BALKAN -WRASS. 
25 
Lahrus tinea, 
" maculatws, 
II 
II 
Donovan; pi. 83. 
Bloch. Gunther; Oat. Br. M., vol. iv. Dr. Gunther 
believes that the L. imsilhis of Jenyns and 
Yarrell is the younger condition of this species. 
Jenyns; Manual, p. 391. 
Tarbell; British Fishes, vol. i, p. 311. 
The Wrasses form a numerous family, of tvliicli several 
species are found on the British coasts; and of these there are 
some portions of character which are common to all, however 
they may vary in other particulars. Their residence is among 
rocks which are clothed with the larger kinds of sea-weeds, 
and not at a great depth of water. If alarmed, or after 
wandering for a time in search of food, they return to their 
accustomed shelter; and as they appear to enjoy the waving 
of this herbage above their heads — among which they are seen 
passing to and fro, as if rejoicing in the pleasantness of the 
situation — they also find in the concealment it affords a shelter 
from their enemies, of which they have some formidable ones. 
The cormorant and shag can only prey upon the young; but 
the porpoise and dolphin, with the seal in more solitary places, 
will hunt them in the gullies of rocks, as I have seen the 
former do like hounds scenting out a hare, and from them 
there is small chance of escape. 
The ancients entertained the singular opinion that the male 
Wrass was the master, keeper, or husband of several females, 
which he compelled to shut themselves up within some rocky 
prison, before which his occupation was to maintain over them 
a jealous watch lest any stranger should break in upon them 
to invade his rights. It was only in the evening that this care 
was intermitted, and only then for a short time, that he might 
seek a supply of food; the females, on the other hand, being 
supposed to find sufficient for their need in what their rocky 
cavern afforded. In no other way than by enticing this 
guardian of his flock to take the hook could a fisherman hope 
to ensnare the females within; but if successful in his first 
intention, his ultimate wishes were certain to be accomplished. 
It was then 
“The females range unguarded by their mate. 
Embrace the fraud, and share the common fate.” 
Ol’PIAN. 
VOL, 111. 
E 
