GREY MULLET. 11 



in the Persian Provinces/' even in the Caspian Sea, w^e feel 

 justified in believing that it is the identical species, in common 

 perhaps with the M. cephalus, a kindred fish not yet discovered 

 in Britain, of which Oppian has described the proceedings 

 when beset with dangers; and it is with pleasure we are able 

 to adduce instances of the accuracy of the representations that 

 are given of these by the poet, who has referred to this fish 

 more frequently perhaps than to any other, and always with 

 much discrimination of character. The net, of course, is shot 

 near the shore, where its leaded bottom may reach the ground; 

 and the intention of the fisherman is, either to let it remain 

 moored until the tide has ebbed away, or at his convenience 

 to draw it to land. But the walchful eye of the fish will often 

 discover the snare even before the barrier of restraint is 

 altogether closed. Instead, however, of rushing to the only 

 but yet distant opening, which it might not be able to reach 

 in time, it boldly essays to spring, or rather tumble over the 

 head-line, and when one succeeds all the rest will be sure to 

 follow. 



"The Mullet, when encircling seans enclose, 

 The fatal threads and treacherous bosom knows. 

 Instant he rallies all his vigorous powers, 

 And faithful aid of every nerve implores; 

 O'er battlements of cork updarting flies, 

 And finds from air th' escape that sea denies. 

 But should the first attempt his hopes deceive, 

 And fatal space the imprison'd fixU receive, 

 Exhausted strength no second leap supplies; 

 Self-doomed to death the prostrate victim lies, 

 Resigned with partial expectation waits 

 Till thinner element completes his fates." 



This last particular is also emphatically true as regards another 

 method in which escape is attempted; and I have seen where 

 all its companions have gone over the corks, and the head-rope 

 of the net has been raised high above the water, a solitary 

 prisoner has examined all the meshes through the length and 

 breadth of the net, and finding no opening through which it 

 could readily pass, it has retired to the greatest distance the 

 space admitted, and thence with a rapid dash has sought to 

 thrust itself through. This last desperate effort has been in 

 vain, and from that moment the fish resigns itself to its fate. 



