LETTER LV. 



by reason of the .profits and conveniences derived 

 from them, I shall subjoin a short- account of one, 

 which, from the singularity of its conformation, is 

 scarcely less curious tiian the former are interesting. 



THE FISHING-FROG 



in shape very much resembles a tad-pole, its head be- 

 ing equal in size to all the rest of its bulk. It grows 

 to the length of five feet; and Mr. Pennant mentions 

 one taken near Scarborough, the mouth of which was 

 not less than a yard wide. The under jaw of this ani- 

 mal is much longer than the upper. The eyes are 

 placed en. the top of the head, and encompassed with 

 prickles. The colour of the upper part of the body is 

 dusky, but the belly is white, and the skin smooth. 

 The fishermen in general have a great regard for this 

 monster, as it is known to be an inveterate enemy to 

 the dog-fish : the body of these voracious creautres. 

 being often found in its stomach * on this account, 

 therefore, whenever they catch the fish ing- frog, they 

 generally set it al liberty; and it must be considered 

 as a lucky circumstance in its favor, that it has thus 

 conciliated their friendship. 



THE SEA PORCUPINE, 



from its extraordinary figure, deserves to be mention- 

 ed. Like the land porcupine, it is covered with long 

 prickles, which point every way ; and when it is en- 

 raged, it can blow up its body as round as a bladder. 

 These frightful fishes consist of several different spe- 

 cies, and are of various sizes, some not larger than a 

 foot-ball, and others as large as a bushel. Their bo- 

 dies are almost round, with the mouth like that of a 

 toad, and enormously wide. When caught with a 

 bait, the spines, which Before laid flat, are immedi- 

 ately erected, and the animal appears armed at all 

 points, so that it is impossible to lay hold of it in any 

 part. It must, therefore, be dragged by the lin,e to 

 the shore, where it soon expires. 



Having exhibited a slight view of some of the won- 

 derous works of the Creator, displayed in this class of 

 fishes, I shall prepare to diversify the subject, by a 



