156 TORPEDO, STUROBOTT. 



This fish frequents the deep holes of rivers, and during 

 the summer season commonly lies on the surface of the 

 water, beneath the shade of some tree or bush. It is very 

 timid, darting to the bottom on the least alarm, but soon 

 resumes its former situation. The flesh is in little esteem, 

 and the weight seldom exceeds five pounds. 



THE TORPEDO, OR ELECTRIC RAY. 



This is a very wonderful marine animal, endowed with 

 an electric power, for which it is provided with a natural 

 apparatus. It gives a smart shock to a person who handles 

 it, similar to that produced by the electrical machine. 

 The body of this fish is nearly circular. It is sometimes 

 so large as to weigh between seventy and eighty pounds. 

 The skin is smooth, of a dusky brown colour, and white 

 underneath. 



The shock imparted by the touch of the Cramp-fish, as 

 the Torpedo is vulgarly called, is often attended with a 

 sudden sickness at the stomach, a general tremor, a kind 

 of convulsion, and sometimes a total suspension of the 

 faculties of the mind. Such power of self-defence has 

 Providence allowed this animal ! 



Whenever his enemy approaches him, he emits from his 

 body his benumbing charm, which sets the pursuer instantly 

 at rest, and gives the Torpedo time to escape. But it is 

 not a means of defence only, as through it the Torpedo 

 benumbs his prey, and easily seizes upon it. 



THE STURGEON. 



The Common Sturgeon inhabits the seas near the 

 mouths of large rivers, which it ascends to spawn. It 

 grows to the size of eighteen or twenty feet, and is of a 

 slender form. Its back is armed with a row of large 

 tubercles, and smaller ones are found on every part of the 

 body. Its general colour is ashy above, and whitish or 

 yellowish below. The Sturgeon is much admired for its 

 firm, delicate, and white flesh, which is said to resemble 

 veal when roasted. Of its roe, dried and salted, is formed 

 cavarie; but a better kind is procured from a smaller 



