FISHES 



WERE we acquainted with no other animals 

 than those that inhabit the land, and breathe the air 

 of our atmosphere, it would appear absurd to be 

 told that any race of beings could exist only in the 

 waters ; we should naturally conclude from the ef- 

 fect produced on our own bodies, when plunged 

 into that element, that the powers of life could not 

 there be sustained. But we find from experience 

 that the very depths of the ocean are crowded with 

 inhabitants, that in their construction, modes of 

 life, and general design, are as truly wonderful as 

 those of the land. Their history, however, must 

 always remain very imperfect, since the element in 

 which they live is beyond human access, and of 

 such vast dimensions as to throw bv far the greater 

 part of them altogether out of the reach of man. 



That they are in every respect, both of exterior 

 and interior conformation, well adapted to their 

 element and modes of life, we are not permitted to 

 doubt. Their shape is not unlike that of the lower 

 part of a vessel. The body is in general slender, 

 flattened on the sides, and always somewhat pointed 

 at the head. This enables them with great ease to 



