LECTURE VIII. 
67 
which appear on the surface of our seas during 
the vernal season, were in reality at no great dis- 
tance during the severity of winter, having only 
quitted the deep retreats of the ocean for the shal- 
lower parts near the shores, where they hasten at 
that season of the year in order to deposit their 
spawn. 
The genus or Mullet consists of Fishes 
distinguished by a pair of very long barbs or soft 
processes at tlfe tip of the lower jaw. One of 
the principal species is the red Mullet or the Sur- 
mullet, the favourite luxury of the ancient Ro- 
mans, who gave the most extravagant sums for it, 
and had it brought to table in a glass vessel, before 
the feast began, in order that the guests might 
contemplate the elegant changes of its colour 
during the minutes of its expiration; the natural 
rosy red, exhibiting at that time the most beautiful 
flushings and alternate paleness, till at length all 
fades into a dull grey. 
The concluding genus of the Thoracic Fishes 
is that of Trigla, containing the Gurnards : they 
are distinguished by a large head, roughed with 
sharp lines, and have spiny gill-covers. Of this 
