



ICHTHYOLOGY. 39 



A. There are six species of this genus, the 

 most interesting of which arc Mullus Ruber and 



ullus Barbatus. 



Q. Describe Mullus Ruber. 



A. Mullus Ruber, the Red Surmullet, is of an 

 (leg ant rose colour, tinged with olive on the back ; 

 t is exceedingly active, and feeds principally on 



iall fish, worms, and insects. By the Romans 

 this was held in such high estimation, that some- 

 times enormous sums were given for it ; it was 

 frequently brought alive to table in glass vessels, 

 ;hat the guests might enjoy the pleasure of con- 

 templating the beautiful changes of its colours as 

 it was expiring. It is found chiefly in the Medu 

 terranean and northern seas. 



Q. Is not the Mullus Barbatus a delicate species? 



A. Yes ; so highly was this species valued by 

 the Romans, that they are said to have often given 

 for it its weight in silver. Its colours when expir- 

 ing, are inconceivably beautiful, and its flesh is 

 exceedingly delicious. 



Q. How many species compose the genus Trigla ? 

 A. The genus Trigla is composed of fourteen 

 species, of which, 1. Trigla Guynardus, the 

 Grey Gurnard ; 2. Trigla Lyra, the Piper Gur- 

 nard; 3. Trigla Cuculus, the Cuckoo Gurnard ; 

 D 2 



