278 GOBIAD.E. 



The appearance of this fish is not prepossessing. Inde- 

 pendently of a ferocious-looking cat-like head, with an 

 exceedingly thick, coarse skin, covered with slime, it pos- 

 sesses most formidable teeth, and neither wants the will 

 nor the power to attack others or defend itself. It is 

 occasionally caught with a baited hook, at times decoyed 

 into the meshes of a net by the temptation of feasting 

 on the fishes already entangled ; but fights desperately, 

 even when out of its own element, inflicting severe wounds 

 if not cautiously avoided. The nets also are frequently 

 torn by its powerful struggles ; and a spirit of retaliation 

 for the labour thereby occasioned, or for personal injury 

 inflicted by it, brings a speedy death to the unfortunate 

 fish. Handspikes and spars of wood are articles always at 

 hand in fishing-boats, and the savage Sea-cat is speedily 

 rendered incapable of doing further harm by heavy well- 

 aimed blows upon the head. 



According to Mr. Neill, specimens of small size, about 

 two feet in length, are frequently brought to the Edinburgh 

 market ; and those who are able to overcome the prejudice 

 excited by its appearance find it good food. Mr. Hoy 



