PLATE LXXIII. 
tion, both to the inhabitants generally, as a wholesome and palatable 
food, when fresh ; and to the mercantile interests of those countries as 
an article of commerce. They prepare the fish according to ancient 
custom, by cutting it in pieces, and packing it in barrels v/ith vinegst 
and spices, in which state it will keep perfectly well for twelve 
months. 
The plate accompanying this description may render any minute, 
or copious detail of the general appearance of this fish superfluous : the 
drawing was made, and the colours copied with fidelity, from the 
specimen, within two or three hours after we became possessed of it" 
We are aware, however, from the descriptions given of this fish by 
other writers, that in the last particular it is liable to considerable 
variations, not only in dilFerent stages of its growth, but at different 
seasons of the year. The back and sides, to a short depth below the 
lateral line, is generally reddisii, .more or less tinged with yellow, and 
varied with obscure spots, or clouds of fuscous. The highly metallic 
gloss, or silvery splendour, which Bloch speaks of, was scarcely visible 
in our specimen : he also speaks of the ventral and anal fin being deep 
yellow, the pectoral bordering upon red, and the dorsal fin and tail 
yellow, edged with blue or bluish, neither of which circumstances 
were observable in our specimen. He allows, that the fish assumes » 
purple colour as it grows old, and that it is said to become white it* 
winter. These particulars are therefore variable, and cannot well b® 
said to constitute any part of its specific character, with tbe 
exception of the back colour, which appears to be more con- 
stant than any other : this even might perhaps be omitted in de- 
fining the. species, for the four large distinct canine teeth in 
front of each jaw, sufiiciently distinguishes this fish from every 
other species of Sparus at present known. 
