26 CATECHISM OF 



appearance ; but is a harmless and even a spirit- 

 less fish, suffering itself to be taken without the 

 least resistance, and to be drawn out of the water 

 like a lifeless lump. 



Q. Is this fish valuable ? 



A. Yes ; highly so ; its flesh is delicate, firm, 

 and white as veal, and extremely good when 

 roasted, but it is generally pickled. Of its roe, or 

 eggs, caviare is made. 



Q. Are there not cartilaginous fish that cannot 

 be classed under the forementioned genera ? 



A. Yes; such as, the Disdon or Sun Fish, 

 which grows to a great size and resembles a bream 

 or other deep fish with the lower half cut away. 

 One species of the Disdon, the Hystix or Globe- 

 fish, is so called, because it has the power ofiirftat- 

 ing itself and becoming round like a globe or ball. 

 Also, the Syngnathus Hippocampus, or Sea-horse 

 fish, and some others of little note. 



Q. Is there not a curious marine animal ranked 

 among this class ? 



A. Yes; The Galley Fish resembles a trans- 

 parent bubble reflecting the most brilliant co- 

 lours. It is however a cartilaginous body, covered 



Inflating, part, swelling, blowing itself up. 



