NATURAL HISTORY. 341 



&quot; Of fishes every size and shape, 

 Which nature frames of light escape, 

 Devouring man to shun.&quot; SMART. 



Sub-order III. Pharyngonatha. 



1097. Wl&amp;gt; y is the third sub-order designated pharyngonatha ? 



The name is derived from pharynx, the pharynx, the muscular 

 fang at the back part of the mouth ; and gnathos, thc&amp;gt; jaw, 

 indicating that the pharyngeal bones are united. 



1098. This sub-order includes an assemblage of fishes of diverse forms, in -which 

 there are both soft and spinous rayed ; the pharynxed bones of this sub-order are 

 completely united, so as to form a single bone, which is usually armed with teeth. 

 The air-bladder is always completely closed.* 



1099. Why is the garfish usually called the mackerel guide ? 



Because it commonly approaches the shore to spawn, a little 

 prior to mackerel doing so. Hence the popular idea that the 

 garfish guides mackerel to the shore. 



1100. Why is the parrot fish so called? 



Because of the peculiar hooked formation of its mouth, and 

 the brilliancy of its colours. 



1101. Why has the parrot fish rounded jav;s and scale- 

 like teeth? 



Because they browse on newly-formed layers of stony cora/s, 

 digesting the animal matter therein contained, and setting free the 

 carbonate of lime in a chalky state. Their jaws and teeth possess 

 immense strength. 



Sub-order IV. Acanthoptera. 



1102. Why is the fourth sub-order called acanthoptera ? 



From acanthos, a thorn, and pterygion, a fin, meaning thcrn- 

 finned. One of the most distinguishing features of these fishes is, 



Orr s &quot; Circle of the Sciences.&quot; 



