ICHTHYOLOGY. 47 



about the size of the common eel, and is plentiful 

 on the coasts of the Mediterranean ; it is of a 

 dusky greenish brown colour, variegated with dull 

 yellow spots. It can live with equal facility both 

 in salt water and fresh. 



Q. Was not this fish in great esteem among the 

 Romans ? 



A. Yes ; it was considered by them as one of 

 the greatest luxuries of the table, and was kept in 

 reservoirs appropriated for the purpose. 



Q. What instances of barbarous cruelty does 

 Pliny relate as connected with the history of this 

 fish? 



A. Pliny relates that one Vedius Pollio was ce- 

 lebrated for the exquisite flavour of his Muraena. 

 One day, the Emperor Augustus having honoured 

 this man with a visit, a young slave had the mis- 

 fortune to break a crystal vase. The unhappy wretch 

 instantly flew to the feet of Augustus, and earnestly 

 entreated to be put to death in any other way than 

 that to which he was condemned. On inquiry, it 

 was found that this luxurious monster was in the 

 habit of causing his offending slaves to be cut in 

 pieces and thrown to feed his Muraenas. 



Q*. How did Augustus punish this inhuman 

 cruelty ? 



A. He set the unhappy slave free ; commanded 

 all the crystal vessels in the house to be broken 

 before his face, and the reservoirs to be filled 



