44 CATECHISM OF 



horn, and is used in some of the northern regions 

 in windows as a substitute for glass. 



Q. Is the Mugil an extensive genus ? 



A. The genus Mugil contains nine species, of 

 which Mugil Cephalus, or the common Mullet is 

 best known. It is an inhabitant of the Mediter- 

 ranean ; is generally from twelve to sixteen inches 

 long, and feeds on worms, insects, and marine ve- 

 getables. It is of a bluish grey colour, dark on 

 the back, and silvery on the abdomen. 



Q. What are its peculiar habits ? 



A. The Mullet may frequently be seen near the 

 shore, burrowing in the mud in search of food, and 

 leaving a round hole. In the spring, this fish as- 

 sembles in shoals, for the purpose of passing up 

 the rivers, like salmon, and it is at this period that 

 the fishermen surround them with nets, and endea- 

 vour to secure their prey. Many wonderful sto- 

 ries are, however, told of their address in escaping 

 the snare* It is an excellent fish for the table. 



Q. Are the species of the genus Polynemus nu- 

 merous ? 



A. There are at present only three species known, 

 1. Polynemus Paradiseus; 2. Polynemus Plebeis; 

 3. Polynemus Niloticus. 



Q. What is Polynemus Paradiseus ? 

 1 



