ICHTHYOLOGY. 



But one of the most singular instruments of defence or 

 annoyance imparted to fish is that which is displayed in 

 the Gymnotus Electricus, or Electrical Eel, which has the 

 power on being touched of imparting a violent electrical 

 shock, and of repeating it for several times ; and this 

 quality seems to be inherited by several others, even after 

 they are dead. By this means it is said frequently to fix 

 upon its prey, and sometimes to defend itself from its 

 pursuers. 



" Thus is nature's vesture wrought 

 To instruct the wandring thought." 



The Flounder, Soal and other flat fish which reside 

 always at the bottom of rivers and bays, are deprived by 

 nature of the air bladder, that natural instrument by which 

 other fish can raise themselves to the surface of the sea. 



The Whale, that fish of tremendous size, found chiefly 

 in the Northern and Southern Regions of the Globe; is not 

 found to be piscivorous, but exist chiefly upon a small kind 

 of worm that exists in great abundance in those seas. 



How astonishing is the instinct which directs the 

 Herring at particular times of the Year, to seek a milder 

 and more. genial temperature, as well as the multitudinous 

 swarms of Cod Fish which annually pay their expected visit 

 to the seas and bays of Newfoundland. 



Previous to a more particular description of the future 

 species, the general character of this peculiar tribe of 

 creatures will be more particularly pointed out. One of the 

 most striking distinctions of their mode of life, is their 

 constant residence and subsistence in Water, which is their 

 natural and peculiar element, and for which they are 

 admirably fitted by the gills or branch ire, which answer the 



