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NATURAL HISTORY. 
THE STURGEON. 
31. This fish is formidaole in appearance, but is 
perfectly harmless. It varies in length from six to 
twelve feet. The body is armed from head to tail 
with five rows of large, bony tubercles ; one of these 
is on the back, one on each side, and two on the 
margin of the belly. 
32. The snout is long, and obtuse at the end, and 
has several small tendrils near the tip, which some- 
what resemble earth-worms ; and it is supposed to 
be by this contrivance, that this clumsy, toothless 
fish gains his food ; for the small fish, mistaking them 
for what they resemble, come within reach of his 
mouth, and are sucked in. 
33. Sturgeons are abundant both in the European 
and American seas ; and they may often be seen, as 
they spring entirely out of the water, and fall upon 
the side, making a great splashing. 
34. At the approach of spring, they leave the sea, 
and enter the rivers to spawn ; and from May to July 
the larger American rivers abound with them. 
Describe the Sturgeon. How is he supposed to obtain his food ? 
Where is the Sturgeon abundant ? 
