Chap. 85.] HOW THE ASTTHIAS IS TAKEN. 473 



formed by the generative powers of the waters and the earth : 

 in one part of the body they are already alive, while in that 

 which is of later formation, they are still composed of earth. 



CHAP. 85. (59.) HOW THE FISH CALLED THE ANTHIAS 



IS TAKElir. 



ITor would it be right to omit what is said about the fish called 

 anthias, and which I find is looked upon as true by most 

 writers. I have already mentioned'" the ChelidonioB, certain 

 islands off the coast of Asia ; they are situate off a promontory 

 there, in the midst of a' sea full of crags and reefs. These parts 

 are much frequented by this fish, which is very speedily taken 

 by the employment of a single, method of catching it. A fish- 

 erman pushes out in a little boat, dressed in a colour resembling 

 that of his boat ; and every day, for several days together, at 

 the same hour, he sails over the same space, while doing which 

 he throws a quantity of bait into the sea. Whatever is thrown 

 from the boat is an object of suspicion to the fish, who keep 

 at a distance from what causes them so much alarm ; but after 

 this has been repeated a considerable number of times, one of 

 the fish, reassured by becoming habituated to the scene, at last 

 snaps at the bait. The movements of this one are watched 

 with the greatest care and attention, for in it are centred aU 

 the hopes of the fishermen, as it is to be the means of securing 

 them their prey ; nor, indeed, is it difficult to recognize it, 

 seeing that for sor^e days it is the only one that ventures to 

 come near the bait. At last, however, it finds some others to 

 follow its example, and by degrees it is better and better 

 attended, tiU at last it brings with it shoals innumerable. 

 The older ones, at length becoming quite accustomed to the 

 fisherman, easily recognize him, and will even take food from 

 his hands. Upon this, the man throws out, a little way beyond 

 the tips of his fingers, a hook concealed in a bait, and smug- 

 gles them out one by one, rather than catches them, standing 

 in the shadow of the boat and whipping them out of the water 

 with a slight jerk, that the others may not perceive it ; 

 while another fisherman is ready inside to receive them upon 

 pieces of cloth, in order that no floundering about or other 

 noise may scare the others away. It is of importance to know 



« B. V. C.-35. 



