ICHTHYOLOGY. 



marine insects. The Hippocampus which is found in the 

 West Indies, differs considerably from the above in its 

 general form, having a shorter trunk and body, and seems 

 to swim in a more erect form. In contemplating the strange 

 and eccentric arrangement of shapes in this singular ani- 

 mal, we cannot help supposing that it is possible the idea of 

 a Dragon or Cockatrice might first have been derived from 

 such a source, its novel and romantic outline being well 

 calculated to impress the mind of the Painter with such 

 an image. 



The size of the Hippocampus when alive is about seven 

 or eight inches, but there is a difference in this respect, in 

 the male and female. The colour is of pale amber, shaded 

 with brown, but in its living state, is said to be of a 

 beautiful bright blue colour on the back and sides. 



This circumstance is confirmed by General Davis, a 

 gentleman whose zeal for the study and advancement of 

 Natural History has kindly furnished us with several very 

 useful observations. 



The fish called Syngnathus, or Pipe Fish, we cannot 

 help considering, as decidedly distinct from the proper 

 Hippocampus, to be divided into a separate genus, and we 

 regard the different form of the tail already described as 

 quite a sufficient reason. 



Other Naturalists, however, are of opinion, that they 

 may both be included under the general term of Acus, our 

 reason for differing from them will be seen in the Generic 

 Character at the head of the Chapter. 



