PIKES. 221 



are seen on particular scales : the edges of these 

 undulations actually overlap each other, a curious 

 peculiarity of structure. The scales of the lateral 

 line are not furnished with tubes as usual, but 

 are simply cut with a deep narrow incision, through 

 which an outlet is afforded to the mucus, with 



SCALES OF PIKE. 



which the body of this fish is so profusely lubri- 

 cated. The above engraving represents scales 

 from different parts of the body: a, is from the 

 back, and has but two undulations; 6, is from the 

 lateral line, and has three ; c, is from the belly, 

 and has four. 



The portrait of the Pike is drawn in the fol- 

 lowing lively, but not very flattering colours, by 

 * Ephemera,' — " He is a greedy, unsociable, tyran- 

 nizing savage, and is hated like a Bluebeard. 

 Everybody girds at him with spear, .gaff, hook, 

 net, snare, and even with powder and shot. He 

 has not a friend in the world. The horrible gorge- 

 hook is specially invented for the torment of his 

 maw. Notwithstanding, he fights his way vigor- 

 ously, grows into immense strength, despite his 



