ON FISH TO BE ACCLIMATIZED. 137 



thrives well also in lakes, but does not object to a 

 strong current. It is said to be a much better eating 

 fish than the pike. 



Before closing; the consideration of what fish it 

 is desirable to acclimatize, I am reminded of one 

 which had well-nigh escaped my recollection. The 

 Mountain-mullet of Jamaica is perhaps one of the 

 most delicate and delicious edibles found amongst 

 fish. In Jamaica, the estimation it is held in is 

 so great, that a dish of mountain-mullet is the 

 common excuse for a recherche dinner, and a promi- 

 nent inducement to guests to partake of it; and " Dine 

 with me, old fellow ; I've a dish of mountain -mullet," 

 seldom fails to produce the invited guests at dinner- 

 time. 



The mountain-mullet does not grow to a large size, 

 seldom exceeding 21bs. weight, and not often reaching 

 that size. Inhabiting rapid rattling streams, similar 

 to Highland burns, endued with great leaping and 

 locomotive powers, it can make its way almost any- 

 where, and over any reasonable obstacle. An eye- 

 witness assures me that he has seen one leap sheer 

 over the huge trunk of a fallen cotton-tree, which lay 

 like a bridge across the stream ; and although well 

 able to hold its own in rough streams, it does well 

 enough when these streams are shrunk to mere water- 



