ACANTHOPTERYGII. 87 



the most enormous prices for such as exceeded 

 the usual weight, as " a three pound mullet."* By a 

 refinement of luxury, they were accustomed to have 

 it exhibited to the guests in a glass vessel before the 

 commencement of the feast, and killed in their pre- 

 sence, that their eyes might be gratified in beholding 

 the flitting changes of its colours in the moments of 

 dying ; the rosy hue giving place to alternate flush- 

 ings and paleness, till at length all faded into the 

 dull tint of death. 



FAM. II. TRIGLAD.E. 



Closely allied to the Perches in many points, this 

 family has, however, distinctive characters in the 

 head, which is singularly armed with hard angular 

 and pointed plates ; these which are particularly ob- 

 servable on the cheeks, are jointed to the fore-gill 

 cover. An approach to this form is seen in the head 

 of the Star-gazers. 



Trigla^ the Gurnard. 



This genus displays the above family character in 

 greatest perfection; the head, which is large and 

 square, has an enormous bony plate on the cheek, im- 

 moveably jointed to the fore-gill cover. The dorsal 

 fins are two ; three distinct rays at the base of the 

 pectorals. Some of them utter singular sounds when 



* " laudas, insane, trilibrem 



Mullum ; " Hor. Sat. ii. 2. 33. 

 t Tg/yX, trigla, the Greek name of the Mullet. 



