UMUKINA. 
51 
unTcnown to the oldest fishermen had been taken in the Eiver 
Exe, weighing one hundredweight, and proving indentical with 
that known at Gibraltar by the Spanish name of Umbrina, 
(Sacena cirrhosa, Linmeus;) but a particular description of 
this example does not appear to have been published or 
taken. For its liabits, therefore, as also for a figure, we are 
compelled to have recourse to writers wlio have possessed 
better opportunities of observing it than ourselves have been 
so fortunate as to meet with. 
It was well known to the ancients, who appear to have 
been more observant of its habits than the moderns, for the 
latter have often confounded it with other fishes; and by the 
former it obtained the name still applied to it, and which 
signifies a shade, whether because of the shadowy tints it 
sometimes bears, or from the dusky colour it sometimes 
assumes; on which account Ovid describes it as Corporis 
umbra Uvenlis. But the Umbra of Ovid must be distinguished 
from a fish of the same name mentioned by Ausonius, and 
which inhabits fresh water,— in fact the Grayling, which, says 
Isaac Walton, was called Umber from his swift swimming or 
gliding out of sight, more like a shadow (which the word 
umbra signifies) or a ghost than a fish. 
According to Pliny and others, copying Aristotle, the Umbrina 
was supposed to be quick of hearing, and also sensible to 
cold, which the first-named philosopher believed to be pro- 
perties that belonged to all fishes which were in possession of 
ear -bones: a supposition, however, which does not appear to 
be universally correct. If we may trust Oppian, an occasional 
method of taking it would shew it to be possessed of a low 
amount of intelligence, for he represents them as falling an 
easy prey to the diver, and only defended by the erected 
spines of what we must suppose their dorsal fins, from the 
formidable nature of which Ovid terms the Umbra the Horrid 
Fish. 
“The Shade Fish swift with conscious fear implores 
The kind protection of his native shores; 
Some hollow cave or sea-Rreen weed he seeks, 
Delves in the slime, or nuzzles in the creeks. 
But studious only to conceal his eyes, 
Careless of other parts, exposed he lies. 
Irrational! and hugs th’ assuming pride. 
To think he gives the night to all beside. 
