312 Further Observations on some 



their hard heads, formed of a crustaceous substance, enclosing 

 and protecting the muscles ; by their thick skin, stout bones, 

 particularly the sternum or breastbone, and by the air-bladder, 

 which may be taken from the body without discharging its 

 contents. 



Trigla lyra L. {the Piper), — Though the name of this 

 species has a more direct reference to the sounds it is capable 

 of uttering, it is not more distinguished for them than the tub- 

 fish, and some others. The piper wanders about more than 

 the others, at least, of the Cornish species ; consequently it 

 is sometimes common, and at others, somewhat rare. 



The Streaked Gurnard (T. linedta Turt. Linn.) was found 

 in Cornwall, by Mr. Jago ; but I have never had the good 

 fortune to meet with a specimen. 



T. Cuculus {the Elleck). {fg. 64^.) — The elleck, red gur- 

 g^ nard, or soldier, is called Cii- 



cuius, the cuckoo, from a sup- 

 posed resemblance of its sounds 

 to the note of that bird ; or, 

 as Aristotle says, because it 

 utters the word Jcoo. It abounds 

 at all seasons, and in its habits 

 it resembles the tub-fish. 

 T. Gurnardus L. {Grey Gurnard). — Ray observes that the 

 word gurnard, which may be regarded as the English term, 

 is derived a grunnitu^ from grunting like a hog. In this, 

 however, I venture to think this eminent naturalist mistaken. 

 Pengurn is the ancient Cornu-British name for these fishes, 

 and signifies hard head; and its English translation is now 

 sometimes given to the grey gurnard. From the Cornish 

 word gum (hard), I therefore derive the name, as descriptive 

 of the head of these species. 



This is a common fish at all seasons ; but in December and 

 January it sometimes abounds to such a degree, that, as they 

 are not much esteemed, I have known them sold at thirty for 

 a penny. It keeps near the bottom commonly, at no great 

 distance from land ; but sometimes multitudes will mount 

 together to the surface, and move along with the first dorsal 

 ^w above the water : they will even quit their native element, 

 and spring to the distance of a yard ; thus imitating the flying 

 gurnard, though not to the same extent. In summer they 

 are found basking in the sun, perhaps asleep, as they will at 

 times display no signs of animation, until an attempt is made 

 to seize them. 



