THE SUN-FISH. 



339 



Several specimens of this odd-looking fish have been captured in British waters, and, 

 in almost every case, the creature was swimming, or rather floating, in so lazy a fashion, 

 that it permitted itself to be taken without attempting to escape. In the seas where 

 this fish is generally found, the harpoon is usually employed for its capture, not so much 

 on account of its strength, though a large specimen will sometimes struggle with 

 amazing force and fury, but on account of its great weight, which renders its conveyance 

 into a boat a matter of some little difficulty. 



SUN-FISH. Orthragoriscus mo/a. 



The flesh of the Sun-fish is white and well-flavored, and is in much request among 

 sailors, who always luxuriate in fresh meat after the monotony of salted provisions. 

 In flavor and aspect it somewhat resembles that of the skate. Its liver is rather 

 large, and yields a considerable amount of oil, which is prized by the sailors as an 

 infallible remedy against sprains, bruises and rheumatic affections. 



One of the most curious peculiarities of this fish is the structure of the eye, which is 

 bedded in a mass of very soft and flexible folds belonging to the outer membranous 

 coat, while it rests behind on a sac filled with a gelatinous fluid. When the creature 



