358 A DESCRIPTION OF 
twelve feet in length, and owes its name to its natural 
fierceness and voracity. The fishermen dread its bite, and 
endeavour as speedily as possible to strike out its fore- 
teeth, which are so strong, that they are capable of 
leaving an impression on an anchor. The fins nearest the 
head spread themselves when the animal is swimming, in 
the shape of two large fans, and their motion contributes 
considerably to accelerate its natural swiftness. The 
flesh is good, but not often eaten. 
THE FATHER LASHER. (Cottus scorpius.) 
IT would be a comfort for the writer upon natural history 
to be able to give a rational and satisfactory etymology 
of all names ; but this is, in many circumstances, utterly 
impossible. The whimsical denomination of Father 
Lasher, given to this fish, cannot be easily accounted for, 
unless we take a particular notice of the quick and re- 
peated lashings of its tail, when it is caught and thrown 
upon the sand. The length is about eight or nine inches, 
and it is usually found under stones, on the rocky coasts 
of our island. In Greenland these fish are so numerous, 
that the inhabitants depend largely upon them for their 
food. When made into soup, they are nutritive and 
wholesome. The' head is large, and armed with vast 
spines, by which this fish combats every enemy that at- 
tacks it, swelling out its cheeks and gill-covers to an un- 
