202 



MUGILID.E. 



Our most common Grey Mullet may therefore be consi- 

 dered as the M. capita of Cuvier, an inhabitant not only 

 of the Mediterranean, but also of all the western shores of 

 the more temperate part of Europe. 



In Ireland this fish occurs on the coast of the northern 

 counties of Londonderry and Antrim ; in the south, on those 

 of Cork and Wateiford ; and probably at many intermediate 

 points. It is found plentifully in Cornwall and Devonshire, 

 and along the whole line of our south coast. It occurs con- 

 stantly on the Kentish and Essex coast ; is taken at Yar- 

 mouth : Mr. Neill has met with it at the mouth of the Esk ; 

 and it has been traced to the Baltic and the west coast of 

 Norway, as previously quoted. 



Mr. Couch, in his MS,, has described the habits of this 

 fish so much better than any account I could offer of my 

 own, that I shall be excused quoting his remarks at some 

 length. 



. " This fish never goes to a great distance from land, 

 but delights in shallow water when the weather is warm and 

 fine; at which time it is seen prowling near the margin 

 in search of food, and imprinting a dimple on the placid 

 surface as it snatches beneath any oily substance that may 

 chance to be swimming. It ventures to some distance up 

 rivers, but always returns with the tide. Carew, the Cor- 

 nish historian, had a pond of salt water, in which these fish 

 were kept ; and he says, that having been accustomed to feed 

 them at a certain place every evening, they became so tame, 

 that a knocking like that of chopping would certainly cause 

 them to assemble. The intelligence this argues may also 

 be inferred from the skill and vigilance this fish displays 

 in avoiding danger, more especially in effecting its escape 

 in circumstances of great peril. When enclosed within a 

 a ground-scan or sweep-net, as soon as the danger is seen, 



