13 ® 
THE STURGEON. 
Genus IX* — 3ft* Sturgeon , 
The fillies of this genus have only one narrow aperture 
on each fide ; a circumftance in which they refemble the 
anglers above defcribed. They have the mouth placed 
far below, tubular, and unprovided with either teeth or 
jaws * : Hence, thefe animals collect their food by fuc- 
tion ; and notwithftanding their fize, which is often as 
large as that of the ftiark, they are the moft peaceable 
and harmlefs of all animals. The fturgeon is as unwil- 
ling, as it is incapable to injure other filh : It flies before 
the moft feeble, and timid of the race ; and not un fre- 
quently falls a viiftim to its own apprehenfion3 and 
fears f. 
The fturgeons are gregarious and migratory : To the 
former of thefe habits, they are probably compelled by 
the timidity of their nature, and their incapacity for fetf 
defence : all the weaker animals that are peaceable afld 
inoffenfive, commonly truft to their numbers for fecuri- 
ty ; and hence, herd in great crowds together. The ne- 
ceflity of procuring food, of avoiding cold, or of p r0 " 
viding a proper place for the production of their young* 
determine 
* Britifli Zoo!. 
t Goldfmith’s Nat. Hift. 
