284 



THE GEMMEOUS DRAGONET. 



poured from the appropriate glands, but after it has been in spirits for some time, the 

 edges of the scales begin to project through the mucous, and are exceedingly rough to 

 the touch. 



Several species of Goby inhabit the British shores, such as the POLEWIG, or SPOTTED 

 Gum (Gobius mintttus), a rather pretty little fish, transparent golden gray, with a multi- 

 tude of tiny black dots upon the back, and generally marked with some darkish blotches 



BLACK GOBY. Gob/us aiger. 



upon the sides, and a black spot on the dorsal fin. The Two- SPOT GOBY (Gobius 

 Ruthcn sparii} is another British species, and may be distinguished by the two deep 

 brown spots on either side, one just above the root of the pectoral fin, and another on 

 the side of the tail. 



In some places along the sea-coast, the Gobies are known by the popular appellation 

 of Bull-routs, and are rather feared on account of the sharp bite which their strong jaws 

 and pointed teeth can inflict upon the bare hand. 



The general color of this fish is blackish brown above, changing to white along the 

 abdomen and under the chin. The length of this species seldom exceeds five or six 

 inches. 



THE pretty GEMMEOUS DRAGONET, FOX-FISH, SCULPIN, or GOWDIE, is another of the 

 British fishes, and on account of its very remarkable shape, can easily be distinguished 

 from any other species. 



It is not a very uncommon fish, and is captured either with the hook or in a net, the 

 latter being the ordinary method of securing it. It is rather a voracious fish, and feeds 

 chiefly on molluscs and marine worms. The flesh of this species is firm, white, and 

 well flavored, and in spite of its small size the Dragonet repays the trouble taken in its 

 capture. It generally remains near the bottom of the sea, and does not often enter 

 shallow water except when young, when it approaches the shore, and sometimes is taken 

 in the net of the shrimper. 



It is a lovely fish, well deserving its name of Gemmeous Dragonet, as its scales glitter 

 as if set with gems, and of Gowdie, or golden, on account of the gilded lustre of its 

 exterior. The name of Dragonet is given to it on account of the dragon-like aspect of 

 the body and fins. 



The color of this beautiful fish is golden yellow of different shades, variegated with 

 spots and streaks of sapphire upon the head and sides. The under surface is white. The 

 first dorsal fin consists of four rays, the first being enormously lengthened, and reaching, if 



