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is said to prevail among them, that, according to 

 Appian, when one has taken the bait, another 

 will come to its assistance and bite the cord to 

 enable it to escape. This fish was eagerly 

 sought after by the luxurious Romans, who pre- 

 ferred the liver, and even the intestines without 

 being emptied. Its food consists of marine 

 plants. 



THE SPARUS, OR GILT HEAD. 



This fish inhabits the seas of Brazil, and, 

 when a few of them are swimming in company, 

 thejr emit so much light, that, in the darkest 

 night, a person may see to read by means of it. 

 This property enables the fish to pursue its prey 

 with more certainty ; but, on the other hand, it 

 gives information to its foes. Its flesh is 

 esteemed excellent, and much sought after. 



THE COBITES FOSSILI5, OR BAROMETER-FISH; 



The Cobites fossilis inhabits , marshes and 

 lakes with a muddy bottom. It is remarka- 

 bly vivacious, and is capable of surviving in 

 iud, provided it be moist. This is a wise pro- 



