312 THE LAMPREY. 



The lamprey resembles an eel in its general appear- 

 ance, but is of a lighter colour, and rather a clumsier 

 make ; it differs however, in the mouth, which is placed 

 obliquely below the end of the nose, and in form cor- 

 responds with that of a leech ; like that animal, it pos- 

 sesses the power of suction ; and it is difficult to sepa- 

 rate it when it adheres to stones. This adhesive quality 

 may in some measure be increased by the slimy substance 

 with which the body of the fish is overspread, which 

 serves to defend it from the coldness of the element, and 

 also gives a pliancy and softness to the skin. There are 

 seven holes on each side the head for respiration, «and 

 another at the upper part through which it spouts the 

 water, as is the practice of all the cetaceous tribe. 



In the beginning of spring the lamprey generally 

 quits the ocean to deposit her spawn in some fresh- 

 water stream, but returns again to the briny element, 

 after remaining a few months with her young. Some 

 have not sufficient strength to return, and in conse- 

 quence of which are compelled to remain ; but their 

 flesh then becomes flabby and tasteless, and, after a very 

 short period, they pine away and die. 



The life of this fish, Rendelitus assures us, is only 

 continued to a very trifling date ; and, after having 

 brought forth one family, the strength of the female 

 seems to fail, and two years generally terminate their fate. 



The lamprey was formerly thought one of the choicest 

 delicacies that could be produced at a great man's feast ; 

 and, at this period, the city of Gloucester retains the 

 ancient custom of presenting a lamprey-pie, at Christ- 

 mas, as a present to the king ; and as that is a season 

 when these fish are in great scarcity, they have fre- 

 quently purchased them at a guinea a-piece. 



A senator of Rome, whose name does not deserve to be 

 transmitted, was famous for the delicacy of his lamprey 



