ARCTIC CHIMJERA. 
149 
the opposite edges covered with numerous small reflected spines. 
A small anal fin opposite the extremity of the second dorsal; 
caudal fin above and below, broadest near the margin, gradually 
decreasing to a linear produced thread. 
It is not the least remarkable portion of the history of this 
fish, that whilst its most chosen residence is in the depths of 
the polar seas, it is also found in the Mediterranean, where 
it has been caught so frequently as to have received the familiar 
name of Cat from the fishermen of Nice. In explanation of 
this we can only suppose that in some former distribution of 
the temperature of our world, this fish inhabited other regions 
than those in which it is at present found; and that the 
extreme depths of the Mediterranean Sea continue to afford 
it aU the requisite conveniences for life and propagation, that 
are now also found, and more generally, in the more northern 
regions. 
