STURGEONS. 
297 
To make isinglass, the air-bladders are washed 
carefully in water, and the outer membrane is 
removed ; what remains is then rolled up in a 
cloth, and kneaded with the hands, until it has 
become thoroughly softened. Each bladder is 
then moulded into a cylindrical form, dried in a 
gentle heat, and bleached with the fumes of 
brimstone. 
THE STURGEON. 
The Common Sturgeon has the snout slender 
and pointed; the body is somewhat five-sided, 
being studded with five rows of bony plates, that 
run down the whole length ; one along the 
back, another along each side, and two more 
bordering the belly. These plates are oval, with 
a curved spine in the centre of each. The ground 
colour of the body is brown on the upper parts. 
