80 



THE OCEAN. 



from different parts of the body not being quite 

 alike even in the same fish. They are not per- 

 fectly flat, but take the form of a very flattened 

 cone, of which the apex is usually a little behind the 

 middle. Between this point and the edge there is a 

 great number of concentric flutings, too fine, as well 

 as too near each other, to be readily counted; and it 

 is presumed that each of these lines indicates a stage 

 in the growth of the scale; that the scale is in- 

 creased, perhaps annually, or perhaps oftener, by a 

 deposit of horny matter on the surface next the skin, 

 each of which deposits exceeds in diameter that 

 which preceded it, by a very minute amount on every 





Scales of Fishes. 



side. The concentric lines are often traversed by 

 other lines, diverging with great regularity from the 

 apex. The edges are sometimes cut into points, 

 scallops, or waves, of exquisite symmetry; the sur- 

 face is often variously sculptured; and the whole 

 presents a specimen of the most elaborate workman- 



