242 



THE B EC UNA. 



pear in large shoals after long intervals, and though then known to science, it was new to the 

 public. It is called Goody at Cape May, and Chub and Roach in Virginia. 



The King-fish {Meiiticlrrus nebido.sus) is a large silvery fish, much esteemed in Key 

 West and other Southern cities as a table fish. It resembles the mackerel or blue-fish in its 

 flesh. 



This fish afl'ords much occupation to the fishermen of the Florida Keys ; the Havana 

 market being supplied therefi'om. It is found as far north as Cape Cod. It is called in some 

 quarters Bermuda Whiting. Its excellence as a food-fish induced the early settlers to name 

 it King-fish in token of its superiority. Barb is another name for it. 



BECVSA.~Sphyr(eiui vulgaris. FISHING FHOG.—Lop/iius piscalonm. 



One example of the Sphyrjenidse, the family next in order, is the Becuna, a rather large 

 and tolerably ferocious fish, inhabiting the Mediterranean and many parts of the Atlantic 

 Ocean. 



This long-bodied, deep-mouthed, and sharp-toothed fish bears some resemblance to the 

 pike both in general appearance and in habits, and is hardly less voracious than the veritable 

 pike of our own country. It is said that from the scales of the Becuna are washed those 

 minute crystalline spiculje, which are so useful in the preparation of artificial pearls, and 

 which, when mixed and prepared for commerce, are termed essence cT orient. Some parts of 

 the air-bladder are also used in the manufacture of this substance. The fiesh of the Becuna is 

 well flavored and is often brought to table ; being capable of being dressed in a fresh state and 

 after salting. 



On the back, the color of this fish is leaden -blue with a wash of green, and on the abdomen 



