THE DEVIL-FISH. 



233 



and totally unable to obtain its food, which consists prin- 

 cipally of fish much more active than itself, by the usual 

 method of pursuit. It has recourse, therefore, to stratagem, 

 in which it makes use of a curious apparatus on the upper 

 surface of its head. This consists of three slender filaments 

 or rods, provided at their extremities with a flattened por- 



DEVIL-FISH, OR ANGLER. 



tion, which, as it dangles about, shines like a piece of 

 tinsel. The wily fish, having almost buried itself for con- 

 cealment in its muddy bed, lies perfectly still, while it 

 waves aloft its fishing-rods with their glittering bait. En- 

 ticed by these, the smaller fish draw near to have a nibble, 

 when, coming within range of its capacious jaws, tliey are 

 at once engulfed. 



