200 



POIATKIOX. 



A SEUEATED bordcT to tlic first gill-cover, a strongly-ridged spine 

 high on the second gill-cover, and a rough crest above, Avith rough- 

 ness over the bones of the head. Tirm scales over the bodj-, cheeks, 

 and mustache. A single dorsal fin, in two portions; the second, with 

 the anal fin, much developed. 



STONE BASS. 



Wrecl-fish, Transactions of Linna;an Society, vol. xiv, p. 81. 



Scorpcena Massiliensis, Eisso? 



Polijprion cernium, Cuviee. 



Couch's Serranus, Yarrell's British Fishes, vol. i. 



" " GuNTHEE; Cat. British Museum, vol. i, p. 1G9. 



It is remarkable that this large and well-marked fish should 

 be among those which have remained unknown to naturalists 

 until very recent times; although, if the reference made by 

 Dr. Gunthcr to Risso, as given above, be correct, it is far from 

 being rare in the INIediterranean, where it is held in esteem 

 for the table. 



A\'ith us, on the south and west coasts of the kingdom, it 

 is well known to fishermen, and especially as coming under 

 extraordinary circumstances. It may not have been noticed for 

 several years; but when a mass of wood or fragment of wreck, 

 covered with Bernaclcs, (Lepades,) is driven into our waters 

 from the direction of the Atlantic, a considerable number of 

 these fishes is often found to accomj)any it, as if it were a 

 special j)oint of attraction to them; for in the most sportive 

 manner they gambol round it or o'vcr it as it rolls by the 

 action of the waves, so that 1 have knoAvn their tails excori- 

 ated by rubbing against its substance; appearing to chase each 

 other as they feed on the small fishes or crabs which have 



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