URANOSCOPB* COD. 



cients ; who relate, that the wounds inflicted by its spines 

 are extremely painful, attended with a violent burning, a 

 pungent shooting, and sometimes with inflammation. It 

 is generally thought that these symptoms arise from a sort 

 of venom infused into the wound ; at least the first dorsal 

 fin, which is black, has an appearance which favours that 

 opinion. This fish buries itself in the sand, leaving only its 

 nose exposed ; and if trod on, strikes with great force : 

 but, notwithstanding its noxious qualities, the flesh is ex- 

 cellent food. 



Another species, called the great weever, is frequently 

 found in the sea near Scarborough. It differs from the 

 former principally in size. 



THE URANOSCOPE, OR STAR-GAZER. 



This singularly-formed fish is about seven or eight inches 

 long: the head is large, rough, bony, and squarish; and 

 the body is long and rounded. The upper part is ash- 

 coloured, and the lower whitish. The face is flat, and ap- 

 pears to turn upwards ; and the eyes are directed the same 

 way, from which latter circumstance the animal has ob- 

 tained its name. Providence, indeed, seems wisely to 

 have ordained that the eyes of the uranoscope should be 

 thus situated ; for the fish, remaining always at the bottom 

 of the sea, must necessarily look up when searching for 

 food. However, it is not the only inhabitant of the deep 

 whose organs of sight are disposed in this manner ; for the 

 rana piscatrix, as well as some others, has the same habits, 

 and possesses similar advantages. This fish is found in the 

 Mediterranean. 



THE COMMON COD. 



This fish forms a valuable article both of luxury and of 

 commerce, and in both characters it is well and generally 

 known. It is short in proportion to its bulk, and the belly 

 is very large and prominent. The back and sides are 

 cinereous, spotted with yellow, and the belly is white ; but 

 the cod varies considerably not only in colour but also in 



