68 



THE OCEAN. 



but take the form of a very flattened cone, of wliich 

 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 increased, 

 perhaps annually, or perhaps oftener, by a deposit 

 of horny matter on the surface next the skin, each 

 of wliich deposits exceeds in diameter that which 



Scales of Fishes. 



preceded it, by a very minute amount on every 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 surface is often 

 variously sculptured ; and the whole presents a 

 specimen of the most elaborate workmanship, worthy 

 of the Divine hand that formed it. The scales of 

 some fishes are so minute as to be with difficulty 



