G58 SUPPLEMENT ON 



pieces, of which they make a part. One of them, the nearest 

 to the mouth, is odd, it has twelve regular teeth, six on each 

 side, bent and set back to back, so that the angle of their 

 junction is directed posteriorly toward the orifice of the 

 oesophagus, and between two symmetrical pieces which bend 

 into an elongated C. 



This fish has two distinct dorsal fins, of a pale orange 

 colour. The skin is elevated above and below the tail into 

 a longitudinal crest, sustained by soft fibres, scarcely per- 

 ceptible. The head is elongated, and has upon its top a 

 small transparent white spot. Round the eyes are several 

 small pores, from which a viscous secretion flows. The back 

 is brown, or yellowish green, marbled brown, the belly silvery 

 white. 



The great lamprey, usually found about three feet in length, 

 sometimes attains nearly six. It feeds on animal matter, 

 either living prey, as small fish, or worms or dead bodies. 

 Destitute of offensive arms, the lamprey nevertheless some- 

 times escapes its enemies by means of the suppleness of its 

 skin, varnished as it were with a viscous humour. Its retreat 

 also among the stones and weeds at the bottom of the water, 

 among which it possesses a particular facility in insinuating 

 itself, often secures it from the pursuit of its voracious enemies. 

 In swimming, it imitates the motion of the snake. 



Lampreys are found in all parts of the sea, but more in the 

 north than the south. They are found toward the western, 

 but not at the eastern end of the Mediterranean. At the 

 beginning of spring, the signal for reproduction given by 

 nature to all beings, induces them to abandon their usual 

 etreats in the rocks at the bottom of the sea, and to ascend 

 the fresh waters and there deposit their eggs. Their exact 

 mode of fecundation and reproduction has not been ob- 

 served. 



The lamprey is much esteemed for the table in many parts 



