S32 THE STURGEON* 



Genus IX 7)^^ Sturgeon, 



The fiflies of this genus have only one narrow aperture 

 on each fide ; a circutnflance in which they refemble the 

 anglers above defcribed. They have the mouth placed 

 far below, tubular, and unprovided with either teeth or 

 jaws * : Hence, thefe animals collect their food by fuc- 

 tion ; and notwithftanding their lize, which is often as 

 large as that of the Ihark, they are the moft peaceable 

 and harmlefs of all animals. The fturgeon is as unwil- 

 ling, as it is incapable to injure other fifh : It flies before 

 the moft feeble, and timid of the race ; and not unfre- 

 quently falls a viftim to its own apprehenfions and 

 fears f . 



The fturgeons are gregarious and migratory ; To the 

 former of thefe habits, they are probably compelled by 

 the timidity of their nature, and their incapacity for felf 

 defence : all the weaker animals that are peaceable and 

 inoflenfive, commonly truft to their numbers for fecuri- 

 fy ; and hence, herd in great crowds together. The ne- 

 ceffity of procuring food, of avoiding cold, or of pro- 

 viding a proper place for the produftiou of their young, 



determines 



* Britifh Zool. t Goldfmith's Nat, Hift. 



