the Promontory. The same diversity takes place respect- 

 ing several kinds of fishes, which are rare or absolutely 

 wanting in the one bay, although common in the other. 

 It is difficult to account for this phaenomenon, but as to 

 the fishes, it seems probable, that, as particular crustaceae, 

 mollusca, and sea worms, which feed on certain species of 

 sea weed, are the chief nourishment of certain species of 

 fishes, these last prefer the neighbourhood of such locali- 

 ties, where they find supplies of food most proper for 

 themselves and their progeny. 



Another curious circumstance, connected with the 

 Ichthyology of this country, deserves the attention of 

 naturalists ; viz : the fact, that not less than a dozen of 

 fishes, natives of the Mediterranean, are likewise inhabi- 

 tants of the waters washing our shores, while hardly any 

 Indian or South American species are known to exist on 

 the South African Coast. In common, however, with the 

 United States, we possess the Scomber greoc, which is as 

 abundant at the Cape as at New York. 



The fishes peculiar to the Mediterranean and this 

 Colony, are the following species : 



Sphyraena Vulgaris,* Boops Salpa, Temnodon Saltator, 

 Caranx Trachurus, Lepidopus Argyreus, Centriscus 

 Scolopax, Scomberesox Sardus, Engraulis Encrasicolus, 

 Gadus Merlucius, Echeneis Remora, Meliobates Aquila, 

 and Leptocephalus Morrissii.f 



Amongst the fishes caught in Simon's Bay, and 

 along the eastern shores, there is one in particular, which, 

 for its extremely poisonous quality, is the terror of the 

 fishermen and of the inhabitants, viz : the Tetraodon 

 Honkenyi Block, of which a somewhat detailed descrip- 

 tion may be acceptable. 



* A young individual of this fish was caught with the net, along with the Cape 

 Mullet, in November last. It was unknown to the fishermen here. 



f This curious little, ribbon-like fish, not uncommon in Table Bay, is to be 

 found amongst the rocks and sea weed. While in its natural element, it is perfectly 

 transparent like glass, but soon becomes opaque when brought into contact with 

 fresh water or alcohol. 



