THE BRAZILIAN P ERGO PHIS. 



239 



time, in the sand. It is, therefore, a fancy about star-gazing. Their goggle eyes, directed 

 upward, suggested the name. Two species only are known to North American waters. 



The typical genus of this family is represented by several species, of wliich the Great 

 Weaver is one of the most familiar. 



This species is the dread of fishermen, the wounds occasioned by the sharp spine of 

 the gUl-cover, and those of the first dorsal fin, being extremely painful, and said to resemble 

 the sting of a hornet, the evil effects extending from the hand up the ann, and even reaching 

 the shoulder. On the first infliction of the injury, it gives little more paia than the prick of a 

 pin or needle, but in a short time, a dull hot pain creeps up the arm, and increases in intensity 

 for several hours. Fishermen, taught by experience, are very cautious in handling this 

 dangerous fish, and before they place it in their basket they cut off the whole of the first 

 dorsal fin and the hinder part of the gUl-cover. In France, this precaution is rendered 

 compulsory by law. 



MEDITEERANEAN ITHANOSCOPUS— OanoscopMS scaber. GREAT WEAVER-FISH.— rrecAinMS draco. 



The curious fish called the Indian Sillago is a good example of a moderately large genus 

 which is spread over many seas, being found on various shores from the Red Sea to the coast 

 of Australia. 



The Indian Sillago is easily recognized by the extraordinary length of the second dorsal 

 spine, which, in a good specimen, is developed to such an extent that it equals the length of 

 the body. The use of this structure is very obscure. As its name imports, this fish inhabits 

 the Indian seas, and is found in the Bay of Bengal and near the mouth of the Ganges. It is 

 held iu some estimation for the table, as its ilesh is light, digestible, and well flavored. The 

 color of the Indian Sillago is brown. 



The Brazilian Percophis is found upon the coasts of Brazil, and is apparently the sole 

 representative of the genus in which it has been placed. The first dorsal fin is very small in 

 proportion to the second, and the space between them is about equal to the length of the first 

 dorsal. The ventral fins are set very far forward, being placed under the throat. The lower 

 jaw projects considerably beyond the upper, and the cleft of the mouth is honzontal. The 

 canine teeth are very large in proportion to the dimensions of the fish. 



