41 G MUR.ENID.E. 



divided again, thus together producing the appearance of four 

 barbules ; the dorsal fin commences on a line nearly even 

 with the end of the pectoral fin : the anal fin begins a little 

 further backward ; the scales are oval : the fish of a silvery 

 flesh colour, appearing occasionally slightly mottled or 

 spotted." 



" This fish commonly grows to the size of eight or nine 

 inches. It is found in most parts of the Mediterranean sea, 

 and in great plenty in the Adriatic. It is taken by nets in Pro- 

 vence and Languedoc, together with many other small species 

 which are not esteemed, that is, what they call Ravailla. 

 In Languedoc the Ophidium is culled Donzella, and this is 

 the most common name for it on the coasts of the Mediter- 

 ranean. In summer the Ophidium is common ; its flesh is 

 not of a good taste, rather coarse, as that of all the species of 

 fishes which, having no ventral fins, are obliged to make 

 great efforts in swimming, and have consequently the muscles 

 harder. The want of ventral fins induces me to believe that 

 it is not a migratory species. It feeds upon small crabs and 

 fishes." 



The vignette was copied from a sketch of a fishing party 

 made by T. Stothard, R.A. about the year 1780. 



