FORKED BEAEDS. 



Ill 



lower part of the head, as well as by the sharp tri- 

 angular fin on the back, which precedes a second, 

 resembling that of the torsk. Its length is from 



GREAT FORKED HAKE [PJiijsis fiircatus, Blenuius pJiTjsis). 



eighteen inches to two feet. It is known among fisher- 

 men by the name of •' Hake's Dame." 



The Lesser Forked Beard, called the Tadpole Fish 

 {Baniceps jago, Eanicejjs trifurcatus, Barhus minoi'). Its 



TADPOLE FISH. 



singular appearance is well expressed by its name, which 

 refers to the broad, depressed, frog- like head, which, 

 being attached to a rapidly-tapering and compressed 

 body, gives its general form much resemblance to a tad- 

 pole. The likeness is still further increased by the colom*, 

 which is either very dark brown or black, the folding of 

 the lips only being snow-white. It is one of the rarest 

 British species, and previously known only as an inhabi- 

 tant of the shores of Cornwall. 



