342 



THE REASON WHY : 



" The -west part of the land was high browed, much like the 

 head of a gurnard." UACKLUYT. 



that the spinous rays of their fins constitute formidable defensive 

 weapons. 



1103. The number of fishes belonging to this sub-order is exceedingly great, and 

 they present a considerable diversity of structure. 



1104. Why do the spinous defensive weapons of fishes 

 turn backwards ? 



Because their enemies at- 

 tack them from behind ; the 

 direction of the sharp spines 

 is therefore most efficient 

 for their protection. 



1105. Why are the Indian gurnards called "flying fishes ? 



Because, when pursued by the dolphin, or other large creature 

 of prey, they spring from the sea, in which action their large 

 pectoral fins support them upon the air, in the manner of a para- 

 chute. Their action, however, is not that of flying, but 

 springing from the sea, 



1106. Why are the chcetodons remarkable for brilliancy 

 of colours ? 



These are tropical fishes, and, 

 like other animals of the tropics, 

 remarkable for their beauty, 

 which may be attributed in this, 

 as in other instances, to the in- 

 tense action of the sun, although 

 the nature of that action cannot 

 be explained. 



The chaetodons have been 

 described as occupying a similar place in the tropical seas to 



