312 ANACANTHINI. 



states that S. Gurney, Esq., M.P., turned some of these fishes into the Wandle, near 

 Carshalton. 



As regards Ireland, an unique example of a fish which some have considered 

 may be the Silurus glanis is stated to have been captured about 1827 or 1828 

 from a tributary of the Shannon, near its source, about three miles above Lough 

 Allen. A fisherman asserted that a fish at least 2-1- feet long, and 81b. or 91b. 

 weight, was seen struggling in a pool in the river as a flood subsided ; that it had 

 worm-like feelers to its mouth, while its appearance was so hideous that those 

 who first saw it were afraid of touching it. The mouth in the figure of Silurus 

 glanis in Yarrell's British Fishes was not considered large enough for that of the 

 Irish specimen, but it must be observed that inquiries were only instituted in 

 1840. The captured fish was not eaten, but adorned a bush for two or three years, 

 until the skeleton fell to pieces, and with it all evidence to connect Silwrus glanis 

 with Ireland.* Some have surmised that the fish may have been a burbot, but 

 it is manifestly impossible to identify any species by the evidence adduced. 



The burbot usually attains to about 2 or 3 lb. weight in this country, but 

 Pennant records an example of 8 lb. captured in the Trent by Sir Jervase Clifton. 

 On the Continent they are taken up to 10 or 12 lb. 



The example figured was over 11 inches in length, and was procured from the 

 Thet for me by the Rev. W. Symonds, of Pendock, who subsequently kindly 

 sent me a black spotted male. Inside the stomach of the figured fish was an 

 almost entire loach, Nemaclieilus barhatulus, 2-|- inches in length. 



* One or more, fortunately unsuccessful, attempts have been made during the last few years to 

 introduce this hideous monster into British rivers. Silurus glanis has a voracious appetite, is a 

 foul feeder, inferior as food, and almost rank when of a large size, its presence would be of 

 exceedingly questionable advantage. 



