THE LAU-LAU. 



193 



cies satisfactorily, but from the extended econo- 

 mical uses to which it might be applied, every 

 information regarding it is of importance. An out- 

 line of the drawing is added, with Mr. Schomburgk's 

 notes. 



" The lau-lau is, next to the pirarucu (Sudis 

 gigas)^ the largest fresh- water fish of the rivers of 

 Guiana. Although it has been sometimes secured 

 near the mouth of rivers which fall into the sea, it 

 is nevertheless my belief that it has been carried 

 thither by accident, and belongs properly to the 

 inland rivers. They sometimes attain the length of 

 ten or twelve feet and the weight of two hundred 

 pounds, and their flesh is so much esteemed, that it 

 is considered to be one of the ties which binds him 

 who has once tasted it, for ever to the region where 

 it is indigenous. It is smooth, of a greenish black, 

 and silvery white near the belly ; mouth and fins 

 yellow, behind the latter somewhat reddish. The 

 head is flat and broad, and covered with a strong 



N 



