CLASS-BOOK OF ZOOLOGY. 119 



§ 505. The Halibut (Pleuronectes Hippoglossus) is 

 one of the largest species of Flounders, weighing some- 

 times four hundred pounds. It is found in the northern 

 seas of America and Europe. 



\ 506. The Pilot-fish (Gasterosteus Ductor) is one foot 

 long, of a blue color, with four or five broad dark bands 

 around the body, and is found in all the warmer seas. 



\ 507. This celebrated little fish is always found ac- 

 companying or preceding the White Shark, either for the 

 purpose of directing him to his prey, or perhaps for its 

 own safety. The intimacy of this little fish with the 

 most voracious tenant of the sea, would be incredible, if 

 it had not been observed by the most distinguished na- 

 turalists. 



\ 508. The Spring Mackerel (Scomber Scomber) has 

 a compressed smooth head, two dorsal fins, or only one, 

 but with several spurious fins towards the tail. Its color 

 above is a steel-blue, becoming lighter on the sides, mixed 

 with metallic green. It is found in the Atlantic Ocean, 

 and in the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. 



\ 509. The Mackerel-fishery of the United States is 

 a source of great profit; the number of barrels in- 

 spected in 1848, was 300,130, equal in value to about two 

 millions of dollars. 



§ 510. The Mackerel was greatly esteemed by the an- 

 cient Romans, who made of them a kind of pickle, which 

 they called Garum, and which they used as a costly in- 

 gredient in their sauces, as well as a delightful beverage : 

 the best was made by a certain company in Carthage. 

 The Greeks called it Tarichos. 



QUESTIONS ON SECT. XXX. 



502. What fishes are called Thoracic ? 



503. What is the external character of the Flounder, and where does 

 it resort ? 



504. Why do Flounders keep near the bottom, and of what use are 

 they? 



505. What is the weight of the Halibut, and where is it found? 



506. What is the size and color of the Pilot-fish, and where is it 

 found? 



507. In what company is the Pilot-fish always found, and for what 

 purpose? 



