceived, one cellular, the other non-cellular. The former consisted of long tubes, divided into elongated cells by distinct partitions. At the proximal end of several of these tubes there was an exceedingly minute transparent vesicle or nucleus. Some of the cells were filled with granu- lar matter, others were empty, the granules having escaped through the rupture of the cellular walls. Besides these there were long filaments, very slen- der, which sprung apparently from the sides of the cellular tubes. These were uniform in size through- out their whole length, and were formed of an ex- ternal diaphanous sheath, and an internal more solid matter. The vegetable sprang from a finely PARASITIC FUNGI IN FISHES. 9} granular amorphous mass." — (Ann. of Nat. Hist ix. 67.) We cannot conclude these details without men- tioning a circumstance to wliich our attention was kindly directed by W. A. Cadell, Esq., F. R. SS. L. & E., that veteran in Science, so curious and keen in all its varied departments. It is this : — ^That on the beautiful stoneware which, in former times, was wont to be sent to this country from China, there is occasionally depicted fishes apparently la- bouring under the affection now under review\ Mr. Cadell pointed out one example, an old China dish, or plate, with two silver handles, on which some fishes are represented, three of a deep blue colour, and one yellowish, in most of which these filamen- tous vegetable-looking appendages, sometimes co- loured, are most conspicuous. Such a representa- tion is scarcely to be ascribed to wild fancy; but probably arose from actual observation. So that, did opportunity permit, we might possibly receive valuable information on the subject from this most singular and isolated people.* * We refer the Student of Natural History to two Memoiis by Professor M'uller, which were read to the Berlin Acadeniy on June 21, and July 19, 1841, and of which accounts appear in " L'Institut" for November and December last, pp. 378 and 449. The former is entitled upon Pathological Exanthemata, with specific organised seed corpuscules. These were found in the eye of the pike, and had something like caudal appendages- Excited by these to further investigation, Professor MUller dis- covered a similar corpuscular exanthema, but without the ap- pendage, in the Liicioperca sandra, Cypriniis riit.liis, and some- 92 INTRODUCTION. These are a few of the notices we have hap pened to meet concerning the exhihition of this extraordinary disease in fishes. They are interest- ing, not only as opening up a new field of research, but also as bearing upon the Natural History of the class; and not less so, as the phenomena of the complaint in these animals may possibly elucidate the occurrence of the disease in higher classes, and times in the Perca fluviatilis. In conclusion, the Professor states, " That there was here a disease of the skin and internal parts, produced by a kind of seminal corpuscule, which had no relation to animals which are propagated by means of a semini- fcrous ova, nor with the Entozoaires, or tailed Cercaires, nor were they less distinguished, bi/ their structure of hair-like parasite formations, from animal organisms ; and, finally, widely different, by their specific character, from all known ceUular formations, whether normal or pathological." In the latter, entitled Obser- vations upon the Psorospermies, the author enumerates a great number of fishes, European and Foreign, in which he had in vain searched for this disease, and a few in which he had found it. The disease which had been noticed in the German perch, was also found in perches brought from the rivers which empty themselves into the Arctic Sea, by MM. Humboldt, Ehrenberg, and Rose ; and, finally, he states, " That these parasites, which have been observed in the fresh-water fishes of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, and which consist of the two principal forms above alluded to, those with tails and those without them, are absolutely the same in every region of the globe. They evidently possess a life which is peculiar ; but they have no power of movement, or, rather, they are organic beings, like plants, possessing a structure perfectly distinct from the cellules, healthy or diseased, of animal tissue ; having no re- semblance to the kind of warts which many Naturalists have noticed in some kinds of fishes." ECONOMIC USE OF PISH. 93 even in Man himself. By a careful investigation o! the circumstances which favour its propagation, the breeders of silk-worms have been able greatly to diminish the mortality caused by the Muscardine ; and no one can predicate how far useful know- ledge acquired under one set of circumstances, will finally prove beneficial in others which are more important. ECONOMIC USE OF PISH. We now proceed to make a few remarks on the ECONOMIC USE of fish, a wide and important branch of the subject, as it bears on the Cultivating and Distrihuting^ as well as the Catching of fishes, mat- ters of interest not only to individuals, but to the community at large. The topic of the catching of fish, or Fisheries, we need not remark, is of national importance, bearing directly on a nation s marine ; also on its population, fishing communities being generally characterized for their prosperity, sobriety and worth ; the proceeds of whose hardy toils, well directed, readily become a source of general pros- perity, even in inland districts, and among the im- poverished population of crowded cities. On the subjects of the Cultivation and Distribution of this most wholesome and nourishing food, very much, we think, remains to be done ; a proposition which may fairly be illustrated by a reference to the somewhat parallel and more familiar topic of Agri- culture. The natural fertility of different regions 94 32JTRODUCTION. diifers widely ; some superabounding with Nature's rich products, whilst others are comparatively de- prived of them : and yet, stimulated perhaps by this destitution, how many a dreary and sterile re- gion has, by man's intelligence and perseverance, been converted into a rich and smiling land. And might it not be so with the world of waters ? The bound- less ocean, and innumerable lakes, rivers, and canals, yield a superabundant harvest, and throughout the entire year ; one country being more favoured, and another less, with this rich provision. Has this bounty generally been improved, with the solicitude which it claims, either in other countries or our own? As it regards Rural economy, Scotland may be cited as an example ; where, notwithstand- ing all its moors and mountains, its unpropitious soil and climate, much has been effected by the Farmer, and whence lessons on the Science have ex- tended over the civilized world. And why may not North Britain, already distinguished for the part she takes in the fisheries, do for Piscatory Science what she has effected for Agricultural ; or why does not England outstrip her in the honourable career, for that here there is a woeful deficiency is indis- putable ; and why should little or nothing have been done in and for Ireland ? To elucidate these im- portant matters we shall enter into a few details. Concerning the Fisheries of the Western Hebrides, the following account was given several years ago by Mr. M'Donald. '' Though these fisheries," he remarks, *'" ''o not belong to the agricultural survey. ECONOMIC USE OF FISH. 95 yet they are of very essential importance to the Hebrides, and therefore merit notice. They bring into these isles £200,000 a year, at an expense perhaps of £120,000; that is, they yield a clear profit, in money and sustenance, of £80,000 to the natives. They occupy, together with the kelp, not fewer than 2562 boats and vessels of every descrip- tion, and for some months in the year 10,500 sailors. lihe fencihle men, being one-fourth of the population^ are 22,762, so that nearly a half of the eftective male population is connected with the fishery." {Encyc. Brit. ix. 602. art. Fishery, by Mr. Barrow). Again, as it regards the Isle of Man (for advantage results from a survey of limited compass), Mr. Frazer, in a letter to the Right Hon. Charles Abbot, writes, " I had the honour to be appointed by the Treasury to make inquiry into the state of the revenue and fisheries of that island. I found that at that period, without bounties on their boats or the tonnage of their fishing smacks, having no other premium than the free use of salt, they carried on a most extensive fishery, which employed 2500 sea- men. In the absence of herrings, the fishermen supplied the consumption of the island in great abundance with white fish; the agriculture was greatly improved, and the populatioia, consisting of ^^.0,000 souls, nearly doubled within fifteen years. It appears a few years afterwards, that their boats had increased both in number and size ; that from a bur- den of ten or twelve tons, they had now advanced to between sixteen and twenty-two tons, of which the 96 INTRODUCTION. number exceeded 350, each employing seven or eight men ; that they had besides from forty to fifty fishing smacks, from twenty to forty tons each, the whole employing 3000 seamen." (lb. 605.) What hinders that as much should be done for Great Britain and Ireland generally, as was done for the Hebrides and the Isle of Man? It is true that London is to an immense extent supplied with fish, foreign and domestic ; but there it is far more a luxury for the wealthy, than daily food for the poor: and, as it regards our own country, it is very much at the expense, and to the detriment of the other pal-ts of the island. In many places of Scotland, where salmon used to be almost a drug, and sold for a few pence, it can now scarcely, in the midst of plenty, be procured at all, and only at a high price. And if fish be not superabundant in our capitals and on the sea-coast, it is infinitely more scarce in the interior, and that both as it regards salt-water fish and fresh. That this deficiency of wholesome nourishment is owing, not to the scarcity of fish, or even to the backward state of our fisheries, but to the want of an enlightened and steady demand, can admit, we believe, of no question. An experiment made by Mr. Hale, one of the Committee for the relief of the manufacturing poor, proves decisively how easy it would be to introduce the general use of fish into the metropolis. He agreed with some fishermen to take from ten to twenty thousand mackerel a day, at a price not exceeding ten shillings the huu- DEMAND AND SUPPLY. 97 dred of six score, or at a penny a piece, a price at which they said they could afford to supply the London market to any extent, provided they werMi in time to be for- warded, by railway, at six o'clock the following morning to Manchester, reaching it about noon. The Company's shop was opened on Saturday last, about three in the afternoon, with the supply of nineteen baskets, altogether 3192 lbs. of fish. The price at which the fish was sold, without distinc- tion, was two shillings a stone, not quite a penny three-farthings a pound. The poorer classes flocked to the shop in such numbers as completely to obstruct for a time the foot-path, and such was the demand, that the v/ho!e was disposed of in one hour and three-quarters ; and it became necessary to shut the shop, as the most effectual way of getting rid of the hundreds of disappointed applicants. On Monday morning the supply was all disposed of in an hour and a quarter. On Tuesday the supply consisted of 2688 lbs , and was all sold in less than three hours. The fish now supplied consists of Codling, Haddock, Plaice, and Skate ; the Cod is of very fime quality, and affords a very cheap food." So much for fresh fish. As for salted or corned, again, the experience of the Committee already alluded to is very striking. It contracted for 200 tons of corned cod, caught and cured on our own coasts, and also for 400,000 corned herrings. The former was supplied to the distressed manufacturers of Sheffield at two-pence halfpenny a pound, and the DEMAND AND SUPPLY. 09 latter at the rate of two for three-halfpence. Here, as well as in other parts of the country, the poor received the fish at the low prices with the liveliest gratitude; and one gentleman in Worcestershire states that the herrings in particular have proved a bonus to the poor of the most essential benefit. " We sold them," he writes, *' at a very low rate, on account of the extensive indigence of the purchasers, and they have produced ,£40 of profits, which, after the expense of carriage is paid, will be laid out in em- ploying the poor in repairing the roads. (lb. 605), One other instance, showing the certainty of the supply to answer the demand, may be added. When the Association above njmied was formed, the North Sea and Iceland fishery had for a time ceased ; but on the Committee oifering £\8 a. ton fbr all the fish they could catch and cure, they supplied in the first instance 100 tons of dry-salted, and 50 tons fresh cod ; in the second, 200 tons of dry-salted, and 400 tons fresh; and in the third, 600 tons dry-salted, and 300 of fresh; in all, 1650 tons of fish were taken and brought to market, in consequence of this offer, not a fish of which would otherwise have been captured. (lb.) Similar illustration^ could easily be supplied re- garding fresh-water fish, and will incidentally ap- pear in the sequel. And if this want of demand, which can so eJBFec- tually be supplied, is a cause of regret in the inland districts of Britain, and in its overcrowded and im- poverished city populations, still more is it to bei 100 INTRODUCTION. ijuneiited as it regards Ireland. Here it is notorioti^ that there is but a scanty supply for the chief towns, and for the families who are resident near the shores ; while every species of valuable fish is as abundant on the sea-coasts of Ireland as on those of Great Bri- tain, or perhaps more so. Its numerous bays, creeks, inlets, lakes, and rivers swarm with them ; it is visited annually by vast shoals of Herrings, and the sea-banks are well stored with Cod, Hake, and Ling, equal in all respects to those caught upon the banks of Newfoundland. With the westerly winds which here generally prevail, to say nothing of steam, the produce of these fisheries might almost always be sent to ready markets in Bristol, Liverpool, Glas- gow, and other great towns in Britain ; yet nothing of the sort has ever been attempted. Several years ago we remember, that during our temporary resi- dence in Dublin, a Fish Committee was established, similar to the one above alluded to : the supply was excellent and abundant ; but whether the plan has been continued, we know not. These statements are, we trust, sufficient to de- monstrate that much still remains to be done in these countries in this important branch of practical science, and will bespeak attention to a few remarks upon the Breeding and Rearing of Fish, and so aug- menting the supply of this excellent description of food. The natural processes of Spawning and Hatching seem now, by careful observation, to be well under- ARTIFICIAL HATCHING OF FIFH. 101 €tood ; the spawning-bed being made, not by the ploughing of the fish's nose, as is generally stated, but, according to Mr. Shaw, by the action of thje tail, and solely by the female, throwing herself at in- tervals of a few minutes upon her side ; and while in this position, by the rapid movement of her tail, digging a receptacle in the gravel for her ova, a por- tion of which she deposits ; and again turning on her side, covering them up by the renewed action of her tail, — thus edternately digging, depositing, and covering the ova till the process is completed, which is usually in three or four days. (Edin. Phil. Trans, xiv. 565). — The subject of Artifical Hatching also has been much elucidated by the labours of Mr. Shaw, Professor Agassiz, Sir Francis M'Kenzie, and others, an object of importance chiefly in rela- tion to the more valuable kinds of fresh-water fish. How long the ova may remain extruded from the body of the female and continue suscep- tible of the fecundating influence of the milt, has not hitherto been ascertained. Mr. Shaw states that in one instance the female had been dead for nearly two hours without the vital principle being in the slightest degree affected, thus corroborating M. Jacobi's experiments on this point. Nothing can be simpler than collecting the Spawn which has been recently impregnated ; or than artificially im- pregnating it, by securing the parent fishes, when «ngaged in the process, confining them in some natural or artificial receptacle, and then disposing of it as we wish. If left in its native bed, immense 1 02 INTRODUCTION. quantities are consumed while in the state of ova and young fry, by older individuals of their own species, by fish of other kinds, by wading birds and other foes : v/hereas by a little care, the ova can be hatched in perfect security, and the young fry committed to the river only when they have the ability to elude the pursuit of their destroyers. As illustrating this subject, we shall shortly allude to the brief instruc- tions on artificial breeding lately published by Sir F. A. Mackenzie. On the 23d November 1840, four pair of Salmon were caught, and placed in a small artificial pool. A pair having commenced spawning, on the following day they were carefully caught, and from the female about 1200 ova were gently squeezed into a basin of water, and an equal quantity of milt from the male fish ; the two were gently stirred and mixed, and allowed to rest for an hour, when the whole was deposited and spread in one of the wicker baskets recommended by Professor Agassis, having about four inches of gravel beneath them., and two or three above them. A similar quantity of ova, treated in the same way, was also deposited in one of the copper- wire bags used by Mr. Shaw ; and both were then immediately placed under water in the pool. In another instance the ova and milt were squeezed directly into the basket and copper-wire bap^, having gravel beneath, and two inches of gravel placed over them, and they too were deposited in the pool, Some of the impreg- nated ova were also buried in the open gravel about three inches deep. On the i8th April, after 146 days. ARTIFICIAL HATCBING OP FISH. 103 the baskets and bags were opened, and tbe young fry appeared as numerous in tbem, as from that which had been left free in the gravel. In one set of the baskets not above five per cent, appeared un- productive ; and hence Sir Francis' conclusion can scarcdy be disputed, that the breeding of Salmon or other fish in large qurjitities is, comparatively speak- ing, easy ; and that millions may be produced, pro- tected from every danger, and turned into their natural element at a proper age. (Ann. & Mag. of Nat. Hist., viii. 166). — Mr. Shaw, as is well known, has long and successfully carried on this artificial process in his highly interesting investigatione on the growth of SaJmon at Dnimlanrig. Conceming the common. Trout, Mr. Gottlieb Boccius gives, in a few wordsj the following directions ; '* Take one of the boxe^ I have d^cribed under the head of Stew- boxes, ar.d fill the bottom with clean good gravel, not too iarge; in the month of November, or a month before Spawning, place in the box a Spavnier and a Milter of good size, then sink it in a deep stream, where there is plenty of water ; and wher the fioh have cast, take them out and twrn ihevf^ adrift into the river : then move the hon into shal- low water, which, being influenced by the rays of the sun, will early bring forth the fry : keep thsm in the box until they are about half an inch long^ and then turn them out on the shallows." (Treat, on the Management of Fresh- water Fish, 19).— It is with Trout that the experiment has puccea«fully been carried on in ,Bolgiuui, lu Uie l«uge establishment of 104 INTRODUCTION. King Leopold, near his pew palace of Ardennes , and, that it may be equally applied to Grayling, Tench, Pike, and other fish, will admit of no doubt. When once properly impregnated, the ova of all fish can be conveyed, as correctly stated by Prof. Agassiz, in water of moderate temperature, even across the Atlantic, as safely as if they were naturally deposited by the parent fish in its new locality ; so that any quantity', of any kind of spawn, may be conveyed to other streams, however distant, with success. Whether the Chinese plan of hatching fry under /owls may ever be practiced in this country with advantage, we know not ; but being a curious in- stance of the ingenuity of that extraordinary people, we shall here record it : — For this purpose they col- lect the spa\^n from lakes and rivers, place it in Tessels, and dispose of it to the proprietors of ponds. When the hatching season arrives, they empty a hen's egg of its natural contents, and substitute the spa^Ti for it The opening is then closed up, the e^g is put under its natural parent, and is, after a few days, removed, re-opened, and placed in a ves- sel of water warmed by the heat of the sun, where it is Jtept till the young fish are developed, and ac- quire sufllicient strength to bear the ordinary tem- perature of common water. {Bulletin Universel^ 1829, p. 82). — It is by such means and care as this that the vast population of the Celestial Empire can obtain, according to Du Halde, even in inland districts, excellent fish at the rate of a farthing and a halfpenny a pound. NATURALIZATION OF FRESH-WATER FISH. 105 The coniplete success of the experiments on the artificial hatching of fish have a very direct hearing upon the subject of tl)e transportation of fishes from ©ne locality to another, for the purpose of introducinj];^ new and improved breeds, and hence the information which has been collected concerning their different powers of enduring conveyance becomes compara- tively unimportant, or scarcely an element in the calculation at all. Carp and Tench, Mr. Boccius says, are easily conveyed during the months of Octo- ber and November, their breeding season, by means of casks, which must have an opening sufficiently large to admit the fish without bruising, and which must be kept open for their breathing. Eels, Flat- fish, Gurnards, Minnows-, and Dog-fish have been distinguished for possesSl/ig the same powers ; while Pike, Salmon, and other fisli are very tender, and scarcely ever survive any considerable transporta- tion. All doubt and risk, however, will, we believe, be prevented by the transmission of spawn. If the introduction of a new variety of tree, grain, or turnip, be a boon to the farmer and a benefit to the country, the introduction of a valu- able fish would certainly not prove less so, were the same attention paid to Piscatory science as is now directed to an^ricultural. Accordinor to Dr. M'CuUoch, the value of an acre of water, in France, is little if at all inferior to that of an acre of land ; and that owing to the produce procured by an en- lightened system of rearing, protecting, and fishing their preserves. (Joum. of Roy. Inst., xvii. 224). — 106 INTRODFCTION. Heoce the groat imporuince of Fish-ponds and Vivaria, together witl» their management, including the proper selection of the diiFerent kinds of fish which are to be cultivated. On these points we shall offer a few hints, respecting Fresh-water fish, respecting those which reside sometimes in fresh water and sometimes in salt, as Salmon and its congeners; and lastly, upon Salt-water fish. Various Fresh- water fish have, upon particular occasions, been introduced from one country into another, and have thus proved a great boon to the^ recipients. Passing by the Gold Carp, and the Vendace of the Lochmaben lochs, in Dumfries- shire, we remark that a striking proof is afforded of this, by the history of the Goramy, originally an inhabitant of China, and now widely spread both. over Asia and the West Indies. This fish is muchf esteemed in China and s^ome of the neighbouring islands, where it is an important article ic the markets. It was more than half a -century ago introduced into the Isle of France by M. de Lere, the commandant of the troops in that colony, and i.s now extensively bred in all the tanks and fresh- water preserves. In the year 1770, when Com- mersoH visited the island, the fish had already become abundant, — had spread from the tanks, where they were first kept, into the rivers, in which they had greatly multiplied, and preserved all their superior qualities. As stated by General Hard- wickc, it is considered an important acquisition by the inhabitants, and is very deaei-vedly esteemed by NATURALIZATION OF FRESH-WATER FISH. lOJ every one who has eaten it, as one of the best fishes of the country. At a more recent period, the Gnramy has been tian?poi-ted inio the French "West Indian Islands, where the experiment affords the most flattering prospects of success. In the Annalet Maritimes et Colorieales for 1827, it is mentioned 'that one hundred specimens of this fish, in the young state, were embarked from the Isle of France in 1819, out of which number twenty-three died on the voyage, and the remainder were distributed to Cayenne, Guadaloupe, and Martinique, where they have thriven^ beyond expectation. Lacepede ex- pressed a hope concerning this fish, that by being introduced into Europe it might there supply "une oouriture pas chere, exquise, salubre, et tres aboa- dante." — To these anticipations concerning the Goramy, we may add the opinion of a not less distinguished English philosopher, concerning the introduction, into Britain of several other kizads of fishes. " The Barbotte or Lotte," says Sir H. D^vy, " which already exists in some of the streams tribu- tary to the Trent, and which is a most adsairable fish, might be difiiised Tv-ithout much di^culty ; and nothing could be more easy than to naturalise the Spiegil, Carp, and Siluris; nor do I see any rcrison why the Perca lucio and P. zingd should not succeed in some of our clear lakes and ponds. The Zoological Society," he adds, " will, I hope, attempt something of this sort; and it will bo a better object than introducing birds and beaats of prey." (Salmomaj p„ 259). ]0S INTRODUCTION. The second class, to which we now proceed, namely, those fish which live partly in fresh water and partly in salt, is still more important, and in- volves the interesting inquiry, how far those natu- rally migratory fish may be made to abandon their habits, and, without detriment, become the denizens of fresh water alone. As to the Basse, Lahrax lupiu^ which belongs to this category, the experi- ment is said to have been completely successful : in Mr. Yarrell's words, " They have been retained with success in Mr. Arnold's fresh-water lake in Guern- sey, and Dr. MCulloch has vouched for the supe- liority of flavour obtained by the change," (i. 9). — "We shall farther illustrate the question by a refer- ence to the family of the Salmonidae, and shall make a few remarks upon the Sea- trout, Salmon, and Smelt, three species held in the highest estima- tion. With respect to the Sea or Salmon-trout, also the Whitling, the White-trout of Ireland, the Phinock of the North of Scotland, Sal/no truttay second in value only to the true Salmon, Dr. M'Culloch stated, nearly twenty years ago, that it was then a permanent resident in a fresh-water lake in the island of Lismore, and without the power of leav- ing it, and reaching the sea. There it has been known for a long course of years, perfectly recon- ciled to its prison, and propagating without any apparent difficulty It will not be superfluous to corroborate this important fact by a second distinct example, which we take from the interesting pages NATURALIZATION OF MIGRATORY FISHES. 109 of Mr. Stoddart. But the most singular circum- stance, remarks this acute writer, connected with the Edinburgh Water Company Reservoir, is, that along with the breed of common fresh water trout,, there remains another precisely uniform with the Sea-trout, or "Whitling, which were wont some years ago to ascend Glencorse Burn, above where the pond now stands, and there spa\vn. The Esk, which receives this small stream, has smce been so dammed below as to hinder this fish from running up to any distance from the Sea. (Art of Angling, 62). — If this very decided change in habit can be made, as appears from the evidence, in the Salmon- trout, the inference is almost direct that it can also be effected in regard to the Salmon. But this is not left a matter of conjecture, and satisfactory evidence upon the point may be extracted from Mr. Yarrell's in- teresting pages. In the autumn of 1835, Thomas Upton, Esq. enlarged a lake which had no com- munication with the sea, nor any outlet whatever ; and in the spring 1836, some Pinks, or young Sal- mon, were introduced into it. Sixteen months after- wards, this lake was fished, and two young Salmon {Salmon PeaT) were caught in excellent condition, silvery bright in colour, measuring fourteen inches in length, and weighing fourteen ounces. In the month of July, 1838, eleven months after, another small salmon T^as caught, equal to the first in con- dition and colour. No doubt was entertained that these fish had been transferred to the lake in spring 1836, so that the first had been retained sixteen JlO INTRODUCTION. inoaths, and the other twenty-seven, in this fresh- water lake. A similar experinient was made in Scotland in April 1831, by a dozen or two of small Salmon fry being introduced into a newly- formed pond, and the result is thus communicated by Mr. Yarrell. " As the pond, between three and four acres in extent, had been newly stocked with trout, no fishing was allowed till summer 1833, when several Salmon were cauglit, from two to three pounds weight, perfectly well shaped and filled up, of the best salmon-colour outside, the flesh well- :flavoured and well-coloured, though a little paler than that of a new run fish." (ii. 17). — And, once more, on a larger scale, M. Lloyd states that near Katrineberg, there is a valuable fishery for Salmon, ten or twelve thousand being taken annually These Salmon are bred in the lake, and in consequence of cataracts, cannot have access to the sea. The year 1820 furnished 21,817.— Finally, with regard to the Smelt, we learn from Dr. M'Culloch that Colo- nel Maxwell has brought this experiment to a suc- cessful conclusion, in a pond of abdut three acres, in Yorkshire. During three years they propagated abundantly, and were not injured by the freezing of the whole pond. As to their, quality, it was stated by the fishermen of the Tees, by whom the pond was drawn, that they had never seen a filler lot of smelts ; so that in this case there was no loss of flavour or quality. So much for this class ; and now for the third, or true Sea- fish, which generally avoid fresh water. Is NATURALIZATION OF SALT-WATER FISHES. Ill it possible that they may ever be made thriving denizens of fresh water, or otherwise be subjected to the immediate control of man ? It has been af- firmed that they may, and hence we must not omit the subject. It has been contended that this change of habit has been effected in the Common Cod, the Plaice, Flounder, Mullet, and other fishes. The evidence we can adduce on this point must neces- sarily be much curtailed. That the Cod can reside permanently in fresh water. Dr. M'CuUoch affirms lias been proved in Shetland ; the inlet of Stromncss- voe in the Mainland, communicating indeed with Ihe fresh-water lake, bat by a channel so narrow that the tide is never able to pass the strait of com- munication, but merely dams the fresh water tiU the ebb again commences. That the water is per- fectly fresh, he says, is certain ; also that Cod are frequently taken in it, and that the inhabitants en- tertain no doubt it is a permanent residenter. The Plaice, Pleuronectes plaiessa^ according to the same authority, has been carried from the North Sea to the ponds of East Friesland ; and with regard to the Mullet, both in Guernsey and Sicily, this strik- ing change seems to h;ive been effected. At one ^ime a number of Grey Mullet, about a finger-length, wefe placed in a pond of three acres of area, in the Channel island, the water being perfectly fresh : they increased in size, and nurtierous fishes of four pounds vyeight have been taken from the pond, so that this experiment iA complete and satisfactory. In Sicily the Mullet is cultivated in the lake Biviere i 112 lifmODDCTION. and the reason assigned is, that it was thereby im-^ proved as an article of food. These details, derived chiefly from Dr. M'Culloch's able Paper already quoted, and which we have had occasion to know are regarded with cocsidexabie scepticism by many, might easily be corroborated, did space permit. Dr. Fleming, indeed, observes, that when, a salt- water fish is put into fresh water, its motions speedily become irregular, its respiration appears to be affected, and unless reltased, it soon dies ; and that the same consequences follow, when a fresh-water fish is suddenly immersed in salt water. Suddenness^ however, is not a necessary element in making the change^ and phould accordingly be avoided. This attended to, hear what Mr. Jesse savs of Cod : " It will not only live, but thrive well, in fresh water, if properly fed. A respectable fisherman assured me that he had tried the experi- ment and succeeded, and offered to send me some live Cod in a well-boat for my piscaiorittm in Bushy Park," (i. 88). Another very striking cor- roboration will be found in The Edinburgh Cabinet Library, vol. xxviii., upon Iceland, Greenland, &c,, where the intelligent author states that " the Plaice, Flounder, Holibut, Turbot, and other flat fish are found on the Iceland coasts : there is nothing par- ticular in their history, unless that in one place on the northern coast they are seen, with the Cod, living in the fresh water of a lake on the brink of the ocean." Dr. E. Moore, of Plymouth, in a late commuuication (Ann. & Mag, of Nat. Hist., FISH-PRESERVKS. 1 1 Jl 1841), details the circumstances of the well-known Pilot-fish, Naucrates ductor^ having been caught^ in high health and vigour, in fresh water. — Our only other example shall be taken from our anti- podes. Mr. E. T. Bennett, in an account to the Zoological Society of some fishes which had been brought from the Sandwich Islands, remarks that one ground upon which they merit peculiar atten- tion, is the probability, that though natives of the ocean, they had actually become naturalized in fresh, or nearly fresh, water, and are thus preserved for the use of man. Much of the subsistence of the inhabi- tants is derived from the sea ; and a prominent part of the employment of the common people is to search among the pools, left by the retiring tide, for the smaller fry which may be there retained, to convey them to ponds, in which, in a short time, they in- crease to a size fit for the table. On examining these ponds, Mr. Frembley, R. N., who procured the fish, observed that they received their principal sup- ply of water by means of small canals leading from the hills above them, although in high tides, possibly the waves might reach them. Other ponds, however, are quite inland, and the water drinkable. Mr. Bennet, in recording these facts, remarks, " It is not a little extraordinary, that a fact of so much import- ance to the comforts and even the necessities of life, should have been brought but recently under the notice of the civilized people of Europa, while to the uncultivated inhabitants of these islands, it has 114 INTRODUCTION. probably been long and practically known. (Zool. Jour. ix. 32). As much as our limits permit, has now been said upon this interesting topic, and enough, we trust, to excite renewed attention to it. Probably different fish are very differently constituted as to their sus- ceptibility of such a change of habit. To some, we believe, the immediate removal from salt-water to fresh, is instant death ; but it ought not to be for- gotten, that the majority of those which voluntarily cbange their residence from sea-water to fresh, generally linger for a while on the confines ere they make a decided move. Upon the whole, however, this matter appears to be more interesting in a physiological than in a practical point of view, in- asmuch as it should be kept in mind that there exists no difficulty in forming, near the sea, sea- water ponds, or Vivaria, as well as fresh ; and that fish may thus be easily accommodated, according to their necessities and tastes. The subject of Vivaria or Preserves, and their proper Stocking and Management, opens up an im- portant branch of the subject Avhich has been too much neglected. Mr. Boccius' little Essay is use- ful on the point of Fresh-water Preserves. He re- commends three ponds to be in connexion with each other, respectively of three, four, and five acres, and shows how a lucrative rental may be derived from them ; stocking the first with 600 Carp, 60 Tencli, and 60 pikes. On Tench, he tells us, no fish will FISH-PRESERVES. 115 prey. In Geriiiaiiy, it is called the Doctor-fish, and hence its introduction. The Pike is chiefly useful in checking undue increase, so that food may be abundant for those which remain. Each of the ponds should be fished once in three years. The salesmen in London, he states, all agree, that if a regular supply of fresh-water fish were kept up, good prices and large consumption would be the result : at all events, the system of stocked fish-ponds must be productive of profit, tending to increase the quantity of cheap food, and producing a gain for that which now constitutes a loss. The luxurious extent to which Salt-water Vivaria were maintained by the Romans, at the height of their power, is well known. Lucullus cut through a mountain near Naples to introduce sea water into one of his preserves, and many had valuable stores near the shore. Some were of such magnitude, that Hirrius lent Csesar 2000 Muraenae at one time. Mullets, Doradoes, Sciaenee, Turbots, Soles, and a variety of shell-fish, were all provided with separate compartments. (Grif. Cuv., x. 670). — Three sea- water preserves are mentioned by Dr. M'Culloch as existing in Scotland ; one in Wigtonshire, another in Fifeshire, and a third in Orkney ; and the num- ber might be multiplied indefinitely. They are constructed upon the plan of hollowing out a basin or lake of considerable depth, which is to be kept subject to the influence of the tide, although at its lowest ebb a large body of inland water is still to be retained. Its only connexion with the sea is 116 INTRODUCTION. by means of gulf or strait, which, with the tides themselves, forms alternately an influx and reflux current. Across this strait is fixed a wire grating to prevent the escape of the stored fish. The pond of Portnessock in Wigtonshire is a very re- markable one, where the fish are amply provided with their watery element and appropriate food, and, generally, become quite domesticated ; the Cod especially becoming tame, recognising their keeper, accepting the morsel from his hand, and feeding like hogs out of the trough when introduced with a supply of food. The Store of Yalleyfield, on the Forth, the well-known hospitable mansion of the late Sir Robert Preston, contained a great variety of fish. Of these the Turbot, Brill, Salmon-trout, Cod, Skate, Flounder, Smelt, Sole, and Herring were the most distinguished. The food supplied consisted of ofials, broken shell-fish, &c. Many of these fishes were found to thrive well, whilst others lost in flavour and firmness. To render these Salt- water Preserves practically and extensively useful, a little experience and science seem all that is required. In many circumstances the expense of their construction would be trifling, and the satis- faction of possessing them would amply repay the outlay. These details must bring us to a close, without touching upon what has been called the Gentle Art^ and those popular associations connected with the Rod, the River, and the Loch, which are usually THE GENTLE ART. 117 regarded as the most interesting parts of our sub- ject. "We, however, regret this the less, as our taste, we confess, is so singular, not to say intolerable, that we cannot bring ourselves to approve, far less to commend this art, any more than the other sporting occupations which engage and fascinate so many. Numerous are the Apologies which have been written in their defence, and Essays in their praise ; but we always feel disposed to answer with Physicus in the Salmonidas, that the advocates of a favourite pursuit never want sophisms to defend it. Every thing, we believe, in this question, depends upon the standard employed in judging it. The luxurious Romans could sit with composure, and admire the varying colours of the Mullet change and fade over the slow fire which was destroying it. It has been, and probably ever will be common, for those in certain circles to enter with enthusiasm into the sport of the hunting-field, the moors, and the river; and to look with something like con- tempt upon those who hear no music in their enli- vening strains, and feel no sympathy in their engrossing occupations. The votaries of these en- joyments have their standard. But there is still another, which declares that the humblest com- panions of man's lot were given him, not for sport, but for use ; that the merciful man is merciful to his beast ; and that he should not thoughtlessly tread even on a worm. Sophisms we know are not want- ing : but what are the facts. Take up any of the popular treatises on Fish and Fishing of the day ; 118 INTRODUCTION. and the eye immediately falls on such passages a? the following. " Let the angler approach the place with caution, and cast his hook, neatly baited with a live and moving worm, so as to lie about the centre of the ground ;" " The Rudd, in addition to its vivid colours, is also tenacious of life, and is on that account preferred by trollers as a Ijait ;" " When you see your line move, you may certainly conclude that the Pike has pouched your bait ; wind up your line till you think you have it almost straight, then with a smart jerk hook him, and make your plea- sure to your content ;" " There is not, on sea or river, always excepting angling for Salmon, any sport comparable to the delightful amusement of trailing for Mackerel ;" " The Tunnies, in the Medi- terranean, are driven from chamber to chamber to the last, called the chamber of death. Here the work of destruction commences ; unequal battle being given with poles and other lethal weapons : this is one of the great- amusements of the rich Sicilians. When Louis XITI. (that sanguinary monarch, under whose reign ' torrents of blood had been shed') visited Marseilles, he was invited to a Tunny fishing, and found the diversion so much ts his taste, that he often said it was the pleasantest day he had spent in his whole progress through the South." What a contrast to all this, the outpour- ings of the benevolent heart : — " Roll on, ye spouting Whales, who die or keep Yotir independence in the fathomless deep ! THE GENTLE ART. 119 Spread, tiny Nautilus, the living sail ; Dive, at thy choice, or brave the freshening gale ? If unreproved the ambitious eagle mount, Sunward, to seek the daylight in its fount, nays, gulfs, and ocean's Indian width, shall be, Till the world perishes, a field for thee." Wordsworth. In sober earnestness, there is a pleasure, there is a sport, and to this we object. Upon our juvenile readers we will bring to bear the tried influence of a favourite and sagacious friend, whose reasoning, for aught we can see, can be gainsaid only by those who are old in sophistry : — " For my own part, I can hardly think that fishing for mere sport is en- tirely right. The inhabitants of the waters are doubtless as happy as those of the land or the air, and we have no privilege which authorizes us to put an end to the existence and terminate the hap- piness of any of these, for so light a reason as that of our momentary pleasure. If the Creator has seen fit to make them, there is, doubtless, a good reason why man should not wantonly destroy them. We have certainly a right to take the lives of these animals, and use them for our substantial wants ; but a kind heart will be reluctant to quench the light of life and happiness in the humblest creature, for so inadequate an end as amusement. The fishes, indeed, devour each other for subsistence, and, where their interests clash, they engage in battle, for so their instincts teach them ; but they never ilestroy each other in wanton sport ; and man, en- dowed with reason, should not break a rule of mercy 120 INTRODUCTION. which God has taught to mere animals." We mean not, however, to lecture, either by means of Peter Parley's eloquence or our own, for we know 'tis vain. Were we by trade fishermen or game-keepers, we could take life and be grateful, but not without a pang ; but having no such calling, be it ours to seek for relaxation and health, for calm, and reflection, and joy, on the mountain's brow and river's banks, and far from shortening the lives of their natural and happy tenantry, find those sweets enhanced in the conviction that, to the full measure of their capacity, they enjoy life, and disHke pain, not ]e>ig than we. Thy universal works are full of Thee, The least, the greatest, — each and all divine ! While Nature, eloquent of Deity, Holds everywhere her mild triumphant sign, Tlirough which thy everlasting glories shine ! The changing seasons and the march of time, The tree, the flower, the field, the river thine ! Heaven, earth, and sea, in one harmonious chime, Hymn forth the Holy God — the Beautiful— Sublime. Mullen. THIL NATURAL HISTORY OF BRITISH FISHES Strange forms, resplendent colours, kinds unnumbered, With swords, saws, spiral horns, or hooked fangs. ARRANGEMENT. Upon the important subject of the Arrangement Oj Fishes^ we shall not enter further than to remark, that in the succeeding pages we follow that of the Baron Cuvier, which we consider the best which has hitherto been proposed. He divides this Class of animals, the Fourth and last of the Vertebrata, into two great Series, the Osseous, or those pos- sessed of a bony skeleton, and the Cartilaginous, or those furnished with a cartilaginous one ; and arranges the whole in six Orders, four belonging to the former Series, and two to the latter. The Os- 122 ARRANGEMENT. 8EOUS Series be -arranges in two great subdivisions, the Spiny-ji7ined and the Soft-JinnecL The whole of the Spiny-finned go to form the First Order, while the Soft-finned are divided into Three Orders, according as the ventral fins are placed on the abdo- men or belly, the thorax or chest, or, are wanting. The Cartilaginous Fishes are divided into Two Orders, — those with free gills, and those with fixed. The great work, L'Histoire Naturelle des Poissons, commenced in the year 1 828, by Baron Cuvier and M. Valenciennes, and still in the course of publica- tion by the latter gentleman, is not only an ampli- fication of the summary account of fishes presented in the Rcgne Animal of the former Naturalist, but is also a modification and improvement of it in many important respects. Should that great work ever be completed, it will have effected, for the Natural History of Fishes, what has not been ac- complished in any of the other classes of Ver- tebrata; affording a comprehensive and minute account of all that is known regarding the history, structure, and habits of the many thousand species of the Class. That splendid work has now reached the termination of the first great Order; and we need scarcely state, that, throughout, we have been most happy to avail ourselves of it, as a most trust- worthy director and guide. 123 FIRST SERIES. OSSEOUS FISHES. FIRST SUBDIVISION. OSSEOUS FISHES WITH SPINOUS RAYS. ORDER I. SPINOUS- FINNED FISHES. ACANTHOP- TRRYGII. The Spinous-fixned Order of Fishes, decidedly the most highly organized of the whole Class, is also by far the most numerous, probably exceeding in amount of species all the others put together. All the Fishes belonging to it are recognizable by their fins, spinous rays being supplied to the anterior part of the dorsal, whether there be one, or more than one ; and sometimes the spines are free, having no connecting membrane : the anal fin also has its first rays spinous ; and very frequently there is one such in each ventral fin. In Cuvier s arrangement, in- cluding the Fishes of the waters of every region and clime, there are fifteen families comprehended in this Order, twelve of which have representatives in the British Fauna. Without further preface, we commence with the Family of Perches, whose his- tory, it may be remembered, formed the subject of the First Volume of our Ichthyological Series : in dwelling upon the British species, we shall avoid every thing like repetition, and hence its consider- ation will not so lonjjf detain us- ]24 I. FAMILY OF PERCHES. PERCID^. Cien. 1. Perca. . Sp. 1. P.fluviatilis. 2. Labrax. . 2. L. lupus, 3. Serranus. . 4. ACERINA. . 5. polyprion. 6. Trachinus. Representatives in British Fauna. — Gen. "J. Sp. 10. The Perch. The Common Basse. 3. S. cahrilla. . Smooth Serranus. 4. S. gigas. . . Dusky Serranus, 5. A. vulgaris. . Common Ruffe. 6. P. cernium. . Couch's Polyprion. 7. T. draco. . The Great Weever. 8. 7'. vipera. . The Lesser Ditto. 7. MuLLUS. . 9. M. surmuletiis. Striped Mullet. \(). M.harhatus. . Plain Red Ditto. The first six species are Thoracic, having the ventral fins placed under the pectorals ; the next two are Jugular, having the ventrals before the pectorals ; the last two are abdominal. The Family of the Percidas derives its name from the common Perch, which is regarded as its type, or general representative. The species belonging to it are extremely numerous, amounting, in Cuvier's and Valenciennes' great v^ork, to the number of five hundred ; so that the British Fauna embraces but one-fiftieth : two-thirds inhabit warmer seas, and one-ninth are found in the extensive waters of North America, not one of which, however, is known in Europe. Their flesh is usually wholesome and agreeable. In shape, their body is oblong, and covered with scales, generally hard or rough ; the opercle and pre-opercle are either serrated or spinous ; and the jaws, vomer, and palatins are commonly armed with teeth. \ \ / 't i ' \ If.. irwn }}! GE^'CS PERCA. THE PERCH. 125 Gen. I. Perca. — Sp. 1. P.fluvlatilis. The Perck — As to the general appearance, the specific cha- racters, and the varied garb in which this beautiful fish appears, we, in this case, as in others, refer, as previously stated, to our Appendix and Plate, under the conviction that this will aff"ord the most ample satisfaction at once to the general reader and the student of natural history. Varieties, however, have been recorded, which it will here be proper to notice. Mr. Pennant informs us, that in a lake called Llyn Rathlyn, in Merionethshire, there is a variety whose back is quite hunched, and the lower part, near the tail, strangely distorted, the colour, and other characters, remaining the same ; and the normal variety occurring in the lake as abundantly as the other. Linnaeus had previously observed this variety at Fahlun, in Sweden, and in other lakes in the north of Europe ; and Pennant was informed it occurred near JMarlow, on the Thames. One of this distorted race is figured by Mr. Daniel in his Rural Sports. As to colour, again, specimens almost entirely white have been noticed in particular soils, as mentioned by Mr. Jesse in his Gleanings. Another variety would appear to be of a uniform slate-grey colour, with a silvery tint, as stated by Mr. Yarrell ; these exist in the ponds of Ravenfield Park, near Rotherham, Yorkshire, and the peculiarity is re- tained when the livinor fish are transferred to other o waters. Once more ; Mr. Hartley makes the follow- ing striking statement : — " There is certainly a very extraordinary phenomenon attending the Perch of 126 ACANTHOPTERYGII. PERCH FAMILY. Malham Water, Yorkshire, the cause of which I leave to Naturalists to ascertain. After a certain age they become bhnd ; a hard, thick, yellow fibre covers the whole surface of the eye, and renders the light totally obscure. When this is the case, the fish generally are exceedingly black ; and although, from the extreme toughness and consistency of the membrane, it is evident that some have been mucli longer in this state than others ; yet there appears to be no diff*erence either in their flavour or con- dition." The Perch, under favourable circumstances, attains, with years, to a very considerable size. When three pounds weight it is considered of a large size ; but those of five pounds are by no means uncommon, having been found in UUswater, as mentioned by Mr. Hutchinson in his History of Cumberland, and by Dr. Parnell in Loch Lomond, and by numerous other observers. They have been frequently seen of the size of six and eight pounds ; and IMr. Pen- nant mentions his having heard of one taken in the Serpentine, Hyde Park, which weighed nine pounds. As it respects their spawning, they are both pro- lific and precocious. Mr Jesse states that he has known them full of spawn when they were not more than three inches long ; a Perch of half a pound weight has been found to contain 280,000 o^•a, and the number has been estimated in larger ones at nearly a million. Aristotle noticed, that the female deposits her ova united together by a viscid matter in lengthened strings ; and Bh^cli remarked the same GENUS PERCA. THE PERCH. 127 phenomenon, when tlie fisli was confined in a glass vase in a room. They spawn in April and May, and feed upon insects, worms, and small fish, the Minnow being a deadly bait. These fish thrive well both in lakes and rivers ; in the latter, preferring the sides of tlie streams to the rapid parts of the current. In Ullswater, where nets are employed, " Myriads are procured along with the weeds." (Hutchinson, 459.) — They have long been celebrated for their reckless boldness and extreme voracity; w^hence the old saying, — •' When braken (fern) is out of brook, Bass (Perch) will bite at the bare hook." And the statement. That if an angler encounter a shoal, he will capture every one of them. From these characteristics, they often become the prey of juvenile anglers. A good illustration of their bold- ness is mentioned by Mr. Jesse, who found, that in a few days after some had been put into his viva- rium in Bushy Park, they came freely and took worms from his hands. They will live for some hours out of the water ; and will bear a journey of sixty miles, as mentioned by Mr. Pennant, if care- fully packed, and occasionally watered. Mr. Yar- rell mentions, that they are constantly exhibited in the markets of Catholic countries ; and, if not sold, are returned to the ponds whence they were taken in the morning, to be reproduced another day. The Perch is very common in temperate climes ; it abounds generally in Europe, in the south of 128 ACANTHOPTERYGII. PERCH FAMILY. England, Wales, and Ireland, and is common in the lowlands of Scotland. Mr. Selby states, " That it is a rare fish in the north of England, and still rarer in the northern parts of Scotland, being met with only sparingly in the lochs north of the Forth, and, in several instances, when found in these loca- lities, its introduction can be traced to no remote period : in all the almost countless waters," he adds, " of the northern counties, it is wanting." Mr. Col- quhoun, as we understand him (p. 121), has caught Perch of three pounds weight in Loch Awe, in Ar- gyllshire; and, from what Dr. Parnell states, we conclude it is common in Loch Lomond. Mr. Low does not include it among the fishes of Orkney and Shetland ; but Nilsson enumerates it as a Scandi- navian one. As an article of food, the Perch was highly prized by the ancients ; and though now far from being so popular in this respect, yet it is esteemed wholesome and excellent food when in season. The flesh is white, firm, and well flavoured ; it is in bad con- dition in April, May, and June. Gen. II. Labrax. (Sp. 2.) L. Lupus. The Basse, or Sea-Perch. — Having already described this fish and its congeners in our First Volume, our present notice may be short. It was well known and highly esteemed by the ancients as an article of food; and, being a bold fish, and active in its habits, it thus obtained its name of Lwpus^ or Wolf: in Scotland, it is sometimes de- signated the Gape-mouth., and, on the Kentish GEN. LABRAX. BASSE, OR SEA-PERCH. VJ9 c<~»ast, it IS called the Sea-dace, from the cam- mon Perch, it is readily distinguished by the scales on the gill-cover, the spines on the opercle, and the roughness of the vomer. Other distinguish- ing characters, and marked differences in colour, will be seen by a glance at our Plates and Appendix. The Sea-perch, besides, acquires a much greater size ; the average length in this country, perhaps, may not exceed eighteen inches, but frequently, and more especially abroad, it attains a weight of fifteen pounds, and occasionally much more. Its food is chiefly composed of Crustacea, the fry of other fishes, and fishes of smaller dimensions. They take the bait freely, and are captured by angling with deep-sea lines, and also by the seine and trawl- nets. They swim in shoals along the shores, and deposit their spawn in summer, generally near the; mouths of rivers, or in estuaries, up which they pass a considerable way, and hence they are some- times caught in the salmon-nets at the Queens- ferry, Frith of Forth. Though more abundant in the Mediterranean and on the Dutch coast than with us, they are by no means uncommon on the southern and western shores of England, and also on the east coast of Ireland; they are much rarer on the Scottish shores. Their flesh is firm and well flavoured ; and yet, in the Edinburgh market, they are but little esteemed, whilst in the Moray Frith, and elsewhere, they are highly prized. Mr. Yarrell informs us they have been domesti- cated with success in Mt. Arnold's fresh-water 130 ACANTHOPTERYGII. PERCH FAMILY. lake in Guernsey; and Dr. 3I'Culloch vouches for the improvement in flavour obtained by tne change. Gen. III. Serranus. — The name Serranus has been given to this genus from its marked serrated opercle. The dorsal fin is single, and the jaws are furnished with elongated sharp teeth amidst the smaller ones. Of the vast number of species of which this genus is known to consist, two only have been ascertained to be British, and these by the successful labours of Mr. Couch of Polperro, a gentleman whose name will be frequently and honourably mentioned in the following pages. He described them as Perches, — the Smooth and Dusky, names which Mr. Yarrell has very properly applied as trivial ones to these species. (Sp. 3.) S. Cahrllla, The Smooth Serranus. The size which Mr. Couch assigns to this species, as found on the coast of Cornwall, is about ten inches in length. The under jaw is longest, teeth being on both, as well as on the palate, numerous, irregular, sharp, and incurved ; the tongue is small and loose ; the eye large, and near the top of the head ; the lateral line near the dorsal ridge. He adds, — it is a common fish, and keeps in the neiglibourhood of rocks, not far from land. From not having been yet detected in any other part of the British coast, we must esteem it rather a rare visitor, while it is abundant in the Mediterranean, and passes thence south as far as Teneriffe and Madeira. The an- cients, as stated by Cuvier, had a notion that this GEN. SERRANUS. SMOOTH AND DUSKY. 131 species was composed only of females, or rather tliat it was hermaphrodite ; and M. Cavolini stated that all the specimens he had examined contained both roe and milt. This, however, must have been a mistake, since both Mr. Yarrell and Professor Owen, who employed his microscope, agree that the roes transmitted to London bv Mr. Couch con- tained only true ova, in which tliere was nothing equivocal either in structure or appearance. The last named gentleman mentions, that the singular spasm which seizes this fish, when captured, never leaves it ; and that it is found long after death in a «tate of rigidity and contortion, with the fins preter- naturally erect. Gesner long ago remarked, that in dying it was remarkable for its gasping and belching. (Sp. 4.) S. gigas. The Dusky Serranus. (PI. I.) This second species of Serranus has acquired its spe- cific name from the gigantic size it frequently ac- quires in the Mediterranean, regarded at present as its most frequent abode, and where it is held in con- siderable estimation as an article of food. Its usual weight is between 10 and 20 lbs., and it has been observed to reach 60 lbs. One specimen alone has been detected in the British Isles, and it was taken, as stated by Mr. Couch, with a line. It weighed 1 6 lbs., and measured tliree feet in length and seven inches in depth, the body being thick and solid. The other specific characters will be found else- where, and the general appearance as beautifully depicted in our Plate. Nothing, according to Cu- 132 ACANTHOPTEBYGII. PERCH FAMILY. vier, is known of its habits, except tliat at Nice it approaches the shore in April and May, when it ^■eposits its spawn. Genus lY. Acerina. (Sp. 5.) A. vulgaris. The Ruffe or Pope (PL II.), is the only representative of this genus found in Britain. It is a river fish, " The ^Smaller River Perch" of Gesner, and the " Small Perch" of Bloch. From these statements it will be inferred that it is closely allied to the Common Perch; from which it is distinguished chiefly by having a single dorsal fin, the rays of which are spinous in the anterior part, and flexible in the posterior. It appears to have been first described by Dr. Caius, who detected it in the Yare, near Norwich. Mr. Yarrell states that it is common in all the canals and rivers in England, particu- larly the Thames, Isis, and Cam: it is unknown in Scotland; and also, as stated, in Spain, Italy, and Greece : it is found, again, in the colder parts of Europe, and is common throughout France. It is more slender than the Perch, and seldom ex- ceeds six or seven inches in length. The colour of the upper parts of the body is light olive brown, passing into yellowish-brown on the flanks, and into white on the abdomen : the lateral line is prominent, and strongly marked. Its food is the same as that of the Common Perch, and, like it, it is very voracious, and fearless in taking a bait ; its flesh is considered excellent : it spawns in April among roots and rushes. According to Mr. Pen- nant, it is gregarious, assembling in large shoals. GENERA ACERINA AND POLYPRION. 133 and keeping the deepest part of the water ; accord- ing to Mr. Yarrell, its- favourite haunts are slov shaded streams, with a gravelly bottom. Gen. V. PoLYPRioN. (Sip.6.) P.cernium. Couch's Polyprion. (PL II.) This fish, the only ascertained species of the genus, was first introduced to notice, as belonging to the British Fauna, by Mr. Couch ; Mr. Lowe, the well-known Ichthyologist of Madeira, recognized it as the P. cerniuin of Cuvier and Valen- ciennes, and Mr. Yarrell has assigned to it the trivial name of Couch's Polyprion. On the Devonshire coast it is called the Stone-hasse, and the Wreck- fish ; it is the Chernotte and Cheme of Madeira, the Jew-fish of the English residents. It is readily dis- tinguished by being entirely covered, from snout to tail, with small rigid scales, which are serrated at the free margin ; all the opercular bones are den- ticulated, and strong bony ridges run above and behind the eyes. It has been long known in the Mediterranean : is very common at Madeira, ex- tends to the Cape of Good Hope, and, it is be- lieved, to North America; nor is it very rare on the southern shores of Britain. It is a very beau- tiful fish, as will be seen by a reference to our Plate. In the Mediterranean it acquires the size of five or six feet, and weighs 100 lbs. ; in the British Channel it has been caught as long as three feet. It feeds on Mollusca and the smaller fishes, and constitutes excellent food, its flesh being white, tender, and well-flavoured. As implied in some of its synonymes, this fish 134 ACANTHOPTERYGII. PERCH FAMILY. has an extraordinary habit of following wood- wreck and other foul and floating bodies. Thus Mr. Couch states it approaches the Cornish coast under pecu- liar circumstances : when a piece of timber, covered with barnacles, is brought by currents from more southern regions, considerable numbers sometimes^ accompany it. In the alacrity of their exertions, they pass over the wreck in pursuit of each other, and sometimes for a short space are left dry upon the top, until a succeeding wave bears them off again. From this it might be supposed that bar- nacles constituted their food, but this does not appear to be the case ; and more probably the nu- merous small fishes, which follow the floating mas& for insects, are the attraction. Captain Nicholls, in a voyage from Newfoundland to Portugal, having his ship's bottom very foul, and covered with bai- nacles, was becalmed for many days about a hun- dred leagues off Oporto, and was for •«> fortnight surrounded by these fishes, which followed the ship and were caught by the crew. He fed hie men with them for twelve or fourteen days, who considered them excellent. Gen. VI. Trachinus. — As already hinted, the two species we have now to notice belong to the Jugular branch of the Family. The Gen. Trachinus is rather a numerous one, and extensively distributed. The species belonging to it have no air-bladder, usually hide themselves in the sand, and are very tenacious of life. From this circumstance, the French have ap- plied to them the name of La Vive, a corruption of i mi GEN. TRACHINUS. THE WEEVERS. 136 which seems to have supplied the English name Viver, or Weever. They are well known from the wounds they inflict with their formidable osseous spines, and are generally esteemed as food. It is in reference to their tenacity of life that Mr. Yarrell makes the following interesting observation : "■ It may be considered as a law, that those fish which swim near the surface of the water have a high standard of respiration, a low degree of muscular irritability, great necessity for oxygen, die soon, almost immediately when taken out of the water, and have flesh liable to rapid decomposition. On the contrary, those fish that live near the bottom of the water have a low standard of respiration, a high degree of muscular irritability, and less necessity for oxygen ; they sustain life long after they are taken out of the water, and their flesh remains good for several days. * * * The law referred to has its origin in the principle of organization ; and though it would be difficult for the anatomist to demonstrate those deviations in structure which give rise to these distinctions and their eff*ects, it is only necessary to make the points of comparison wider to be assured of the fact." (Sp. 7-) T. draco. The Great Weever, or Sting- bull. (PI. II.) The usual length of the Great Weeter is from twelve to fifteen inches, sometimes reaching to seventeen. The upper portions of the body are of reddish-brown colour, with interrupted lines of black and yellow running parallel with the oblique row^s of scales; the under parts of the body are 136 ACANTHOPTERYGII. PERCH FAMILY. M-hite, with interrupted yellow lines; first dorsa? with its web deep black. It spawns in summer. It is occasionally met with at Weymouth, Hastings, and other parts of the coast ; and is much dreaded by the fishermen on account of its sharp spines which are usually considered as venomous, but without any sufficient reason, as they are quite de- void of all poisonous secretion. Mr. Couch states that he has known three men wounded successively in the hand by the same fish, and the consequences have in a few minutes been felt as high as the shoulder. Strong friction with sea-sand was long a popular remedy among the fishermen, from which nothing could be expected but an aggravation of the symptoms. The application of oil seems a far more suitable remedy, and that procured from the liver of the offender will ever be at hand. Both in France and Spain there is a positive law whereby the fishermen are required to remove the spines before they are brought to market. (Sp. 8.) T. vipara. The Lesser Weever, seldom attains a length of more than five or six, and very rarely of seven, inches : it is of a reddish grey above, with the under parts approaching silvery white, with faint indications of transverse yellow lines ; the web connecting the four first spines of the first dorsal fin is deep black, and there is a black spot at the extremity of the caudal fin. This species is more generally distributed than the former, being com- mon in Scotland, especially in the Solway Frith, as well as in England, and beiiig familiarly known in GEN. MTJLLUS. THE SURMULLETS. 137 Ireland : it spawns in spring, and is often taken by shrimpers. Being very quick in its movements, it is even more dangerous to handle than its larger congener. Mr. Pennant states that it buries itself in the sand, watching for its prey, leaving only its snout exposed; and if trod on, it immediately strikes with great force ; and we have seen it, he adds, " direct its blows with as much judgment as a fighting cock." If trodden upon by bathers, as fre- quently happens, it inflicts, says Dr. Parnell, a severe and jiainful wound, causing the part to swell, and almost immediately to assume a dark brown ap- pearance, which remains for five or six hours. The best application is stated to be hot water, which relieves the pain, and diminishes the swelling in the course of half an hour. Gen. VII. ^luLLUS, Surmullets. — Of the third di\asion of the family of Perches, the abdominal, two species only, as stated above, are visitors of the British shores. In designating them Surmul- lets, we diiFer from Mr. Yarrell, in whose foot- steps we are usually anxious to tread, and who calls them Mullets. Our Eighth Family, as will presently appear, is styled the Family of Mugilida? or jMuUets, and our present fishes, so differently placed in the arrangement, should surely have a different name. This in fact has frequently been assigned them, as by Pennant, Fleming, Jenyns, and other British Naturalists ; and we see no sufficient reason for leaving such good company, and con- tinuing an old and unfortunate nomenclature. The 138 ACANTHOPTERYGTI. PERCH FAMILY. term Barhatus for our ninth species is also unfortu- nate, as its congener is no less liberally endowed with barbules or cirri ; not uncommon in other fishes, though their structure and uses differ more widely than is generally stated. In the instance before us, IMr. Yarrell informs us that he had found these appendages to consist of an elon- gated and slender flexible cartilage, inserted with numerous longitudinal, muscular, and nervous fibres, and covered with an extension of the common skin. These cirri he considers as delicate organs of touch, by w^hich the species provided with them and which are know^n mostly to feed near the bottom, are enabled to ascertain, to a certain extent, the qualities of the various substances with which they are brought into contact, being thus in formation analogous to the beak of birds. " It is to be con- sidered as another instance, among the many pro- visions of Nature, by which, in the case of fishes feeding at great depths, where light is deficient, compensation is made for consequently imperfect vision." In identifying the species with those which have been long known in the Mediterranean, we have not reached all the certainty that is desirable. It was one of these Surmullets which was so celebrated among the Romans for the excellency of its flesh, its extreme beauty, and the extravagant prices it brought. The epicures, in Horace's day, valued it in proportion to its size; not because the larger were better, but because they were procured with y§ii» , ^ I \4; 1^, GENUS MULLUS. THE SURMULLETS. 139 greater difficulty. From Salviani we leani thai Galea states it was esteemed above every other article of food, and that large ones were obtained only at prodigious prices. Juvenal says, " Mulhtm sex mittibus emit j^quantuDi sane paribus sestertia libris.^^ Six scanty pounds the Mullet weigh 'd ; Six thousand sesterces tlie wise man paid ! Seneca mentions that a Mullet of 4 lbs. weight was presented to the Emperor Tiberius, who ordered it to the market, where it was purchased by Octavius for 5000 sesterces ; and Asinius Celer, of consular rank, bought one during the reign of Caius at the price of 8,000 sesterces, or about £65. It has been well remarked by Mr. Griffith, that these fishes stand pre-eminent in the annals of human luxury, cruelty, and folly ; and in connexion with, them, pains have been taken to hold up the Roman gourmands to the reprobation they really merit. In their feasts they revelled over the dying Mullet, while the bright red colour of health passed through various shades of purple, violet, blue, and white, as life gradually ebbed, and convulsions put an end to the admired spectacle. They put these devoted fish into crystal vessels, filled with water, over a slow fire, upon their tables, and complacently re- garded the lingering sufierings of their victims, as the increasing heat gradually prepared them for their pampered appetites ! (Sp.9.) M. larbatus. The Red Surmullet (PI. III.) 140 ACANTHOPTERYGII. PERCH FAMILY. is usually considered to have been the fish so sig- nalized above ; but this cannot be considered certain. Tliis species is distinguished from the only other British one, by having the profile more vertical, by its length, in this part of the world, rarely exceed- ing six inches, and by its scales being differently shaped and marked, as may be seen in Mr. Yarrell's work. It is a very rare fish on the British shores ; Pennant, however, was satisfied of its existence on the coast of Scotland, and Dr. Johnston of Berwick has recently confirmed this opinion. Mr. Couch also has obtained two specimens in Cornwall ; one is in the Collection of the British Museum, and another is possessed by Mr. Yarrell. Mr. Couch describes his specimens as having one yellow line, a little below the lateral line, the sides and part of the belly dark red, and the back lighter in colour than the other species. Mr. Yarrell states that the London specimens have the colour of the most deli- cate carmine on the back and sides, and the abdo- men silvery white, without any appearance of a yellow line. The fins are yellow. (Sp. 10.) M. SurmuLlus. The Striped Surmul- let lias its profile descending obliquely from the forehead ; its average size, in this country, is from twelve to fifteen inches in length, and the red of its ^ides is marked with longitudinal yellow lines, like the jixeceding species, it is destitute of an air- bladder. From Mr. Yarrell we learn, that several years ago he procured a specimen from Weymouth which weighed 3 lbs. 6 oz. This fish is considered GENUS MULLUS. STRIPED SURMULLET. 141 migratory, and yet may be procured in the shops of the London fishmongers throughout the year ; being, however, more plentiful in summer, when their colours are most vivid, and the fish in highest eon- litioii. Thev take a wide range in the water, their X)mmoii habit being to keep close to the ground, and their migrations being performed near the sur- face. Hence they are sometimes taken in the Mackerel nets upon the surface, and at other times by the trawl net on the bed of the ocean. Some- times they are captured in great profusion, and at other times are very scarce. In August 1819, 5000 were taken in one night in Weymouth Bay ; and 10,000 were sent, in May 1831, from Yar- mouth to the London market. Though not re- garded equal, as an article of food, to the preceding species, still thev are much esteemed 1 42 ACANTHOPTERYGII. II. FAMILY OF MAILED CHEEKS. BUCCiE LORICATE. Representatives in British Fauna. — Gen. 6. Sp. 21 -Oen. 8. Trigla. Sp. 11. T. cuculus. . . Red Gurnard. 12. T. lineata. . . Streaked Ditto. 13. T. hirundo. . . Sapphirine Do. 1 4. T. vmcihptera. . The Little Do. 1 5. T. lyra. ... The Piper. 16. T. gurnardus. . Grey Gurnard. 17. T. Blochii. . . Bloch's Do. 18. T. lucerna. . . Shining Do. 9. Periptedion . 19. P. malarmat. . Mailed Do. iO. CoTTUs. . . 20. C. gohio. . . . River Bullhead. '2\. C. scorpiiis. . . Short-spined Coi- tus. 22. C. buhalis. . . Long-spined Dc. 23. G. quadricornis. Four-homed Do 1 1. AsPinoPHORUS. 24. A. EuropcBus. . Arnied Bullhead. 12. Sebastes. . . 25. S. Norvegicus. . Norway Haddock. 13. Gasterosteus. 26. G. trachunis. . Rough-tailed Stickleback. 27. G. Semiarmatus. Half-armed Do. 28. G. leiurus. . . Smooth- tailed Do. 29. G. brachycentrus. Short-spined Do. 30. G. spinulosus. . Four-spined Do. 31. G. pungitius. . Ten-spined Do. 32. G. spi/iachia. . Fifteen-spinedDo. The Family of the Mailed or Hard Cheeks, though it comes far short of the foregoing as to numbers, is still an extensive one, comprehending about 170 species, not one-fifth of which is Euro- pean. It prevails, however- in northern waters; I GENUS TRIGLA. THE GURNARDS. 143 and hence, as in tlic higher orders of animals, a greater proportion of its generic forms is common to the New and Old World. Several genera are common to both sides of the Atlantic, and some of the Fresh- water Cotti and Gasterostei in Ame- rica, are scarcely distinguishable from their Euro- pean representatives. In general conformation, the fishes composing it are not very difterent from the Perches ; but the singular appearance of their head, which is variously armed with spines and bristles, forms a striking distinction; and the suborbital bone is more or less extended, so as to cover the cheek and to be articulated with the preopercular bone. This Family includes several species of the famous Flying-fishes, Dcictylopteri^ which have at all times attracted the attention of mankind ; but not being British fishes, we cannot here enter into their history. Gen. YIII. Trigla, — Is that which of all others most characterizes the Family. The first sub- orbital bone is very large, and articulates both with the muzzle and the preopercle; the sides of the head are nearly vertical, and cube-shaped ; there are two distinct dorsal fins, and beneath the pecto- ral fins there are three free rays. The English name it bears is that of Gurnard, agreeing with the French, and derived from the growling, grunting noise which they make, by means of their throat and gill, when disporting on the wave or ploughing the deep, and still more frequently when they are newly taken from the water. Eight species liav(> 144 ACANTHOPTERYGIi. MAILED CHEEKS. been ascertained to be British, and some liavino- a strong resemblance have been long confounded. Their specific characters, besides being casually mentioned here, will be stated more prominently in the Appendix. They are all marine fish, and usually frequent deep waters, where they are cap- tured with the trawl Hne and deep-sea lines. They form good nourishing food, and some of them are jiighly esteemed. (Sp. 11.) T. cuculus. The Red Gurnard, it should be noted, is the Cuculus of Linna3us, and not of Bloch. It is tlie Red Gurnard^ Red Crooner, and Ciickoo Gurnard of our fishermen. Some cau- tion is necessary in its identification, Colonel Mon- tague remarking that the name Red Gurnard is misapplied, as it partakes less of that colour than many of its congeners, and consequently these others are apt to be mistaken for it. Dr Parnell states the principal distinguishing characters to be, that the lateral line is crossed throughout its length by lines not reaching below the middle of the sides, and that the gill-cover and shoulder-plate terminate with a spine directed backwai'ds. The appellation Cuckoo, applied to this fish, is bestowed from the supposed resemblance of its note, when taken from the water, to that of its sylvan prototype. The average size of this fish is from nine to twelve inches^ sometimes reaching sixteen. Its colouring is rich and beautiful. When first taken from the water, it is rose-red above, its sides and abdomen are dull white tinged with red, with the fins reddish white , GEN. TRIGLA. THE GURNARDS. l46 the body feels rough to the touch. It is very common on the shores of England, particularly on the southern. Thousands of them, says Dr. Parnell, are seen exposed daily on the Devonshire coast, especially in those smaller towns where the trawl-boat fishing is carried on. On the east coast of Scotland it is seldom seen in numbers, but a few are taken occasionally in the Frith of Forth, during the summer, by lines, or entangled in salmon-nets, at the lower part of the estuary. In Ireland it is taken from Waterford in the south, to Londonderry in the north. It feeds principally upon crustaceous animals ; spawns in IMay and June ; continues out of season till August, and is in highest perfection for the table in the winter months. Its flesh is firm and well-flavoured, and held in high estima- tion. (Sp. 12.) T. lineata. The French, or Rock Gur- nard. The head of this species is shorter, and the pectoral fins longer, than in the last; the profile also is more vertical, and the transverse lines extend ^rom the dorsal crest to the lower part of the abdo- men. It rarely attains the length of a foot; its whole body is of a beautiful red colour, with small black spots on the head and back ; the pectorals are grey spotted with black, and the other fins red- dish. Its flesh is as much esteemed as that of the foregoing species, and it is in season at the same period. It occurs on our southern and eastern coasts, but not very abundantly ; it is well known in Paris and the Canaries. )46 ACANTHOPTERYGII. MAILED CHEEKS. (Sp. 13). T. hirundo. Sapphirine Gurnard, or Smoothsides. The most marked specific character of this Gurnard is the lateral line being smooth and simple ; the scales also are entire at their free mar- gin ; tlie pectorals are about the same size as in the preceding species. Its trivial English name is de- rived from the colour of its pectoral fins, which are bluish green upon the inner surface, spotted with bright blue ; the general colour of the body is brownish red, tinged with yellow-green. It spawns in the winter months, and is one of the largest and most valuable fishes which inhabits our seas, vary- ing from a foot and a half to two feet in length, and more ; and is also one of the commonest : it abounds on the southern and eastern coasts, where it is taken on Whiting lines, as well as by the net. It is also common on the west of Scotland, but rare on the east, appearing but seldom in the Edinburgh markets. It is not inferior, as food, to any of its congeners ; though, like them, it is somewhat dry, and requires help from the culinary art : in the north of Europe it is salted for preservation. (Sp. 14.) T. poeciloptera. The Little Gurnard. This small species was discovered by M. Valenciennes at Dieppe, and afterwards found by Mr. Ball, m 1815, at Youghal, in Ireland. Its pectoral fin is distinguished, on its inner aspect, by a deep black marking, streaked with milk white ; its head and back are abundantly furnished with spines. The back is brownish red, the abdomen silvery white, and red at the ventrals ; the flanks are golden and GEN. TRIGLA. THE GURNARDS. 14*} iridescent, which makes the fish peculiarly brilliant. The Dieppe fishermen maintain it never exceeds four inches in length. In the pools left by the re- tiring tide, it afi'ords great amusement to youthful bathers, and it is taken in great quantities by the shrimpers. (Sp. 15.) T. lyra. The Piper. According to Cuvier, this species is very readily recognised by the strength of its spinous armour. Rondelet gave it the name of Lyra^ not only from the noise it emits, like its congeners, and whence the English name Piper, but because the denticulated processes, which divide the snout have some distant resem- blance to the instrument just named. It is rather rare on the British coasts, but has been noticed ofi" Devonshire, on our western shores, and in Belfast Bay. It is well knovm in the IMediterranean ; at- tains the length of two feet and upwards ; and, as food, is considered excellent. (Sp. 16.) T. gurnardus. The Grey Gurnard has its lateral line sharply serrated ; the pectorals are about the size of the ventrals, and the profile of the face is concave : the length is from fifteen to twenty inches, sometimes two feet, and very rarely somewhat more. Above, the colour is grey, clouded with brown, and spotted with yellow, white, and black ; beneath, silvery white. It spawns, accord- ing to Bloch, in May and June. This species is common in the British seas, along the southern coasts, and the eastern, as far as the Orkneys ; they are also common on the western coasts, and have 148 ACANTHOPTERYGII. MAILED CHEEKS. been observed on the Irish : it has also a wide ais- tribution along the European shores, and in the ocean. It takes the hook in deep water greedily, Trill bite at a red rag, and, as noted by Pen- nant, is also fond of sporting on the surface. As exhibiting this peculiarity, we quote the words of an intelligent reviewer in the Magazine of Zoology and Botany, (i. 389). " We recollect observing the sports of shoals of this species when on an excur- sion to the Western Isles, during a week of beauti- ful and too calm weather ; for it was before steam- boats plied. They were often discovered by their noise, a dull croak or croon, or by the ripple or plough of their nose on the surface of the calm sea ; thus they would swim for a few yards, and then languidly sink for a foot or eighteen inches, display or stretch their lovely fins, and again rise to the top. Boats were out with hand-lines; almost all were half -full, the men having little to do but bait the books and pull up. We resorted to our guns, and killed sufficient for dinner from the deck of the ves- sel." The flesh is considered as not equal to that of some of the other species. (Sp. 17). T. BlochlL Bloch's Gurnard. This name has been very judiciously applied to the pre- sent species by Mr. Yarrell, to distinguish it from the first species — the Cuculus of Linnaeus, from which it manifestly difiers. Ichthyologists, how- ever, are not quite agreed as to its title to inde- pendency. Its specific characters are said to be the first dorsal fins having a black spot, and the GEN. TRIGLA. SHINING GURNARD. 149 dorsal ridge being strongly serrated ; and in these particulars it differs from all others : but then there are some Naturalists who hold that it is nothing more than the young of the preceding species. Dr. Pamell distinctly states, that if we examine specimens of the two alleged species, nine inches in length, they will be found to possess common cha- racters, " and in no instances," says this inde- fatigable observer, " have I found a young of the Grey Gurnard possessing the character of an adult ; but bearing always those which are assigned to the Blochii." The usual size of the fish now under review is only nine or ten inches. Some maintain that it is rare, whilst others give a contrary testi- mony.— " In the month of August," says Dr. Pamell, " in a pool near Queensferry, a number remained in the same pool for five weeks, although the tide covered them daily with three feet of water : they did not appear in the least shy, but swam about in shoals, one always taking the lead : when they were suddenly approached, they became stationary, and erected their first dorsal fin, which, with the black spot on the upper part of each, gave the shoal a beautiful appearance ; when they were un- molested, this fin became deflexed. In those I examined, their stomachs were filled with small Shrimps and Star-fish." (Wem. Mem., vii. 128). (Sp. 18.) T. liicerna. The Shining Gurnard, or Long-finned Captain. (PI. III.) This species, the Lucema of Briinnich, not that of Linnaeus, and still less of Pliny, was introduced into the British Fauna 150 ACANTHOPTERYGII. MAILED CHEEKS. in the year 1838, by Dr. Parnell, (Mag. of Zool. and Bot., i. 526). It has long been known in the JMedi- terranean, where it abounds, and where, though small, not exceeding eight or nine inches, it is much esteemed as an article of food. According to the Doctor, " it is the sweetest and most delicate of the British species, although from its small size it is not often brought to market." Dr. Parnell detected it on the coasts of Devonshire ; Mr. Baker has since observed it at Bridgewater, and it is by no means uncommon. The origin of the English trivial name is so apparent, as to require no remark. By the second ray of the dorsal fin, which, when folded down, reaches beyond the sixth ray of the second dorsal, and by the form of the lateral plates, which will be described in the Appendix, it can readily be distinguished from other British species. It is sup- posed to spawn in June. Gen. IX. Peristedion. — This genus, introduced by Lacepede, has a strong resemblance to the foregoing, but is distinguished from it by having its body, as well as head, strikingly cuirassed by great hexagonal plates, forming longitudinal ridges ; the nasal bone, moreover is divided into two parts, and the mouth has no teeth. It would appear to form but a small section ; and though long known in the Mediterranean, has only lately been detected on the British shores. The British species is (Sp. 19.) P. malarmat^ so by antiphrase, as it is one of tlie most completely armed fishes of the Eu- r GEX. PERTSTEDION. MAILED GURNARD. 151 ropcan seas, tlie ^Mailed Gurnard of British authors. (PI. IV.) A specimen was caught near Plymouth by Dr. Edward Moore in the autumn of 1836, and was by him introduced into our catalogue. Its average size is about two feet ; Dr. M.'s specimen measured about eleven inches. The body is octagonal, covered with a coat-of-mail, formed of bony scales laid over each other, from whose centre sharp-pointed pro- cesses proceed backwards, forming, in continuous lines, the eight angles of the body. Five or six of the rays of the first dorsal end in long flexible fila- ments, an ornament which is stated by some to belong only to the males. Its colour is of a uniform scarlet, gradually softening to pale flesh-colour to- wards the abdomen ; the dorsal and anal fins are crimson, the others greyish. M. Risso informs us that it frequents deep water, over rocky ground, approaching the shore to spawn. It swims rapidly, is said to be solitary in its habits, and feeds upon the Medusa3 and Crustacea. Though rare on our shores, it is common on the coasts of Spain and Provence, where it is fished all the year, and much used as an article of food. Gen. X. CoTTUS. — The next genus of this family we find as British is the genus Cottus, distinguished by having the head roundish or depressed, having small teeth in the maxillaries and vomer, and the body without scales : the two dorsal fins are dis- tinct, or very slightly connected. Of the four Bri- tish species, one is fresh-water, and three are salt- water fishes. 152 ACANTHOPTERYGII. MAILED CHEEKS. (Sp.20.) C.goUo. The River Bullhead. (PL IV) This well-known fish, sometimes called the Millers Thumb, has its head nearly smooth, and the pre- opercle armed with a single spine. It is a small dajk-coloured fish, from three to five inches long, frequent in most of the clear streams, not of the British Isles only, but also of Europe and Northern Asia ; according to different accounts, being com- mon to Italy and Sweden, Greenland, and Siberia. It is generally said to spawn in March, although in the Seine it is usually in the three succeeding months. It swims with great rapidity, and feeds principally upon insects and small larvae. When cooked, its flesh becomes red; and, as food, it is regarded not only wholesome, but delicious. In Switzerland, the children spear them with forks, as they dash from the stones under which they hide. The Salt-water species, not of Britain only, but also of other climes, have a general aspect so repel- ling, and sometimes so hideous, as to have procured for them many opprobrious names. These pecu- liarities consist in their broad and low head, which is armed with formidable spines, their wide gaping mouth, and disagreeable colours : hence they have been designated Sea-scorpions, Toads, Devils, and Father-lashers, as if, says Cuvier, traits so hideous indicated even the most atrocious vices. Little or altogether unknown in the Mediterranean, they are common in the northern seas; and in many re- spects the three species resemble each other. They are exceedingly voracious, swim with great swift- GEN. COTTUS. SHORT-SPINED COTTUS. 153 ness, and are solitary in their habits. They leave the depths of the ocean in spring, and take up their abode in the hollows of the rocks, where, sheltered by the sea-weed, they enjoy, at each tide, the return of the water, which supplies them with fresh food. About the autumnal equinox they return to the ocean, and there remain during the winter. They are not much used as articles of food, because their flesh is neither much relished, nor considerable in quantity. They are, however, sometimes eaten by the poor in high latitudes, and they yield, like most other fishes, a valuable oil. The spines with which they are armed supply them with a perfidious weapon, and inflict wounds which are sometimes regarded as poisonous. This, however, seems to be a mistake ; and the depth of the puncture alone, pro- bably, constitutes its importance. Fishermen esteem the application of the liver, or oil, of the fish, as the TTiost useful dressing they can apply. Their size is not great, one a foot long being above the average. They live a long time out of the water, and from their uttering sounds, belong to the Crooners, Sea- cocks, &c. We proceed to the species (Sp. 21.) C. scorpius. The short-spined Cottus or Sea-scorpion. This fish has often been confounded with the succeeding species, and also been regarded as its female; but they never associate, and are quite distinct. In this species there are three spines on the gill- cover, none of which extend beyond its posterior limits; the lateral line is smooth, and the colour on the upper parts of the body is reddish 154 ACANTHOPTEllYGII. MAILED CHEEKS. brown, -whitish beneath, with spots of light brown sometimes on a ground of brilliant scarlet ; the fins are marbled black and white, sometimes striped with red ; but in fact the tints vary, sometimes with the season of the year, and are most vivid, according to Dr. Parnell in July and August, when the roe is far advanced towards maturity. This fish is very common on our shores, and is often captured both with the hook and net. Tt abounds in the Frith of Forth in the autumn months, sometimes exceeding a foot in length. (Sp. 22.) C. huhalis. The Long-spined Cottus. Father-lasher. (PI. IV.) In this fish there are four spines in the gill-cover, the longest of which extends somewhat behind it, and the lateral line is rough. These and other specified characters, pointed out by M.M. Cuvier and Valenciennes, make it an easy matter to discriminate between this species and the foregoing. In the tinting they very much agree : the usual length is from six to ten inches ; it appears to spawn in January, the ova being large and of a fine deep yellow colour ; these are deposited frequently in estuaries, and even in rivers, the fish having pre- pared itself for the change by remaining a time in brackish water. During the greater part of the year it abounds all round our coasts, and is often left in the receding tide in small pools. When touched, it projects its gill-covers, and by bristling up its spines, presents a formidable appearance. Though seldom used as food w4th us, yet in Greenland it is in great request, according to Pallas being there %. GEN. COTTUS. FATHER-LASIIER. 155 larger, forming an important article of food, the soup made from it being both agreeable and whole- some. (Sp. 23). C. quadricGfrnis. The Four-homed Cottus. We are indebted to Mr. Yarrell for the in- troduction of this species into the Catalogue of British fishes, a specimen having been comnKinicated to him by Mr. Gray of the British Museum. It has been taken in the north-east coast of England, and is occasionally sold in the London market, be- ing caught and sold with spratts. It has long been known as an inhabitant of the Baltic, and Pallas describes it as common in Lake Baikal, and in the rivers of the Northern Ocean, where it attains the length of a foot, being somewhat larger than its usual size in this country. Pallas also states that the young are without horns ; that first one pair appears, and finally another. It spawns in winter, and the ova are white. Gen. XL Aspidophorus. — This genus was sepa- rated from the foregoing by Bloch, and received its present appellation from Lacepede. Its most striking difference consists in the fish belonging to it being furnished with a cuirasse formed by a suc- cession of large bony plates, which extend from the neck to the tail, and in its having no teeth at the extremity of the vomer or the palatines. Nine or ten species have now been discovered ; one only, however, is British, and has been long known. It is (Sp. 24.) A. Europceus of Cuvier, The Armed 156 ACANTHOPTERYGII. MAILED CHEEKS. Bullhead, Pogge. (PI. V.) This fish cannot easily be mistaken for any other, its chin being supplied with a beard of numerous thread-like filaments. It sel- dom exceeds six inches in length. The colour of the upper parts of the body is light brown, with Hans verse dark bands, the abdomen being white. It is said to spawn in May. It is pretty well known Along all the southern coast of England, and also along the eastern. It is frequently taken by the shrimpers in the sandy bays at the mouth of the Thames, and also by the oyster-dredgers of New- haven ; also in the crevices at Kincardine, and oc- casionally also with lines out at sea. Its flesh is said to be firm and good. Cuvier, ho^vever, states it is not eaten in France. Gen. XII. Sebastes. — The next genus of this family of which we have a representative in the British Fauna is the Sebastes of Cuvier. In it we find the head cuirassed, spined, and compressed laterally, the body too is clad with scales, and there are teeth in the jaws, vomer, and palate bones. There are many species in different parts of the globe : in Britain we have but one. (Sp. 25.) S. Norvegicus. The Bergylt or Norwe- gian Haddock. (PL Y.) As implied by its names, this fish is an inhabitant of northern seas. The trivial names are derived from the Shetland fishermen, who are familiar with it ; and it has also been observed on the Aberdeenshire and Berwick coasts. The prevailing colour on the upper parts is dark-red, Vi^oming lighter on the sides, and passing into flesh- GEN. SEBASTES, THE BERGYLT. 357 coloured silvery white beneath; the fins are red. Pennant says it is almost a foot in length, and it is esteemed for the table. According to Fabricius, its flesh is dry but agreeable, and is eaten either cooked or dried. In Greenland it inhabits the deepest gulfs, and seldom approaches the shores ; it feeds upon smaller fishes, and readily takes the hook, the line requiring to be very long. The Greenlanders used in former times to employ its dorsal spines as needles. Gen. XIII. Gasterosteus. Sticklebacks. — The last genus of this family which has representa- tives in the British waters is Gasterosteus, includ- ing the well-known Sticklebacks — Scotice, Benticles. The Latin name has been applied to them because they have on the abdomen a long cuirasse extend- ing from the shoulder to the pelvis, covered over by the common integuments; and the English, from the spines which arm their back, ventral fins, and other parts. They constitute the smallest of our fiesh-water fish, and are also amongst the most common ; there being scarcely a stream or pool in which they may not be found, and where in certain seasons they do not actually swarm. The shape of their head does not attract notice ; and at first glance it would not be suspected that their cheeks were mailed : the situation of the suborbital bone , however, is the same as in the other members of the family, although it is smooth and covered over bv the skin. The leading particulars now noticed forrc the generic characters of the group. 158 ACANTHOPTERYGII. MAILED CHEEKS Seven species are now supposed to occur in Bri- tain, tliougli Naturalists are not quite agreed as to those which possess well-defined specific characters, and those which constitute mere varieties. Belon first described the Three-spined Stickleback, and Cuvier and Valenciennes have pointed out that three species have been confounded under the name Aculeattis, the name indifferently applied by authors to them all. Hence the difficulty of accurately appropriating the observations made by the older writers without the necessary discrimination. This, liowever, is a matter of no great moment. Some of these little fish closely correspond, not only in their external appearance, but also, in all probability, in their habits and dispositions, which are sufficiently striking. They bear a conspicuous part in almost all the Faunas of Europe, and are not confined to the Old World, having many representatives in North America, not excluding Greenland. Nor are they restricted to fresh water, abounding also in the sea, as has been especially remarked in the Baltic. We have in former pages introduced them to notice in connexion with the phenomena of the varying colours of fishes, (see pp. 80, 85) ; they spawn in diffijrent seasons of the year. I^hey are strongly armed against the attacks of other fish, and are very pugnacious themselves. They are also tenacious of life, and can subsist for a considerable time out of the water, if lodged amongst moist herbage. Bloch states they live only for three years, an assertion which requires 'lonfirmation. They are very active GEN. GASTEROSTEUS. STICKLEBACKS. 159 and greedy little fish, extremely destr?*:tive to the fry of other species, and consequently most injurious in fish-ponds, from which it is difficult to extirpate them. In illustration of these statenvmts, we leani from Mr, Baker " that they spring more than a foot perpendicularly out of the water, and to a mucli greater distance in an oblique direction when desir- ous of overcoming any opposing obstacle. It is moreover scarcely to be conceived what damage they do, and how greatly detrimental they are to the increase of all the fish in oeneral amonoj which they live ; for it is with the utmost industry, saga- city, and greediness that they seek out and destroy all the young fry that come in their way, which are pursued with the utmost eagerness, and swallowed down without distinction, provided they are not too large ; and in proof of this, I must assert, that a banstickle which I kept for some time, did, on the 4th of May, devour, in five hours' time, seventy- four young dace, which were about a quarter of an inch long, and of the thickness of a horse- hair. Two days afterwards, it swallowed sixty- two; and would, I am persuaded, have eaten as many every day, could I have procured them fiar it." (Sp.26.) G.tmchxvHS. The Rough-tailed Tliree- spined Stickleback. (PI. VI.) The distinguishing characters of this species are included in its lengthy name, the lateral plates extending to the base of the tail, which appendage is square at its base. It is one of the largest and most powerful of the genus, both in 160 ACANTHOPTERYGII. MAILED CHEEKS. France and this country, ranging from two to three inches. Its colours are brownish grey above, shaded with green ; the cheeks, thorax, and abdomen being silvery white. It spawns in spring, and feeds on in- sects, worms, and the fry of other fish. It is of little intrinsic value, and abounds both in salt water and fresh, being common round the coast from Land's-end to Orkney, and existing in rivers, brooks, and lakes. Dr. Neill mentions that, occasionally, after heavy rains, shoals of them are washed down the rivulets into the Frith of Forth, where they thrive wonder- fully ; those found in the salt water being about three times larger than those in fresh-water ditches. Dr. Parnell states that, generally, it is not very common in the Forth, but abounds in the neigh- bourhood of Berwick, where it inhabits brackish water in preference to either salt or fresh. When disturbed, they dart about with great velocity ; and, to avoid pursuit, will bury themselves an inch or more under the surface of the mud. It is in con- nexion with this species that Mr. Yarrell introduces the interesting account of the anonymous contributor to Loudon's Magazine already quoted, and we may here follow his example. " When a few are first turned into a large wooden vessel, they swim about in a shoal, apparently exploring their new habita- tion. Suddenly one will take possession of a parti- cular corner of the tub, or, as will sometimes hap- pen, of the bottom, and will instantly commence an attack upon his companions ; and if any of them ventures to oppose his sway, a regular and most GEN. GASTEROSTEUS. KIVER BULL-HEAD. 16] ferocious battle ensues : the two combatants swim round and round about each other with the greatest rapidity, biting and endeavouring to pierce each other with their spines, which on these occasions are projected. I have witnessed a battle of this sort which lasted several minutes before either would give way ; and when one does submit, ima- gination can hardly conceive the vindictive fury of the conqueror ; who, in the most persevering and un- relenting way, chases his rival from one part of the tub to another, until fairly exhausted with fatigue. They also use their spines with such fatal effect, that, incredible as it may appear, I have seen one, during a battle, absolutely rip his opponent quite open, so that he sank to the bottom and died. I have occasionally known three or four parts of the tub taken possession of by as many other little tyrants, who guard their territories with the strictest vigilance; and the slightest invasion invariably brings on a battle. These are the habits of the male fish alone : the females are quite pacific, ap- pear fat, as if full of roe ; never assume the brilliant colours of the male, by whom, as far as I have ob- served they are unmolested." (Sp. 27.) G. semiarmatus. The Half-armed ' Stickleback. This species has a strong general re- semblance in size, colour, habits, &c. to the forego- ing, and yet, according to the judgment of many excellent Naturalists, is entitled to be considered as an independent species. Its specific characters con- *^ist in its lateral plates not oxter ^g beyond the 162 ACANTHOPTERYGII. MAILED CHEEKS. line of the vent, and the base of the tail being smooth and not keeled. It occurs in similar situations to the other ISticklelmcks, but not always in company with them. It is described in the Histoire Nat. des Poissons^ and Dr. Parnell has noticed it in marshes near Kincardine, and in ditches in Gulane Links, Haddingtonshire. (Sp. 28.) G. leiurus. The Smooth-tailed Stickle- back. In this species the lateral plates do not ex- tend farther than the second dorsal spine, the flank beyond being smooth, soft, and marked only by the linear depressions produced on the surface by the divisions of the lateral muscles. The males, espe- cially in the spawning season, are red about the throat and breast, and shaded with bright green on the sides. It appears to be of this species that Mr. Pennant gives the following striking account ; *' Nowhere do these fish appear in greater quanti- ties than in the fens of Lincolnshire, and some of the rivers that creep out of them. At Spalding there are, once in seven or eight years, amazing shoals, that appear in the Welland, and come up the river in the form of a vast column. They are supposed to be the multitudes that have been washed out of the fens by the floods of several years, and collected in some deep hole, till, over- charged with numbers, they are periodically obliged to attempt a change of place. The quantity is so great, that they are used to manure the land, and trials have been made to get oil from ihem. A aotion may be had of this vast shoal, by saying GENUS GASTEROSTEUS. STICKLEBACKS. 163 that a man employed by a fanner to take them, has got, for a considerable time, four shillings a day, by selling them at a halfpenny a bushel." (Sp. 29.) G. hrachycentrus. The Short-spined Stickleback. M. M. Cuvier and Valenciennes dis- covered this species in France, and remark that it is impossible to view it in any other light than as a distinct species ; and Mr. W. Thompson, Vice-Pre- sident of the Belfast Natural History Society, than whom there can be fewer more accurate or acute •observers, has obtained it frequently in the North of Ireland. The characters of this fish very much correspond with those of the leiurns^ only that it is considerably larger in size, reaching to about three inches ; and the spines, both dorsal and ventral, are shorter than those of its congeners. The lateral plates are the same. (Sp. 30.) G.spinulosus. The Four-spined Stickle- back. (Is this different from the G. tetracanthu9 of Cuv. and Val. ?) Dr. Stark first detected this as a British species in a ditch near Edinburgh, and read an account of it to the Wernerian Nat. Hist. Society in the year 1831 ; and it has since been noticed in various localities by Dr. Parnell, in the s6uth of Scotland : it has likewise been detected at Teignmouth. It is very diminutive in size, and has the spines at equal distances from each other on the