SEA-PIKES. 69 



The nostril in the Perch has two external open- 

 ings, surrounded by several orifices, through which 

 issues a mucous secretion for the defence of the 

 skin against the action of the water. " The dis- 

 tribution of the mucous orifices over the head," 

 remarks Mr. Yarrell, "is one of those beautiful 

 and advantageous provisions of Nature which are 

 so often to be observed and admired. Whether 

 the fish inhabits the stream or the lake, the cur- 

 rent of the water in the one case, or progression 

 through it in the other, carries this defensive se- 

 cretion backwards, and spreads it over the whole 

 surface of the body. In fishes wdth small scales, 

 this defensive secretion is in proportion more 

 abundant; and in those species which have the 

 body elongated, as the Eels, the mucous orifices 

 may be observed along the whole length of the 

 lateral line."* 



Family II. Sphyr^nad^. 



{Sea-Pikes). 



The fishes of this Family were placed by Lin- 

 naeus among the Pikes, which they resemble in 

 their lengthened form, in their strong and pointed 

 teeth, and in the projection of their lower jaw. 

 They are now, however, widely removed from 

 that genus. Cuvier arranged them in the great 

 Family of the Perches, with which -they have 

 many points in common ; but the Prince of Canino 

 forms them into a distinct Family. 



They have the ventral fins placed considerably 

 behind the pectorals, and the bones of the pelvis 

 * Brit. Fishes, i. 4. 



