376 pennant's globefish. 



for distention, and not air; in proof of which instances have 

 been .mentioned to me by sailors, where distended fishes have 

 fallen under their observation, which, on being cut open, have 

 discharged a large quantity; as was the case also where a 

 Porcupine fish {Diodon echinatus of Linnaeus) was disabled by 

 the grains thrown at it at the entrance of the British Channel. 

 On receiving the blow it became greatly distended, and Avhen 

 taken on board the ship, and pierced with a knife, a considerable 

 quantity of water flowed from it. This fish was brought to 

 me on being landed; but it can scarcely be deemed a British 

 example, from the distance from our shores at which it was 

 taken. 



