CHAPTER VIII. 



ON FISH AND FISH DIET. (YARRELL.) 



A CHAPTER on marine fishes will not be considered out 

 of place in an " Introduction to the Natural History of 

 the British Coasts," or " The Sea Side Book," and, 

 accordingly, a few pages are here devoted to a notice 

 of those marine species most in request for the table, 

 with reference to their relative value as an article of 

 food ; their numbers ; variety ; cheapness ; edible and 

 nutritious qualities ; when best in season ; and the 

 various modes by which they are captured. 



Geographers assume that more than two-thirds of 

 the surface of the globe is covered with water, and 

 Fishes, as a Class, are probably more numerous than 

 Birds. 



The external form is very variable, and too well 

 known to require particular description. The Mac- 



