PIPER. 87 



The various species of gurnards are chiefly ob- 

 tained by trawling. 



THE PIPER, 



Trigla legra, Linnseus, Cuvier, &c. 



The piper is at once distinguished from other 

 species of British gurnards by the large size of 

 the head, the greater extent of the nasal projec- 

 tions, &c., and the immense spread of its fins. 

 This fish is well known in the Mediterranean, and 

 is very common- on the south coast of Devon, 

 where they are frequently gaffed whilst swimming 

 on the surface, sleeping in the sun, and also is 

 taken on the spillers which are set about harvest 

 time for the purpose of taking flat fish ; it is two 

 feet long, and weighs about three and a half 

 pounds ; its name is supposed to have been given 

 it from the grunting noise which it makes when 

 taken out of the water. Perhaps a little assisted 

 by its rarity, its flesh has been considered superior 



