SPINOUS PIPE-FISHES. 
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dorsal spine with the fore parts. The under side 
of the body forms a sharp ridge, running along 
the abdomen. 
Only one species is recognized, Centriscus scolo-- 
pax, Linn., two or three specimens of which have 
been taken at different times on the southern 
coasts of this island. The earliest example re- 
corded is that of one five inches long, which was 
cast ashore by the waves, in St. Aus tie’s Bay, 
Cornwall, in the year 1804. It is commonly 
known as the Snipe-fish, or Trumpet-fish; and 
we learn from Mr. Yarrelfs Synonymy, that in 
Cornwall it has received the title of Bello ws-fish, 
an appellation pointing to its obvious similarity 
in form to that useful article of household eco- 
nomy, the caudal fin representing the handles, 
and the tubular snout the pipe, of the bellows. 
The Snipe-fish rarely exceeds the size of the 
SNIPE- FISH. 
specimen already mentioned. When full grown 
I the back is red, somewhat paler on the sides, and 
I passing into silvery white, tinged with gold-colour, 
on the belly. All the fins are greyish- white. The 
! young are of a brilliant silvery lustre, without the 
