CANARY ISLANDS. 9^ 



are nearly a foot in length, marked with an aznre spot on 

 each cheek, which they inflate when disturbed. We also 

 notice a small gecko* here, called by the natives, el peren-' 

 quen. It secretes itself in some dark corner in the houses 

 in the day-time, and moves about in the night, when its 

 eyes appear luminous like those of the cat. It is as bloated 

 and loathsome in appearance as the toad, and is regarded 

 as harmless. 



Of the ophidian reptiles or serpents, not a species exists, 

 nor can be made to live here. And it is asserted that there 

 is not a venomous animal of any kind to be found on these 

 islands. 



Among the batrachian reptiles, or frogs, there is but 

 one small species which frequent pools and springs. 



Fishes. The next great class that demands our atten- 

 tion, is that of the finny race. From the inconceivable 

 and continuous nature of the element which they inhabit, 

 and the ample facilities that they possess for dispersion, it 

 is difficult to give even a general account of them. For 

 the present, however, I must confine myself to a brief 

 allusion to a few species. 



1st. Scnmberoidcs. — Several of this family occur, among 

 which we meet with the tunny, (Tlujnnus. Cuv.) and the 

 sword-fish, (Xiphias glarlius. Lin.) 



2d. Labroides. — In this family, we notice the parrot-fish, 

 (Scarus. Lix.) 



3d. FistidaridcB. — In this family, we find a species of 

 pipe-fish, ( Fistularia. Lin.) 



4th. Esorcs. — In this family, we recognize the flying- 

 fish, (Erocftus vnJitnns. Lin.) 



5th. Cliipeo'. In this family, we meet with the com- 

 mon herring, (Chip fa hartngiis. Lin.) 



6th. Gaditrs. — In this family, occur myriads of cod, 

 (Gadus morrhun. Lin.) 



7th. Ans^yilUformes. — In this family, we notice several 

 species of eels, among which, we find the conger, (Mu~ 

 rcena conger. Lin.) 



8th. Selnchii. — In this family, we meet with the shark, 

 (Carcharias. Cuv.) and the skate, (Rata. Lin.) 



* Askalarotes. Cuv. 



