OLD WIFE. 
223 
ancient times it appears to have been an object of attention, 
since Oppian describes the kind of trap termed nassa, or 
wicker pot, as used specially for taking it. The males were 
supposed to associate each with bis own female for life. This 
species is widely distributed, its range extending at least 
from Scotland to the Island of Teneriffe, and tlirough the 
Mediterranean. 
The translator of Oppian follows Gaza, who translated 
Aristotle’s name of this fish by the corresponding English 
word Beetle, and this name, however uncertain, is still con- 
tinued as the designation of the genus in which this fish is 
classed. I have assigned it the name by which alone it is 
known to the fishermen with whom I am acquainted; and, 
although this name may be obiected to as being also applied 
to a foreign fish of a different family — the Balistes vetula, the 
latter probably having received its English name of Old Wife 
from some supposed resemblance it bears to the Cantharus 
lineatus — yet the name I give it is less objectionable than 
that of Black Sea Bream, since the latter is not in any case 
descriptive of its colour, as will appear from our description. 
The example described was sixteen inches in length and five 
in depth, exclusive of the fins. The general form comjDrcssed, 
but solid; mouth rather small, and the under jaw a little 
protruding; the teeth crowded, slender, erect, with some molar 
teeth behind. Eye rather small, lateral; a large single nostril 
a little before it, and another close to the angle of the mouth, 
under the projecting bone. The head rises considerably, and 
still more the back to the dorsal fin; cheeks and body covered 
with scales, firmly fixed, and of moderate size. Lateral line 
arched, conspicuous. The dorsal fin begins above the root of 
the pectoral, and both it and the anal become wider poste- 
riorly; the three last rays of the former and two of the 
latter severally from one root, and bound down; pectorals 
broad at the base, long, and pointed, and the roots of the 
rays clothed with scales; tad concave. The colour is liable to 
much variation, according to the season and health of the fish. 
When most lively the cheeks are flesh-coloured; top of the 
head, round the eyes, and part of the cheeks a rich brown; 
summit of the back obscurely green; behind this and over the 
body reddish yellow, with irregular dark brown lines. A 
