ANGLER. 
205 
say, at a time when imagination, superstition, and imposture 
were united in ascribing to the inhabitants of the ocean 
mysterious properties, so that the circumstance of his inquiring 
into their nature and structure was believed to be a sufficient 
proof to shew that Apuleius, the Pioman writer of the famous 
romance, the “Golden Ass,” could be no other than a magician; 
and when in numerous particulars of form this fish differs 
much from all others that were known to the ancients, there 
was still less of the wildness of imagination applied to it than 
to a large proportion of others. 
The general appearance of this fish, which is represented 
as at least unsightly, has caused it to be compared to a 
tadpole — a tadpole of course of enormous size; and when the 
rough protuberances of its head, and its projecting teeth and 
ample mouth, Avere taken into the account, its supposed hideous 
aspect was judged sufficient to entitle it to the name of Sea 
Devil. Yet in the form and arrangement of these parts we can 
discern a noble example of exquisite contrivance, by which, as 
in the corresponding instance of the apparently sluggish 
Lumpfish, what seems a defect is fully balanced by a skilful 
adaptation of instinct and inward organization to that definite 
end, which comprises the safety and comfort of the creature 
itself. It was the instinctive habits thus displayed that 
especially drew the attention of ancient philosophic observers; 
and accordingly we find them particularly described in the 
poet Oppian’s verses, although indeed they are there accom- 
panied with the addition of some particulars which tend to 
raise a doubt whether this generally accurate writer had closely 
studied the fish itself. He represents it as that 
“Within her jaws the fleshy fibre lies, 
Whose whiteness, grateful scent, and worm-hke size, 
Attract the shoals, and charm_ their longing eyes. 
But as they near approach, with subtle art, 
The wily toad contracts th’ inviting part.” 
A more accurate description of the organ and its use is 
given by ATian, (B. 9, C. 24,) where he says:— “The Fishing 
Frog derives its name from the manner in which it employs 
itself. In front of its eyes there are placed some long processes, 
to the end of which are affixed enticing baits for the purpose 
