ACANTHOPTERYGII. 365 



notion that it falls with the rain. In fact, from the first 

 heavy rains of the bad season, these fishes are to be seen 

 creeping about in the grass ; but the naturalist just mentioned 

 thinks that this habit is merely owing to their being tired of 

 the muddy and corrupted water to which they are reduced at 

 the end of the dry season in the narrow dykes which they 

 inhabit, and that they are attracted by the first rains which 

 moisten the neighbouring grass to quit these miserable re- 

 ceptacles in search of purer water, ampler space, and fresher 

 nourishment. 



There are several other species of ophicephali, but we can 

 add nothing of interest respecting their habits, except in the 

 case of one called barca, which always remains in holes 

 excavated in the vertical banks of the Bramapootra, and 

 only puts forth its head for the purpose of watching its prey. 

 It is a disagreeable animal to look at, says Mr. Buchanan, 

 notwithstanding the vivacity of its colours; but it is con- 

 sidered as most excellent eating. Some are three feet in 

 length. 



Of the family Mugiloides, the genus Mugil is supposed 

 to derive its name from the contraction of two Latin words, 

 signifying vert/ agile (Multum agilisj. 



The Mugil cephalus (common mullet) weighs about ten or 

 twelve pounds, and inhabits almost all seas, but particularly 

 the Mediterranean and towards the southern shores of the 

 ocean ; for it is scarcely ever to be met with in the channel. 

 It is very common along the coast of Spain, and especially 

 round the Isle of Ivica, where the fishermen recognize two 

 varieties of it, under the names of mugil and lissa. 



Its hearing is very fine, as has been noticed by Aristotle, 

 and it feeds on worms and small marine animals ; but it is 

 doubtful, though it has been advanced, that it can live on 

 vegetable substances. It appears to be of a stupid character, 

 a fact which was known in the time of Pliny, for that author 



