ARCTIC CHIM.ERA. 149 



the opposite edges covered with numerous small reflected spines. 

 A small anal fin opposite the extremity of the second dorsal; 

 caudal fin above and below, broadest near the margin, gradually 

 decreasing to a linear produced thread. 



It is not the least remarkable portion of the history of this 

 fish, that whilst its most chosen residence is in the depths of 

 the polar seas, it is also found in the ^Icditerranean, where 

 it has been caught so frequently as to have received the familiar 

 name of Cat from the fishermen of Nice. In explanation of 

 this we can only suppose that in some former distribution of 

 the temperature of our world, this fish inhabited other regions 

 than those in which it is at j)resent found; and that the 

 extreme dej)ths of the Mediterranean Sea continue to afford 

 it all the requisite conveniences for life and propagation, that 

 are now also found, and more generally, in the more northern 

 regions. 



