FISHES. 
355 
faculties of the mind. Such power of self-defence 
has Providence allowed this lumpish and inactive fish. 
Whenever an enemy approaches, the Torpedo emits from 
its hody that benumbing shock, which sets the other at 
rest instantly, and thereby he gets time to escape. Nor 
is it only a sure means of defence, but an advantage in 
other respects, for the Torpedo thus benumbs its prey, 
and easily seizes upon it. The animals thus killed also 
become more easy of digestion. 
SECTION III. 
THE PILOT-FISH. (Naucrates ductor.) 
THE body of this fish is long, the head compressed, 
rounding off in front, without scales as far as the oper- 
culum. The mouth is small, the jaws of equal length, 
and furnished with small teeth ; the palate has a curved 
row of similar teeth in front, and the tongue has teeth all 
along. The colour varies in several species. What is 
most remarkable in this fish is, that it is generally found 
in company with the shark, to which it appears urged by 
