32 CATECHISM OF 



bedded in the sand. If the wound be in the hand, 

 a redness suddenly extends itself through the 

 whole length of the arm, attended with heat, pain, 

 and inflammation ; but it does not appear, from 

 an inspection of the spine, that it possesses any 

 poisonous properties. This fish feeds on insects, 

 worms, and small fish ; can live many hours out 

 of water, and is esteemed excellent food. 

 Q. What distinguishes the Osbeckii ? 

 A. Trachinus Osbeckii, is a native of the At- 

 lantic Ocean, is of a white colour spotted with 

 black, has jaws of equal length, furnished with 

 several rows of strong and sharp teeth, besides 

 some in the throat ; little farther is known con- 

 cerning it. 



Q. How many species does the genus Uranos- 

 copus contain ? 



A. Of the Uranoscopus, or Star-gazer, there are 

 only two species, Scaber and Gapanicus ; a des- 

 cription of the former will suffice to give an idea 

 of the genus* 

 Q. Describe the Scaber. 



A. Uranoscopus Scaber, orBearded Star-gazer, 



is usually about twelve inches in length, of a brown 



\ colour, and has a large head, covered with pro- 



