THE 



ELECTRICAL GYMNOTUS. 



Generic Character, 



Head furnifhed with lateral opercula. 



Two Tentacula at the upper lip. 



-Eyes covered by a Ikin. 



Branchlojiegous Membrane with five rays. 



Body compreffed, and carinated by a fin beneath. 



Specific Character, &c. 



BLACKISH GYMNOTUS, without dorfal fin ; 

 the caudal fin extremely obtufe and jointed 

 to trie anal one. 



THE ELECTRICAL EEL. 



The power with which Nature lias armed the Tor- 

 pedo, is filch as to have rendered it the wonder of the 

 ancient as well as the modern world. This power con- 

 lifts in a natural electricity, which is exerted at the 

 pleafure of the animal, in fuch a manner as to preferve 

 it in great meafure fecure from all attacks of other 

 creatures; fince no foo.ner is it touched than a very 

 ftrong ele&ric ihock is inftantly felt by the invader. 



That 



