ANGLER. 205 



say, at a time when imagination, superstition, and imposture 

 were united in ascribing to the inhabitants ot the ocean 

 mysterious properties, so that the circumstance of his inquiring 

 into their nature and structure was believed to be a sufficient 

 proof to shew that Apuleius, the Roman writer of the famous 

 romance, the "Golden Ass," coukl be no other than a magician; 

 and when in numerous particulars of form this fish differs 

 much from all others that were known to the ancients, there 

 was still less of the wildness of imagination applied to it than 

 to a lai-ge proportion of others. 



The general appearance of this fi.sh, which is represented 

 as at least unsightly, has caused it to be compared to a 

 tadpole — a tadpole of course of enormous size; and when the 

 rough protuberances of its head, and its projecting teeth and 

 ample mouth, were taken into the account, its supposed hideous 

 aspect was judged sufficient to entitle it to the name of Sea 

 Devil. Yet in the form and arrangement of these parts we can 

 discern a noble example of exquisite contrivance, by which, as 

 in the corresponding instance of the apparently sluggish 

 Lumpfish, what seems a defect is fully balanced by a skilful 

 adaptation of instinct and inward organization to that definite 

 end, which comprises the safety and comfort of the creature 

 itself. It was the instinctive habits thus displayed that 

 especially drew the attention of ancient philosophic observers; 

 and accordingly we find them particularly described in the 

 poet Oppian's verses, although indeed they are there accom- 

 panied with the addition of some particulars which tend to 

 raise a doubt whether this generally accurate writer had closely 

 studied the fish itself. He represents it as that 



"AVithiu her jaws the fleshy fibre lies, 

 Whose whiteness, grateful scent, and worm-like size. 

 Attract the shoals, and charm their longing eyes. 

 But as they near approach, with subtle art, 

 The wily toad contracts th' inviting part." 



A more accurate description of the organ and its use is 

 given by ^Elian, (B. 9, C. 24,) where he says:— "The Fishing 

 Frog derives its name from the manner in which it employs 

 itself. In front of its eyes there are placed some long processes, 

 to the end of which are affixed enticing baits for the purpose 



