20 
The only point in whicli they differ from Thoinpsou’s descrip- 
tion is in the number of rays in the first dorsal. 
AgOXUS CATAPIIRACTUS (L.) Pogge. 
Norfolk Estuary. Common. 
Lowestoft. — J. II. G. 
Sir 1. Jh'owne eviilently describes this species : — “A little 
corticated lish, about three or lour inches long, answering that 
which is named piscis octangularis by Schoneveldus — ‘ Octago- 
nius versus caput ; versus caudam he.xagonius.’ ” 
TIIACIIINU.S DRACO (L.) Greater Weever. 
Norfolk Estuary.— R. E. Yarmouth.— P. “Occasionally on 
the East Norfolk coast.” — J. 11. G. 
Traciiinus vipera (Cuv. and Val.) Common. AVeever. 
In Sir 1. Lrowno s list this species, rather than tlie preceding, 
is referred to, “ a sting fisli, wiver, or kind of ophthidion, about 
four inches long, witli a sharp, small prickly fin along the back, 
which often venomously pricketh the hands of fishermen.” 
ihe erroneous idea that a wound thus inflicted is ‘poisoned,’ 
still obtains amongst fishermen, who have a lively aversion to 
these fish, and kill them with evident jileasure. Tliey also imagine 
that the fish is capable of striking a blow with scientific accuracy ; 
an idea supported by Mr. Couch, who speaks of “ the precision 
and skill ’ as “ truly surprising.” Of the picked dog fish he 
makes a similar remark. If this were so it would be indeed sur- 
prising, and would be evidence ot a high order of intelligence. I 
have watched them carefully, and could observe only that they 
make sudden bounds with their fins extended, as do many other 
species, and notably the perchhe and the cotti, which will also 
inflict a severe wound if ]iot carefully handled. Of the weevers, it 
may be remarked that owing to their habit of lying half buried in 
sand the direction of their spring is upwards. 
EaM. XII. — Sci.EXID.E. 
ScDEXA aquila (Risso.) Maigre. 
“ A specimen taken off Sherringham, in 1841, is in the Norwich 
Museum.”- J. II. G. Another. “ rather over five feet long, and 
