70 LECTURE VIII. 



placed nearly opposite each other towards the 

 end : the common Pike is a native of many parts 

 of Europe, but is commonly said to have been 

 first introduced into England in the reign of Henry 

 the Eighth. In America are certain very large 

 species of this genus, covered with very strong, 

 bony, square scales, as if in a kind of armour. 



But the genus Silurus is a more remarkable 

 instance of this bony kind of armature investing 

 some particular Fishes. In the genus Silurus we 

 have examples of Fishes entirely coated as if in a 

 regular suit of armour. Many naturalists, how- 

 ever, choose to separate these armed species from 

 the rest under different titles. 



The curious genus Exocoetus contains the true 

 or proper fly ing- fishes, or such as are particularly 

 known by that name : this genus is by no means 

 numerous; containing, only four or five species. 



All are distinguished by a lengthened herring- 



i 



shaped body, and pectoral fins of a vast length 

 and size, and of a sharpened form. The common 

 Flying-Fish is about the size of a Herring and of 

 a silvery colour, with pale brown fins. It is often 

 observed in the Mediterranean, sometimes singly, 

 and sometimes in shoals, occasionally springing 



