GEN. BALISTES. EUROPEAN FILE-FISH. 289 



on its anterior edge, witii rough granular projec- 

 tions; and the term Balistes has reference to an- 

 other peculiarity in the structure of that spine and 

 the one immediately adjoining. " Salviani was the 

 first to discover that the bones or rays of the first 

 dorsal fin are so contrived as to act in concert, with 

 considerable force, in suddenly elevating the fin at 

 the pleasure of the animal ; though the foremost or 

 largest be pressed ever so hard, it vdll not stir ; but 

 if the last or least ray of all be pressed but very 

 slightly, the other two immediately fall down with 

 it, as a cross-bow is let ofi* by pulling down the 

 trigger. For this reason the fish is called at Rome 

 pesce balestra ;" * the latter name having been used 

 by the Romans for an engine of war constructed on 

 a somewhat similar principle, for throwing darts 

 and arrows. The flesh of this fish is held in no 

 estimation, and has even been regarded as positively 

 deleterious. 



^ * Lardner's Cab. Cyel. Fishes, L 193, 



