

INTRODUCTION INTO ENGLAND. 83 



in our Fauna ; therefore a passing notice of this fish may 

 not be unacceptable. 



The Silurus,* which is not altogether dissimilar in appear- 

 ance to the burbot, is said to be slow in his movements, and 

 inert in disposition. For the most part he lurks in holes, or 

 under fallen timber, &c., at the bottom ; and would rather 

 seem to lie in ambush for his prey, than to seek it. " The 

 structure of his body is such," Bloch tells us, " that other 

 fishes approach him without being aware of his presence. 

 He is of a dull colour, and has no brilliant scales to betray 

 him, from which cause he is hardly to be distinguished from 

 the mud itself." 



During tempests and thunder-storms, the silurus evinces 

 great inquietude, and quits the deeps. It is said, indeed, 

 that it is only on such occasions the larger individuals are 

 captured. According to Holm, who flourished about the 

 year 1777, he keeps to the deeps until April, when he 

 approaches the shoals, and in the beginning of August retires 

 again to his usual haunts. " During warm summer-days," 

 Holm farther tells us, " this fish is often seen near to the 

 surface, particularly during drizzling rain. If the sun be 

 powerful, he is said to conceal himself, more especially his head, 

 under aquatic plants, or amongst reeds, rushes, &c., and at such 

 times to be more than usually sluggish (the female more 

 so than the male), so that he can then be readily captured. 

 The silurus is rarely found alone ; but more than three or 

 four, and those of about the same size, are nevertheless 

 seldom seen together ; and when thus congregated, they seek 

 their prey in company." 



The long barbules with which the mouth of this fish is 



* "Bloch," p. 194, pi. 34, 



G 2 



