204 



THE BLACK SEA. 



of this estuarine character of its waters. As com- 

 pared with those of the Mediterranean, the number 

 of specific forms is remarkably small, whilst that 

 of individuals is marvellously great. Pallas notices 

 the "Red Mullet" and the "Cuckoo Gurnard." 

 The beautiful Umbrina of the Lusitanian coasts 

 ( IT. vulgaris), and which is recorded as having been 

 once or twice taken on our coasts, is among the 

 rarer fishes of this sea. Several species of Sparus, 

 with Blennies and Wrasses, are such as have been 

 noticed in the iEgean. The Grey Mullet, the 

 "Kephalos" of the Greek fishermen, is the common 

 fish of the markets of Constantinople. It is met 

 with in great shoals along the whole coast of the 

 Black Sea, from Kertch to the Bosphorus. These 

 shoals are composed of fishes of the same size or 

 age. The little Atherine, which, as we have seen, 

 is abundant in the iEgean, migrates into the Black 

 Sea in the spring. Having passed the straits of Con- 

 stantinople, the shoals turn northwards, keeping close 

 in to avoid the current which sweeps down towards 

 the outlet. Should there be an onshore wind as 

 they pass along, which not unfrequently happens, 

 enormous numbers of this fish are thrown upon 

 the coast and perish. 



The Gar- pike is common, as are Dabs and 

 Flounders ; these last also occur plentifully in the 

 Sea of Azof. 



The migratory and gregarious Tunnies (this 

 general designation includes several species) pass 



