4 CATECHISM 01 



Q. By what means are the bodies of fish se- 

 cured from the macerating influence of the water ? 



A. Besides a strong scaly covering with which 

 many species are furnished, they are protected 

 r from the influence of the waters by a glutinous 

 matter, which is an effectual preservative against 

 the ill effects which might otherwise arise from 

 the element in which they dwell, 



Q. Do fish possess the external senses in per- 

 fection ? 



A. It is impossible to answer this question with 

 certainty ; but it is probable that their scaly cover- 

 ing renders their sense of touching very imperfect ; 

 that from their hard bony palate, they can have 

 but little delicacy of taste ; the dtnsity of the 

 fluid in which they live must render their sense 

 of smelling not very acute ; and it is very doubt- 

 ful whether they hear at all. 



Q. Is not their sight very quick ? 



A. Their sight is supposed to be quick, but, 

 from the structure of the eye, there is reason to 

 believe that their powers of vision do not enable 

 them to discern objects at a considerable distance. 



Ma"cerating, part, wasting, wearing away. 

 Glu'tinous, a. gluey, sticky. 

 Den'sity, s. closeness. 



