340 AN ANGLER'S RAMBLES 



a crooner, the verb ' to croon ' signifying to utter a low plaint or 

 singing sound, expressive of grief or dole. The irritability of 

 the gurnard also attracts notice, forming, as it does, a marked 

 contrast with the conduct of most fishes when captured. It is in 

 the habit, on finding itself transferred to the boat, of erecting im- 

 posingly and menacingly its- spiked fins, apparently conscious 

 that its power of offence and causing apprehension lies solely in 

 this manoeuvre ; nor are the prickles with which it is furnished, 

 its operculum as well as dorsal ridge being pointed off with these 

 weapons, to be treated, in their wounding capacity, as simple 

 needle-thrusts. Poison lurks in them to an extent sufficient to 

 induce dangerous inflammation, and the precaution of gloving, 

 or otherwise shielding the hand, should always be taken. The 

 flesh of the gurnard is really excellent, and resembles that of the 

 perch, one of the best of our fresh-water fishes. Neither of 

 them, however, is in favour with the cook, as the flaying of 

 them causes trouble, and is accompanied with some risk. 



When fishing with the lythe-fly off the Kincraig rocks, I 

 noticed, on more than one of the small cod taken by me, clinging 

 to the exterior, on different parts of the head and body, the veri- 

 table Monoculus piscinus, which, as a parasite, is generally 

 thought to be peculiar to the salmon, and supposed by some 

 fishermen to form such a source of annoyance to that fish as to 

 account for the appearance in our rivers of the spring 'schule.' 

 As to the identity of the-insect observed by me with the salmon - 

 tormentor or sea-louse, I could entertain no doubt ; but having 

 failed to discover it on the pollack or gurnard, the only deduction 

 I feel inclined to draw from its appearance on the Morrhua vul- 

 garis is with respect to the marine habitat of the salmon, viz., 

 that it corresponds with the anchorage-ground taken up off our 

 coasts by the common cod or keeling. 



A good boat, properly manned, and fine weather, are indis- 

 pensable in order to enjoy sea-fishing. The gratification also 



