FAMILY OF THE MAIGRES. 167 



ings ; and great cavernous recesses existing in the 

 crania of many, it has been suggested that these 

 sinuses may afford the true explanation of the phe- 

 nomena. In some of the genera they are more 

 striking than in others ; and one- of the most re- 

 markable, the Pogonice, has acquired the popular 

 name of Drums. The sounds seem to vary widely 

 in their character and tones ; and are described in 

 very different, not to say discrepant terms, being- 

 designated sometimes dull hummings, at other times 

 sharp whistlings, and frequently as the fish's song. 

 It has sometimes been supposed that they are ut- 

 tered by the males alone ; and the fishermen, by 

 imitating them, can frequently collect a troop of the 

 fishes around them. The boatmen, likewise, by put- 

 ting their ears to the gunwale of their boat, can often 

 readily perceive the sounds, though at the depth of 

 twenty fathoms, and thus guided, can successfully 

 cast their net and procure a draught. Baron Hum- 

 boldt thus narrates his observation of the pheno- 

 mena. " Towards seven in the evening, the whole 

 crew were astounded by an extraordinary noise, 

 which resembled that of drums which were beating 

 in the air. It was at first attributed to the breakers. 

 Speedily it was heard in the vessel, and especially 

 towards the poop. It was like a boiling, the noise 

 of the air which escapes from fluid in a state of 

 ebullition. They began to fear that there might be 

 some leak in the vessel. It was heard unceasingly 

 in all parts of the vessel, and finally about nine 

 o'clock, it ceased altogether." (Grif. Cuv., x. 304). 



