2 6o THE STING-FISH. 



mentioned is set before and below the tongue, and the shoulder and gill-covers are 

 armed with an array of strong sharp spines. 



THE typical genus of this family is represented in England by several species, of 

 which the Great Weaver is one of the most familiar. 



This species is the dread of fishermen, the wounds occasioned by the sharp spine of 

 the gill-cover, and those of the first dorsal fin, being extremely painful, and said to 

 resemble the sting of a hornet, the evil effects extending from the hand up the arm, 

 and even reaching the shoulder. On the first infliction of the injury, it gives little 

 more pain than the prick of a pin or needle, but in a short time, a dull hot pain creeps 

 up the arm, and increases in intensity for several hours. Fishermen, taught by experi- 

 ence, are very cautious in handling this dangerous fish, and before they place it in 

 their basket, they cut off the whole of the first dorsal fin and the hinder part of the 

 gill-cover. In France, this precaution is rendered compulsory by law. 



GREAT WeAVER.PI5H.-r/vcA/iius draco. 



The same remedies as those employed for the bite of the viper, such as persevering 

 friction with hot oil, are said to be the best means of relieving the pain caused by this 

 small but formidable fish. One of these Weavers has been known to strike three men 

 successively, and to injure them all in the same manner. 



It is very tenacious of life, and its popular title of Weaver has no connection with 

 the loom, but is an Anglicized corruption of the French name La Vive, given to it in 

 reference to the ease with which it endures absence from water. By our fishermen it 

 is also known by the expressive appellations of STING-BULL and SEA-CAT; the former 

 name being given to it because it is supposed to be able to sting even the tough-hided 

 monarch of the herd, and the latter from the deep pricks and scratches inflicted by its 

 talon-like spines. 



The head and body of the Great Weaver are much compressed, and its color is 

 deep reddish gray on the back, with a wash of brown, fading to light gray on the 

 abdomen, and marked with oblique ochreous lines. The gill-cover is streaked with 

 yellow. The operculum is armed with a very long and sharp spine, pointing back- 

 ward. Its length is generally about one foot ; but specimens have occasionally been 

 captured that measured sixteen or seventeen inches in length. 



ANOTHER smaller species of this genus is common on our shores rather too com- 

 mon in fact and is popularly known by the appropriate names of STING-FISH, OTTER 

 PIKE, and LESSER WEAVER, the last name being given to it on account of its compar- 

 atively diminutive form, its length seldom exceeding five inches. 



