340 NATURAL HISTORY. 



water, but now it would seem to be more probable that it is for breathing 

 air direct. Indeed, experiments show that this fish can be drowned if kept 

 so that it has not access to the air. 



In the tropical gourami the same structure prevails ; but there is not 

 found associated with it such terrestrial habits. The celebrity of the 

 gourami lies in its flesh, and it is esteemed among the best of all food 

 fishes. Tales are told of specimens which weighed a hundred and fifty 

 pounds; but one of twelve or fifteen pounds is regarded as large. Attempts 

 have been made to introduce it into France, but not with any great suc- 

 cess ; the climate is too cold for it. 



The mullet of ancient Rome, which formerly was so highly esteemed, 

 and brought such extravagant prices from epicures, belongs here. It was 

 brought to the table alive, and the guests watched the changing colors as 

 it died. To-day it is still held in high esteem ; but it does not begin to 

 hold the rank it formerly did. 



Among the strangest of fish histories is that of the tile-fish. First as to 

 the name. The fish was absolutely unknown until 1879, when fishermen 

 caught the first specimens. Science immediately christened it Lopholati- 

 lus, and as it had no common name, one was formed for it from a part of 

 the scientific one. In 1880 it was found to be extremely abundant south 

 of New England ; and as it was a large fish and of good flavor, it promised 

 to become of considerable importance. Specimens weighing fifty pounds 

 were not uncommon, and the average size was perhaps ten or twelve 

 pounds. In March, 1882, there was a very severe gale, and after it the 

 surface of the sea was covered with millions upon millions of dead fish. 

 Agents of the United States Fish Commission sailed over the ground, and 

 found that for a distance of three hundred miles north and 

 south, and fifty east and west, the water was covered with 

 them. It was estimated that fifteen hundred millions were 

 destroyed. What the cause was is still uncertain ; but it is 

 probable that the destruction resulted from a mixing of waters, 

 either too cold or too warm for the fish. Since that time, 

 although numerous attempts have been made, not a single 

 specimen could be obtained, although before it bit freely. It 

 is possible that the species was exterminated. 



Mention must also be made of the wonderful black swal- 

 lower of the deep seas. It is well named, for, paradoxical as 



Fig. 318.— Spine L 1 



aud poison-sac ft may seem ft i s capable of swallowing a fish larger than 



of Synanceus. J x • t •'. £ 



itself. Its jaws are loosely jointed, and thus w T ill admit ot 

 the passage of a large fish, while the skin and stomach could not be more 

 distensible were they made of rubber, and this is the apparatus which 



