ON FISH TO BE ACCLIMATIZED. 137 



thrives well also in lakes, but does not object to a 

 strong current. It is said to be a much better eating 

 fish than the pike. 



Before closing the consideration of what fish it 

 is desirable to acclimatize, I am reminded of one 

 which had well-nigh escaped my recollection. The 

 Mountain-mullet of Jamaica is perhaps one of the 

 most delicate and delicious edibles found amongst 

 fish. In Jamaica, the estimation it is held in is 

 so great, that a dish of mountain-mullet is the 

 common excuse for a rechercM dinner, and a promi- 

 nent inducement to guests to partake of it ; and " Dine 

 with me, old fellow ; I've a dish of mountain -mullet," 

 seldom fails to produce the invited guests at dinner- 

 time. 



The mountain-mullet does not grow to a large size, 

 seldom exceeding 21bs. weight, and not often reaching 

 that size. Inhabiting rapid rattling streams/ similar 

 to Highland burns, endued with great leaping and 

 locomotive powers, it can make its way almost any- 

 where, and over any reasonable obstacle. An eye- 

 witness assures me that he has seen one leap sheer 

 over the huge trunk of a fallen cotton-tree, which lay 

 like a bridge across the stream ; and although well 

 able to hold its own in rough streams, it does well 

 enough when these streams are shrunk to mere water- 



