THE SCIsENOWS 



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on the chin, and the absence of tusks. Ten stout spines form the first dorsal fin, 

 and there are two spines in the anal, the hindmost of which is very strong. The 

 scales are of moderate size, and there are a number of large flattened molar-like 

 teeth on the pharyngeal bones. In length the drum often exceeds four feet; while 

 it may scale upward of one hundred pounds. In what manner the extraordinary 

 drumming sounds uttered by this fish, in common with other members of the family, 

 are produced, does not appear to be ascertained, although it has been suggested 

 that they may be due to the clapping together of the upper and lower pharyngeal 

 teeth. 



The umbrineof the Mediterranean (Umfoina cirrhosa), whose range 



extends southward to the Cape, was a fish well known to the ancients, 



and is a member of a genus containing about a score of species distributed through 



the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Having an overlapping upper 



COMMON MEAGRE 



(One-twelfth natural size.) 



jaw, it differs from the last genus in the presence of but a single short barbel on 

 the chin; while the first dorsal fin has ten flexible spines, and the anal either one or 

 two. In size the typical species reaches about three feet. 



The third genus that we notice {Sciccna} differs from both the pre- 

 ceding in the absence of any barbels; the cleft of the mouth being 

 oblique and deep, and the eyes situated rather wide apart. The genus includes a 

 very large number of species, with a geographical range equal to that of the family; 

 one of the best known being the typical meagre (S. aquila), ranging from the 

 British coasts to those of the Cape and Australia. Although most of the species 

 are smaller, this fish may attain a length of upward of six feet. Yarrell states that 

 the flesh of the meagre ' ' appears always to have been in great request with epicures; 

 and, as on account of its large size it was always sold in pieces, the fishermen of 



