GREY MULLET. 
11 
in the Persian Provinces,*’ even in the Caspian Sea, we feel 
justified in believing that it is the identical species, in common 
perhaps with the M. cephalus, a kindred fish not yet discovered 
in Britain, of which Oppian has described the proceedings 
■w en beset with dangers; and it is with pleasure we are able 
to adduce instances of the accuracy of the representations that 
given of these by the poet, who has referred to this fish 
more frequently perhaps than to any other, and always with 
much discrimination of character. The net, of course, is shot 
near the shore, where its leaded bottom may reach the ground; 
nnd the intention of the fisherman is, either to let it remain 
moored until the tide has ebbed away, or at his convenience 
lo draw it to land. But the watchful eye of the fish will often 
discover the snare even before the barrier of restraint is 
altogether closed. Instead, however, of rushing to the only 
but yet distant opening, which it might not be able to reach 
in time, it boldly essays to spring, or rather tumble over the 
head-line, and when one succeeds all the rest will be sure to 
follow. 
“The Mullet, when encircling seans enclose, 
The fatal threads and treacherous bosom knows. 
Instant he rallies all his vigorous powers, 
And faithful aid of every nerve implores; 
O’er battlements of cork updarting flies. 
And finds from air th' e.scapo that sea denies. 
But should the first attempt his hopes deceive, 
And fatal space the imprison’d fall receive, 
Exhausted strength no second leap supplies; 
Self-doomed to death the prostrate victim lies, 
Eesigned with partial expectation waits 
Till thinner element completes his fates.” 
This last particular is also emphatically true as regards another 
method in which escape is attempted; and I have seen where 
all its companions have gone over the corks, and the head-rope 
of the net has been raised high above the water, a solitary 
prisoner has examined all the meshes through the length and 
breadth of the net, and finding no opening through which it 
could readily pass, it has retired to the greatest distance the 
space admitted, and thence with a rapid dash has sought to 
thrust itself through. This last desperate effort has been in 
vain, and from that moment the fish resigns itself to its fate. 
