92 GLOBE-FISH. 



The bones of the gar-pike are of a beautiful green 

 colour, but they are not poisonous. I do not know 

 what the colouring matter is, it is not copper. Tliese 

 fish are often plentiful in the London markets ; they 

 are very good eating. 



Eesembling the preceding sj)ecies in general appear- 

 ance, but very much smaller (from a foot to eighteen 

 inches) is the Saury Pike, or Skipper. 



SAURY PIKE {Esox saiirus). 



In Britain it is a migratory fish, appearing usually in 

 the autumn, in abundance at one time and sparingly or 

 not at all at another. These fish do not swim in deep 

 water ; they are rapid in their movements, and in their 

 manners resemble the flying-fish. 



GLOBE-FISH. 



Plectognathi, Diodontida:, 



{Tetrodon pennantil.) 



Tms s]3ecies are remarkable for being provided with tbe 

 means of suddenly assuming a globular form, by swal- 

 lowing air, which, passing into the crop, or first 

 stomach, blows up the whole animal like a balloon. 

 The abdominal region being thus rendered the lightest, 

 the body is said to turn over," and the fish to float upon 

 its back without having the power of directicg itself 

 during this state of forced distention. The body is 



* I should like to Lave this statement coufirmcd. 



