PLATE LXIll. 
Meerschnepf, and Schneppenfisch. Germ. — Becasse, Fr. 
Trumpet, or Bellow’s-fish. Will, ichth. p. 160. t. 1 . I. 25. f. 2* 
Raj. pise. 50. 
Centriscus Scolopax is to be considered as one of the most choice 
of our British fishes. Mr. Pennant never met it, nor does he men- 
tion it on the authority of any other observer in the British Zoology- 
We are acquainted with one or two, if not more, well authenticated 
instances of its having been observed upon the western coasts of Eng- 
land, about Devonshire and Cornwall. In the adjacent seas, to the 
southward, this curious fish becomes rather common, especially to- 
wards the coast of France, where the fishermen distinguish it by the 
name of Becasse, and Becasse dc Mer , the Snipe fish, or Sea 
Snipe. And again, in the Mediterranean sea it is more abundant still* 
being commonly brought with other fish to the markets for sale. 
The flesh of this species is very palatable, and wholesome, according 
to the accounts of those who have visited the south of Europe, and 
eaten of them, but being small they are esteemed of little value. 
This is a fish of singular conformation ; nor is it, in our opinion* 
more remarkable for its singularity than its uncommon share of ele- 
gance. It scarcely ever exceeds the size of our figure. The whole 
body is covered with rigid, pointed scales. Its colour is variable, fro* 11 
a pale red to a purplish, or sanguineous colour, and in one of two sp e 
cimens in our collection the sides, and abdomen, are glossed with a rich 
yellow, or golden colour. 
