FISHES. 245 



Linn., Fig. 200) is a very singular and hcautiful species, 

 swimming in shoals, and sometimes rising out of the water in 

 the manner of the Flying-fish, expanding at the same time its 

 pectoral fins, which are large and transparent, of an olive 

 green, with numerous bright blue spots. 



Hig. 209.— Dacttlopteeus. 



Percidce. — The last family we shall mention includes the 

 Perch (Perca fiuviatilis), and also the true Mullets of the 

 Mediterranean ; one of these, the striped lied Mullet (MuUus 

 surmuletus), is a constant inhabitant of the southern shores 

 of England. So much were they prized by the Eomans, that 

 a Mullet of six pounds weight is said to have been sold for a 

 sum equal to £48 ; one still larger, £64 ; and even £240 were 

 given for three of very unusual size, procured on the same 

 day, for a repast of more than usual magnificence. Tlie Perch 

 is common throughout all the temperate parts of Europe, 

 and is one of the most beautiful of all our freshwater fishes. 

 The bright vermilion of the tail and lower fins contrasts 

 strikingly with the markings and tints of the other portions of 

 the body. It is a bold and voracious fish. Mr. Jesse tells us 

 that he had placed some. Perch in a vivarium (an artificial 

 pond), and in a few days they came freely and took worms 

 from his fingers. 



It is interesting, in regarding the class of fishes, to con- 

 template the variations of structure which connect it with 

 other groups, both of higher and of lower rank in the animal 

 kingdom. We have seen (p. 223) that one small fish — the 

 Lancelet — has been described as a mollusk. There is another 

 — the Lcpidosiren — which has been regai-ded as a reptile. 

 Perfect unanimity does not prevail among naturalists with 

 regard to its true place, but, following Professor Owen, we 

 mclude it among the fishes. Of this animal two species are 

 at present known — one found in the river Gambia, the other 



