266 THE BECUNA. 



age, when it crosses to the northern side of that sea, and is there found to be of 

 considerable dimensions. 



On account of its size and active habits, the Maigre struggles most powerfully when 

 entangled in the nets, and a fine lively specimen, when lifted into a boat, will flounce 

 about with such activity, and wield its tail with such rapid force, that it will level a human 

 being with a blow. Warned by previous experience, the fishermen take care to quiet 

 their energetic prey by a stroke on the head as soon as it is fairly lifted over the side 

 of the boat. 



The ear-bones of fishes have already been mentioned. In the Maigre they are of very 

 great proportionate dimensions, and in former days were in great repute for their efficacy 

 in charming away the colic, the only proviso being that they must be received as a gift, 

 and not purchased, or removed by the sufferer from the head of the fish. The noise made 

 by the Maigre is a kind of purring or grunting, which, when many of these fish are 

 grunting in concert, can be heard at some distance. 



The colour of the Maigre is delicate silver-grey, taking a slight brownish tinge on the 

 back, and being very white on the abdomen. The fins are reddish brown, and the ruddy 

 hue is particularly conspicuous in the first dorsal, the pectoral, and anal fins. The lateral 

 line runs parallel with the back. 



The BLACK CORVINA of the Mediterranean (Corvina nigra), is allied to the maigre, 

 and is scarcely less celebrated than that fish for the excellence of its flesh. 



This fish is not exclusively a marine species, but frequents salt lakes and ponds, and, 

 though it hovers about the mouths of large rivers, probably for the purpose of feeding on 

 the many animal and vegetable substances which are borne by their currents into the sea, 

 does not appear to ascend their streams. In general appearance it is not unlike the maigre, 

 and is often sold in the markets under that name. 



BEFORE leaving the present family, a short notice is due to the SQUETEAGUE, or WEAK- 

 FISH of North America (Otolithus regdlis). 



This is another of the noisy fishes, producing dull sounds like those of a drum. It is 

 plentiful about New York, and is captured in large quantities for the table. The name of 

 Weak-fish is attributable to two causes, the one that when hooked it makes but a feeble 

 resistance, and the other that its flesh is popularly supposed to be weakening to those 

 who habitually live upon it. It is a useful species, for it not only affords delicate food, 

 but its swimming-bladder can be made into isinglass which is said to be in no way 

 inferior to that of the sturgeon. On account of its spotted skin, the French of Ne\v 

 Orleans call it by the name of Trout. 



AN example of the next family, the Polyneinidse, may be found in the MANGO-FISH 

 (Polynimus paradiseus), so called on account of its fine golden yellow colour, which 

 resembles that of the ripe mango. 



The generic name of Polynemus, or Many-threaded, is given to this and others of the 

 same group on account of the free thread-like appendages below the pectoral fin. In the 

 present species there are seven of these appendages, the upper being of singular length, 

 passing far beyond the tail. In another species, the MANY-THREADED POLYNEMUS 

 (Polynemus multifilis), these appendages are fourteen in number. 



Isinglass can also be made from the swimming-bladders of these fish, and as when quite 

 dry one bladder will weigh from half to three-quarters of a pound, the fish might be 

 rendered valuable to commerce. The flesh of the Mango-fish is not particularly excellent 

 when eaten fresh, but when preserved and salted after some peculiar fashion, is in some 

 request at the breakfast table, w r here it ranks with caviare and other strongly flavoured 

 delicacies. When thus prepared, it is known by the name of " burtah." 



In the Mango-fish, the first filament is twice the length of the body. 



ONE example of the Sphyrsenidse, the family next in order, is the BECUNA, a rather 

 large and tolerably ferocious fish, inhabiting the Mediterranean and many parts of the 

 Atlantic Ocean. 



