356 ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETIES. 



hurry in choosing objects for acclimatisation ; but he 

 has, instead, highly recommended two fish, viz., the 

 Silurus glanis, and also the Guaramier (Osphromenus 

 olfax), which is pronounced to be the very best fish in 

 the world. This fish is a native of Jamaica, but has 

 been taken alive to the Mauritius." 



So far as the Counani or, as the French call it, 

 Goorami is concerned, we heartily say, Amen ! seeing 

 that the testimony as to its delicious qualities is unani- 

 mous ; and we rejoice to know that last spring thirty 

 specimens have reached France. The description of 

 its edible qualities is quite appetising; in Guiana, 

 whence we can procure it, it is called the sick man's 

 fish. But as to introducing into our rivers or ponds 

 the Silurus glanis, or European glanis, we say, Forbid 

 it, Pisces! It is an ugly, voracious, inud-haunting crea- 

 ture, agreeing with the, we hope, vigorous digestion of 

 Dr Gunther. 



As for ourselves, we have no desire to taste a fish 

 which is so voracious that it has been known in several 

 instances to devour children. We happen to be fond 

 of children, and to have half-a-dozen whose paternity is 

 duly ascribed to us in the parish register, and who, 

 moreover, are much addicted to dabbling in the lake in 

 front of our dwelling : we are therefore disquieted by 

 the thought that the said lake may be deemed a fitting 

 habitat for the Silurus, the introduction of which may 

 wring our heartstrings by the ugly monster, six feet 

 long, it may be, and weighing from two to three hun- 

 dred pounds, gobbling up our youngest-born. And this 

 accompanied by digestive remorse, should we chance to 

 eat of this destroyer of our family peace! for, accord- 

 ing to Mr Yarrell, its flesh, being luscious, soft, and 

 difficult to digest, is not suited to weak stomachs. And 

 yet we are required to congratulate the British public 

 because the London Society of Acclimatisation has suc- 

 ceeded in introducing into its ponds at Twickenham 



