f~folY oo

BIBLIOTHECA
CARCINOLOGICA
L.B. Holthuis

A

CORNISH FAUNA;

BEING A COMPENDIUM

OF THE

NATURAL HISTORY

OF

THE COUNTY,

Intended to form a Companion to the Collection in the Museum of the Royal
Institution of Cornwall.

PART I.
containing the

VERTEBRATE, CRUSTACEAN,

and a portion of the

RADIATE ANIMALS.

By JONATHAN COUCH, F.L.S., &c. &c.

TRURO:

Printed for the Royal Institution of Cornwall,

By L. E. GILLET, Stationer, &c.,

4, Prince’s Street.

1838.

'

INTRODUCTION.

The personal interests of man are much mixed
up with, and dependant on the animal creation
with which he is surrounded. And beside those
which contribute to our wealth or conveniency,
there are others of scarcely less interest, that
attend the motions of the peasant, and meet the
philosopher in his most retired walks ; so that as
all ranks of men are compelled to notice them,
all are in some degree acquainted with their habits
and history.

But the contemplative mind seeks after the
possession of more knowledge than can be ob-
tained under ordinary opportunities, whilst the
delight increases with the acquisition : the works
of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that
have pleasure therein ; and as there is none so
pleasing, so there is no amusement so innocent
as the study of Natural History.

But it is not only, nor even chiefly, as an
amusement, that this subject claims our attention.
The differences that exist in the forms of the
various orders of animal beings — so well titled
to their various modes of life, direct us to the
contemplation of the wisdom that formed them,
and of the goodness which has placed within
their reach the objects suited to their organs
and happiness.

IV

INTRODUCTION.

This variety of structure also is effected by sim-
ply varying the primitive type of the parts, which
are thus made capable of fulfilling a vast variety
of intentions, according to the residence of the
creatures within or on the earth, the sea or air :
whilst the gradations of form and intellect in the
different classes, with the evident analogies of
at least many of the races to each order, and
✓•the light which the variety of structure in the
organs of the higher animals is calculated to
throw on the functions of correspondent parts
in the human body, are all matters of deep
philosophic interest ; and whilst they show that
the creative power of nature is one, claim for
the study of his works a place amidst the highest
branches of science.

For the same reason that the subject is gene-
rally interesting, that part of it which relates to
the creatures of our own country must be more
especially so ; and it is only when our curiosity
in this respect is in some degree satisfied, that
we direct a minute attention to those of distant
countries.

And this indeed must be considered as the
proper course of study, even with those who
seek the most extended information, or who
desire to add by discovery to our present stock
of knowledge. With regard to the former, the
structure, peculiarities and habits of life, of the
creatures of our own neighbourhood, will serve
as the best foundation on which to build the edi-
fice of general learning, and as subjects of com-
parison by which we are able more readily to
understand the description and history of those
of which the accounts reach us only in books;
and for the latter, many who have no opportunity
of pursuing enquiries in distant regions, may still
be able to notice things that have been overlook-
ed by others ; and so far at least, is the science

INTRODUCTION.

V

in its youth, that there is scarcely a district, even
in our own nation, of which w r e are able to be-
lieve that our knowledge of its Natural History
is nearly complete.

Other reasons may be given for studying the
science in a particular district. It is known that
Animals are not indiscriminately scattered over
the face of the Earth ; but that certain species
are the inhabitants of regions, beyond the limits
of which their appearance is regarded as extra-
ordinary ; and the precise knowledge of those
limits, the reasons why they are confined to them,
with the changes which peculiarities of food and
climate effect in an individual, constituting what
Naturalists call a variety, are most likely to be
thus attained, and our acquaintance with nature
in general, so much the more improved.

These observations apply with especial force to
the County of Cornwall. Situated at the extre-
mity of the Kingdom, and projecting into the
depths of the Atlantic, its position, climate and
mineralogical structure combine to assign it a dis-
tinguished place in natural science above most
other Counties of England ; in comparison with
which its quadrupeds and feathered inhabitants
are as numerous and various, while the residents
of its waters are even more so ; and taken together
they form such an aggregate of interest as will
well repay the attention of the enquirer.

In laying before the public an enumeration of
these tribes and species, it has been the intention
first to ascertain the individual kinds, as they
are recognized by modern Naturalists ; in doing
which care has been taken to avoid a multiplicity
of references, that might have been easily collect-
ed to a large amount without a corresponding
increase of the reader’s information ; for it must
he allowed that the more ancient writers are very
loose in their discrimination of species, and the

VI

INTRODUCTION.

moderns are frequently copyists of each other.
Those who are desirous of consulting other au-
thors besides those here given, will find in the
books referred to, so much instruction as will
satisfy their enquiry, or direct them where to
obtain it.

The references to modern Authors must also
be regarded as including their history of each
species, with the exceptions particularly pointed
out; and therefore nothing is given that might
be found in any of them. The short notes added
to the species are therefore to be understood as
occasional correction of what is believed to be an
error, or an addition of something in which our
native species may differ from the same kinds in
other districts. Minute observation is thus some-
times admissible, where in larger or more general
works it w'ould be out of place ; and in some in-
stances it may be considered as descriptive of the
influence of climate and situation.

A Fauna of a Country is commonly under-
stood to comprize an enumeration of all the living
nature of the district it embraces ; and therefore
it may be objected, that in the present instance
the name is scarcely applicable to a work that
omits the more numerous tribes. Of these the
Annelides must be left to other hands : which is
mentioned the rather, that some competent per-
sons, for it requires many labourers, may not delay
to enter upon the task. The Molluscs also, will
invite, and amply repay, the labour of the Natu-
ralist. An imperfect enumeration might have
been given, but it has been judged better to omit
what must have been exceedingly unsatisfactory,
to an inquiring Naturalist.

CORNISH FAUNA .

The Species of which there are Specimens in the Museum

are marked *

VERTEBRATE ANIMALS.

MAMMIFEROUS ANIMALS, OR THOSE WHICH SUCKLE
THEIR YOUNG.

BATS— The Cornish name of these Animals is Ary or
Herymouse, from the Saxon word Areren, to raise, or be lifted
up, that is, to fly.

Seventeen Species are enumerated as British ; and of theso
is probable that nearly all may be found in Cornwall, al-
though the following Species are all that are as yet ascertained.

G 9 ‘f A T ? AT ' Y e l?- ertili ° Noctul “- Jenyns' Manual, p.
|| a f I !f ,re and H,stor y ,n Bell’s British Quadrupeds, p.

* PIPISTRELLE. V. Pipistrellus. Jenyns p. 24. Bell’s
Quad. p. 23. This is our commonest Species, and flies at
all seasons of the year, if the thermometer bo not much
b,lo. SO-. II «..t« in a few hours after .ho ..Si
has become mild, and is not uncommonly seen abroad in
me middle ot a hue day,

[ |>°ii’ G fP 1>iecnlus Auiitus. Jenyns, p. 27.
r» , ,, s Q“ ad -> P- ^3. Not uncommon.

J ARBASTELLE. V. Uarbastcllus. Jenyns, p. 28. Bar
Oast, Ulus Daubentonii , Bell’s Quad., p. 63. Rare
GREATER HORSE SHOE BAT. lihinoloplm Ferrum
Ftjumum. Jenyns, p. 19. Bell’s Quad., p. 68. This is
much more rare than the next Species.

6

LESSER HORSE SHOE BAT. /?. Ilipposideros. Jenyns,
p. 20. Bell’s Quad., p. 73. In the neighbourhood of Tre-
lawnv-house, this Species abounds almost to the exclusion
of every other.

It is probable that the party coloured Bat may be an in-
habitant of Cornwall, having been found at Plymouth by
Hr. Leach.

* HEDGEHOG. Erinace.us Europmis. Jenyns, p. 19. Bell’s
Quad., p. 76. Hedge Boar and Sow. Its internal organi-
zation in Ray’s Synopsis Anini. Quad., p. 231. J he female
is of a much more timid character than the male, and in
captivity has been known to devour her own young. Com-
mon.

* MOLE. TaljM Europcea. Jenyns, p. 17. Bell's Quad., p.
8& In Cornwall generally, the Want. Moel in Welsh
signifies a little hill, and a mole implies a small tumour; but
mould also means the earth or soil, and Moldwarp, another
name of the animal, implies one that bends or works the
soil. The Want is one that disappears, as to want is to be
absent, to disappear. The history of the animal is best
given by Mr. Bell, and its organization by Ray’s Syn. Quad.,
p. 236. Common.

SHREW. Sorex Araneus. Jenyns, p. 17, and Jardine’s
Mag. Zook, vol. 2., p. 28. Bell’s Quad., p. 109. Ray’s
Svn. Q., p. 239, but not the S. Araneus of Continental
Authors. Screw. Common.

WATER SHREW. S. Fodiens. Jenyns, p. 18, and Jar-
dine’s Mag. Zoo!., vol. 2, p. 31. Bell’s Quad., p. 115., bu't
not of Continental Authors. Not uncommon.

* BADGER. Aides Taxus. Jenyns, p. 10. Bell's Quad., p.

122. Grey. The word Badger was anciently used as
equivalent to Tramper, or Pedler, that is, one that walks
on his feet ; which is applicable especially to this Animal,
that was placed by Linneus in his Genus Crsus, and dis-
tinguished from such as walk only on their toes. Ray
Syn. Q., p. 185, who gives ari account of its structure,
omits to mention that its jaw cannot be displaced from the
sockets but by breaking the boue : a character not so
decidedly found in any other British Animal. Common.

* OTTER. Lutra Vulgaris. Jenyns, p. 13. Bell’s Quad., p.
129. By far the greatest portion of these creatures in
Cornwall, derive their food from the sea, where they may
be seen diving for iish, even when the waves arc very tem-
pestuous. Several instances arc known, of their being
dwfcwned in Crab-pots ; into which they had entered in
search of prey, and had not afterwards been able to find
the opening.

7

* WEASEL. Mustela Vulgaris. Jenyns, p. 12. Bell’s Quad
p. 141. Ray’s Syn. Quad. p. 195. Fitch, Fairy. Com-
mon. It is not common for this animal to assume a pied
appearance in Cornwall; but it has done so in a not very
cold season.

* POLE CAT. M. Putorius. Jenyns, p. 11. Bell’s Quad.,
p. 156. Ray’s Syn. Quad., p. 199. Common.

PERRETT. M. Furo. Jenyns, p. 12. Bell’s Quad., p. 161.
Domestic.

" MARTEN. M. Foina. Jenyns, p. 11. Martes F. Bell’s
Quad., p. 167. Marten Cat. Rare and Local.

CAT. Felis Domestica. Bell’s Quad., p. 182. Ray’s Syn.
Quad., p. 170. Cats without tails are common ; and though
the defect may at first have proceeded from injurv, it is
continued in the breed. Such Cats are commonly of large
size, and good mousers. AVe have no other wild Cats, than
such as have descended from the domestic race.

DOG. Canis Familiaris. Bell’s Quad., p. 200. Ray’s Syn.
Quad., p. 175.

* FOX. C. Vulpes. Jenyns, p. 14. Vulpes A r ulgaris. Bell’s
Quad., p. 252. Ray’s Syn. Quad., p. 177. Common, es-
pecially in ClilFs near the Sea.

* SEAL. Phoca Vitulina. Jenyns, p. 15. Bell’s Quad., p.
263. Ray’s Syn. Quad., p. 189. Soyle. Scarce.

GREY SEAL. P/i. Barbata. Jenyns, p. 16. Halichasrus
Gryphus. Bell’s Quad., p. 273. Mr. Bell’s figure and
description go far in deciding this to he the Species tak.cn
in a net near Padstow in 1832 ; and of which some account
is given in Loudon’s Mag. Nat. Hist., vol. 7, p. 508.

* SQUIRREL. Sciurus Vulgaris. Jenyns, p. 29. Bell’s
Quad., p. 291. Common.

DORMOUSE. Myoxus Avellanarius. Jenyns, p. 30. Bell’s
Quad., p. 295. Dorymouse. Common.

H ARY’ EST MOUSE. Mus Messorius. Jenyns, p. 31.
Bell’s Quad., p. 299, Common.

LONGTAILED FIELD MOUSE. M. Sylvaticus. Jenyns,
p. 30. Bell's Quad., p. 305. Common.

COMMON MOUSE. M. Musculus. Jenyns, p. 31. Bell’s
Quad., p. 308. Common.

* BLACK RAT. M.Ratlus. Jenyns, p. 32. Bell’s Quad.,
p. 311. Scarce.

* BROWN RAT. M. Decumajms. Jenyns, p. 32. Bell’s
Quad., p. 315. Common.

"WATER RAT. Arvicola Amphibia. Jenyns, p, 33, Bell’s
Quad., p. 321. Common.

SHORT TAILED FIELD MOUSE. A.Agrestis. Jenyns,
P- 33. Bell’s Quad., p. 325. Common.

8

MARE. Lepus Timidus. Jenyns, p. 34. Bell’s Quad., p.
333. Ray’s Syn. Quad., p. 204. la Loudon’s Magazine
of Natural History, vol. 7, p. 504, there is an account of a
white variety of the common Hare, which from the year
1829, has continued on Morval Estate, the seat of John
Duller, Esq., and was still to be found so lately as Christ-
mas, 1836. As several of them have been killed, at differ-
ent times through this series of years, it is clear that the
peculiarity has been propagated in the race ; whilst their
not being found at any considerable distance from their
original haunts, is a proof of the little disposition evinced
to wander from a favourite district.

* RABBTT. L. Caniculits. Jenyns, p. 35. Bell’s Quad., p.
348. A black variety is sometimes seen ;* but this pecu-
liarity is not propagated, as in the white Hare, above
mentioned.

HOG. Sus Scrofa. Jenyns, p. 39. Bell's Quad., p. 357.
“ Wild Boar Swine,” figured by Bewick, Quad., p. 159,
continued in Cornwall to a late date, but now tiic usual va-
riety of breeds is kept as in other parts of the Kingdom.

HORSE. Equus Caballus. Jenyns, p. 39. Bell’s Quad.,
p. 365. Ray’s Syn. Quad., p. 62.

ASS. E. Asians. Jenyns, p. 39. Bell s Quad., p. 283.
Donley, Negucr.

OX. Bos Taurus. Jenyns, p. 36. Bewick’s Quad., p. 29,
and 38. The ancient breed in the West of England was
called Black Cattle, from the very dark appearance of its
coat, almost like velvet: circumstances in which it seems
to have differed from the races of the North of England,
which were white.

SHEEP. Ovis Aries. Jenyns, p. 37. Bewick’s Quad., p.
56, &c.

GOAT. Capra Ilircits. Jenyns. p. 37. Bewick’s Quad.,
p. 77. Beli’s Quad., p. 432. Great numbers are kept in
the middle districts of the County.

STAG. Cervus Elephus. Jenyns, p. 37. Bells Quad., p.
394 None can now be deemed permanent wild inhabitants
of our bills.

FALLOW DEER. C. Duma. Jenyns, p. 38. Bell’s
Quad., p. 402.

THE WHALE TRIBE.

FINFISH. Baleen a Physalus. Jenyns, p. 47. The Razor-
back Whale of Scoresby. Ray supposes it to be the Phy-
seter or Blower of the Ancients. Rare,

BROAD NOSED WHALE. B. Musculus. Jenyns, p.
47. Several Specimens of this enormous Species are seen
on the Cornish Coast every year ; feeding on the smaller
gregarious fishes.

* There is a Specimen in the Museum, killed at Trengwainton.

9

SHARP LIPPED WHALE. B. Boops Jenyns, p. 47.
Bell’s Quad., p. 520. Dr. Moore (London’s Mag. Nat.
Hist, vol. 1, N.S.) informs us that it was this Species which
in 1831 was found floating in the neighbourhood of Ply-
mouth. The individual had frequented the Cornish Coast
for a long time previously, in pursuit of young herrings,
multitudes of which it was seen to devour ; and from gorg-
ing which, it was supposed to have met its death.

BRA KED WHALE. B. Jiostvafa , Bin. Some doubts
exist, whether this be a distinct Species or the young of
the B. Boops, Jenyns, p. 48.

ROUNDHEADED' BLOWER. Physectcr Catodon , Lin.
This also is considered a doubtful Species ; but it is pro-
bable that future discoveries will extend rather than limit
the Catalogue of British Whales.

BLUNTHEADED BLOWER. P. STacrocephahis. Jcnvns,
p. 44. Bell’s Quad., p. 506.

HlGrllFINNKD BLOWER. P. Tarsio. Jenyns, p. 44.
This is judged to be the Species sometimes seen on our
Coasts, sailing rapidly along at a uniform elevation in the
Water, with its slender but elevated fin above the surface,
while the body is concealed below.

BOTTLE NOSE. Ph. Bidens, Lin. Hyper'odden Bidens.
Jenyns, p. 44. Bell's Quad., p. 492.

HUMPED BLOWER. Ph. Polycyphus. . I have

unfortunately omitted to note the proper reference to any
authority for the use of the trivial name here given, and
which I had an opportunity of verifying in a Volume be-
longing to the Library of the Zoological Society of Lon-
don. One Specimen ran itself on shore in pursuit of small
fish, several years since ; and another was seen, and mi-
nutely described to me by an intelligent fisherman ; but it
would appear that the number of humps on the back is
variable. It is probably the Baltena Monstrosa, Ruysh’s
Theat. Anim., vol. 1., tab. 41.

ORAMPUS. Delphinns Orca. Jenyns, p. 42. Loudon’s
Mag. Nat. Ilist., vol. 4, p. 338, where the dorsal fin is re-
presented as higher than in Bell’s Quad., p. 477. It is
u a wieldly but ferocious, and seems to be the <j>a\a iva
(Balaena) of the Poetic Naturalist Oppian, who gives a
curious account of its being taken with a baited hook.

PORPOISE. D. Phocania. Jenyns, p. 41. Bell’s Quad.,
p. 473. The Sniffer of Cornish fishermen. It is some-
times caught in Drift Nets, and I have known it take a bait,
though it commonly proves too strong for the line. The
rolling motion of this and some other of the smaller Spe-
cies, is caused by the situation of the Nostrils on the an-
terior part of the top of the head ; to breathe through

ID

•which the body must be placed in somewhat of an erect
posture, from which to descend it passes through a consi-
derable portion of a circle. They rarely congregate into
an herd, like the other Delpliini, and commonly no more
than a pair is seen together.

DOLPHIN. D. Deiphis. Jenyns, p. 40. Bell’s Quad., p„
463. A figure of this and the last Species may also he
found in Borlase’s Hist, of Cornwall, but they arc not ex-
ceedingly accurate. It is the Dolphin of the Ancients,
hut not of modern Sailors: the latter being the Coryphaena
Hippuris of Linneus.

LEADING WHALE. D. Melas. Jenyns, p. 42. D. De-
ductor of Seoresby. Roundheaded Porpoise, Bell’s Quad.,
p. 483. This Species goes in numerous herds ; but it is
probable that more than one has been confounded with it,
as it is certain that different companies display consider-
able variety of appearance. The Leading Whale is of a
very dark colour hut an whole herd is sometimes seen of
a cream colour, and single S-peeimens of a light tint are not
unfrequent. These cannot he the D. Beluga, a White
Whale, as the latter is without the dorsal protuberance
or fin.

There is no class of the larger Animals, of which so little
is definitely known, as of the Whale Tribe; it is therefore
much to be wished, that in every instance where one is taken
or thrown on shore, an accurate measurement should be taken
of all the proportions ; and in an especial manner, that the
jaws should be preserved, for the inspection of some compe-
tent Naturalist,

The Museum of the Royal Institution of Cornwall is a
proper situation in which to deposit such Specimens ; and a
figure, even if roughly drawn, will greatly assist in determin-
ing the Species.

BIRDS.

THE FALCON TRIBE.

GOLDEN EAGLE. Aquila Chrysaetos. Jenyns, p. 00.
Yarrell’s Br. Birds, vol. 1, p. 7. One instance has come
within my observation, in which the Ringtailed Eagle,
(Bewick’s Br. Birds, vol. 1, p. 49) now judged to be the
immature state of this Species, was killed in Cornwall.

II

OSPREY. A. Haliaetus. Jenyns, p. 81. Yarrell’s Br. B.,
vol. 1, p. 20. Scarce.

PEREGRINE FALCON. Falco Peregrinus. Jenyns, p„
Yarrell’s Ur. B., vol. 1, p, 32. It keeps chiefly in
retired Cliffs, and hence is called the Cliff Hawk.
GYRFALCON. F. Islandicus. Jenyns, p. 81. Yarrell’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 20. One specimen only is recorded,
on the authority of Hr. Rorlase.

HOBBY. F. Subtmteo. Jenyns, p. 82. Yarrell’s Br. B.,
vol. 1, p. 40.

MERLIN. F. JEsalon. Jenyns, p. 83. Yarrell’s Br. B.,
vol. 1, p. 48. Scarce, and in winter only. It is probablv
the Marlion of Carew ; but Dame Juliana Earners, in her
Treatyse on Hawking, in the Boke of St Albans, speaks
of the Marlioun as large, and so adapted for the sport of an
Emperor ; whereas this is of small size.

KESTRIL. F. Tinnunculus. Jenyns, p. 87. Bewick’s Br.
B., vol. I, p. 7(5, and 78, Cress Hawk, and Windhover,
Common in Cliffs.

SPARROW HAWK. Aeeipiter Fringillarius. Jenyns, p.
85. Bewick s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 68. Common. The Nisus
of Ovid is supposed by translators to be this bird ; which
Gesner pronounces to be a mistake.

KITE. Milvus Ictinus. Jenyns, p. 86. Bewick’s Br. B.,
vol. 1. p. 63. Rare; but two or three Cornish Specimens
# a re beyond question.

BUZZARD. Butco Vulgaris. Jenyns, p. 87. Bewick's Br.
B., vol, 1. p. 57. Common.

MOOR BUZZARD. B. Rufus. Jenyns, p. 88. Bewick’s
t Br. B., vol. 1. p. 61. Rare.

HENHARRIER. B. Cyatieus. Jenyns, p. 89. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1. p. 73 and 75.

ASH COLOURED HARRIER, B. Cineracevs. Jenyns,
p. 90. Rare.

OWLS.

LONG EARED OWL. Olus Vulgaris. Jenyns, p. 93.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1. p. 85. Scarce.

SHORT EARED OWL. O. Brachyotus. Jenyns p. 92.

Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1. p. 87 and 89. Scarce, and in wiu-
% ter only.

" HI I E OWL, Strix Jlammea. Jenyns, p. 92. Bewick’s
1 , vo * - H P‘ 90* Burn Owl. Common. An owl bad

lla d its nest robbed of the young, tor several successive
.years ; on the last occasion however, when a man was a»ain
oiaking his way to the recess for the same purpose,' "the
Parent bird escaped from the aperture with its only voum*
one held fast in its claw; and having carried it off in sVetvt
« never again returned to that place to breed.

12

* TAWNY OWL. S.Aluco. Jenyns, p. 93. Bewick’s Br.
B.,vol. 1. p. 92. Ivy Owl. Cenunon.

CANADA OWL. Noctua Funerea. Jenyns, p. 526. The
only Specimen recognized as British, was taken on the Coast
of Cornwall.

SHRIKES.

* CINEREOUS SHRIKE, Lanins Excuhitor. Jenyns, p.
95. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1. p. 95. Butcher Bird. Rare,
hut it has been known to form its nest in Cornwall.

* REDBACKED SHRIKE. L.ColIurin. Jenyns, p. 96. Be-
wick's Br. B„ vol. 1. p. 97. It leaves ns in winter, and
returns about the beginning of May.

* SPOTTED FLY CATCHER. Muscicapa Grisola.
Jenyns, p. 97. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. I, Sup. p. 30. Not

uncommon.

THRUSHES.

These Birds derive their common English name from the
spots that are spread over the plumage of the under parts of
their bodies ; on the same account as also a common disease
of the mouth (Aphthae) is similarly denominated. The Latin
name of the Genus (Turdus,) and the old name of the Wrasses
as found in Gesner and Ray, are descriptive of the same cha-
racters •

* WATER OUZEL. Cinclns Aquations. Jenyns, p. 98.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 31. Common in solitary situa-
tions.

* MISSEL THRUSH. Turdns Viscivorus. Jenyns, p. 98.
Bewick’s Br. B.,vol. I, Sup. p. 16. Holm Screech, Holm
being the Cornish name of the Holly tree. Common, and
sometimes in considerable Hocks. In the cold Spring of
1837, the young of this Bird had left the nest, on the 18th
of April, three days before the young of the Thrush were
sufficiently active for that purpose; and on the 1st of May
five eggs had been deposited for a new brood.

* FI ELD FARE. T. Pilaris. Jenyns, p. 99. Bewick’s Br.
B., vol. 1, p. 125. Common in winter.

* THRUSH. T.Musictis. Jenyns, p. 100. Bewick’s Br. B.,
vol. 1, p. 129. Common, but in increased numbers in
winter.

* REDWING. T. Iliaeus. Jenyns, p. 100. Bewick’s Br.
B„ vol. 1, p. 127. Winnard. Common in winter, but
sooner and more completely subdued by cold, than any
other bird.

* BLACKBIRD. T. Merula. Jenyns, p. 101. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 123. Common ; and Specimens more or
less mottled with white are not rare.* In one instance the
Specimen, a young Bird from the nest, was of a pure white.

* There are several mottled Specimens in the Museum.

13

RING OUZEL. T. Torqualus. Jenyns, p. 101. Bewick's
Br. B., vol. 2, p. 122. A few are found to visit certain
stations in Cornwall, for a few days in spring, as if in the
course of migration.

OOLDEN ORIOLE. Oriolns Galbtda. Jenyns, p. 122.
Bewick's Br. B., vol. 1, Sup. p. 18. Rare, but perhaps less
so than is supposed, since I have been informed of their
alighting on fishing boats in several separate years.
HEDGE WARBLER. Accentor Modularis, Jenyns, p. 102.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 225. Hedge Sparrow. Common.
REDBREAST. Sylvia Ilubccula. Jenyns, p. 103. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 217. Common. It moults earlier
than most birds; so that it usually resumes its song by the
middle of August.

BLUE THROATED WARBLER. S. Suecica. Jenyns,
p. 104. Eyton’s rarer Birds of Britain, p. 9. A Bird sup-
posed to be this species, as judged from its conspicuous
colours at a small distance, was seen near Resprin, but not
taken, towards the end of September, 1836.

REDSTART. S. P/uenicurus. Jenyns, p. 104. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 220. Not more than two or three instan-
ces have been collected, in which this Bird lias been seen
in Cornwall, and these have occurred about the time when
it is migrating from its Summer haunts. In no instance has
it been known to breed with us.

* GRASS HOPPER WARBLER. S.Locustella. Jenyns, p.

106. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, Sup. p. 32. Common in Summer.
SEDGE WARBLER. S. Phragmites. Jenyns, p. 106. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 227. In Summer.

REED WREN. iS. Arundinaoea. Jenyns, p. 107.

BLACK CAP. <S. Alricapilla. Jenyns, p. 109. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 228. Not uncommon, but local.

* WHITE THROAT. S. Oincrca. Jenyns, p. 109. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 230. Common in Gardens and Or-
chards in Summer.

* WOOD WREN. S. Sibilatrix. Jenyns, p. 110. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 231. In Summer.

* WILLOW WREN. S. Proclaim. Jenyns, p. 111. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 232.

CHIFF CHAFF. S. Hippolais. Jenyns, p. 111. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 233.

LESSER WHITE THROAT. S. Cnrruca. Jenyns, p.

109. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, Sup. p. 35. Rare.

. The three or four latter Species are sometimes seen eross-
ni S the Channel to ns, in Spring ; and are confounded toge-
ther by Sailors under the name of Miller’s Thumbs. They
leave us in winter, but a specimen of the S. Hippolais was
s oot by Mr. Jackson, near Looe, in January 1829.

c

14

DARTFORD WARBLER. Melizophilus Provincialis. Jen-
yns, p. 112. Bewick’s Bs\ B., vol. 1, p. 216. Local, and
very uncertain in its haunts.

* GOLD CRESTED WREN. Regulus Aurocapillus. Jen-
yns, p. 113. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 235. Common.
The Fire Crested Wren, which has been confounded with
this, has also been reported to me, but I have not examined
a Cornish Specimen,

WAGTAILS.

* PIED WAGTAIL. Motacilla Alba. Jenyns, p. 114.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 204. Dishwasher. (M. Yar-
relli, of Gould, who has pronounced it to be different front
the M. Alba of Linneus. Loudon’s Mag. Nat. Hist., 1837,
p. 459.) Common, without changing its quarters according
to the seasons, as in the North of England,

* GREY WAGTAIL. \1. Boarula. deny ns, p. 115. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 206. Chiefly a Winter Visitor, but
some remain to breed ; for which purpose they quit the Sea
Shore, and resort to the neighbourhood of our smaller
streams.

* YELLOW WAGTAIL. AT. Flava. Jenyns, p. 115. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 207. Rarer than either of the for-
mer, and in Autumn and Winter only.

LARKS.

* TITLARK. Anthus Pratensis. Jenyns, p. 117. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 201. Common, but changing its quarters.
It is much subdued by Cold in Winter.

* TREELARK. A.Arbnreus. Jenyns, p. 118. Bewick’s Br.

B., vol. 1, Sup. p. 28. In Summer.

SHORE LARK. A. Petrosvs. Jenyns, p. 118. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, Sup., p. 26. Fieldlark. Common and
abundant at all Seasons; but numbers, in small flocks,
are seen by Fishermen crossing the Channel from France,
in Spring.

* SKYLARK. Alauda Arvensis. Jenyns, p. 127. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 195. Abundant, but increasing in num-
bers in Cold Winters.

The following incident is deserving of being recorded, as
an illustration of the Natural History of this Bird : on the
29th of October, 1835, as my informant and another indivi-
dual were standing in conversation in a Geld, and within three
or four feet of each other, their attention was attracted to a
Kestril in active pursuit of a Lark, on which it had made
some unsuccessful pounces. They hollood loudly, with the
hope of scaring away the Hawk, but in vain ; their shouts
however had the effect of causing the Lark to fly towards them,

15

where it alighted on the ground, and crept into a tuft of grass
between their feet. The terrified bird suffered itself to be
taken with the hand, and is now when I write, still confined in
a Cage ; but the Kcstril did not retreat for a considerable
time afterward.

* WOODLARK. A. Arborea. Jenyns, p. 127. Bewick's
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 199. Most common in Winter, and chang-
ing its haunts according to the Season.

BUNTINGS.

SNOW BUNTING. Emberiza Nivalis. Jenyns, p. 129.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 172. This Species is inserted
in the List of Cornish Birds, on the authority of a para-
graph in a newspaper, several years since. It must be of
rare occurrence, but has been seen also in Devonshire, by
Dr. E. Moore, of Plymouth.

* BUNTING. E. Milliaria. Jenyns, p. 130. Bewick’s Br.
B., vol. 1, p. 165. Bull Lark. Common.

* REED BUNTING. E. Schceniclus. Jenyns, p. 130. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 108. Local.

* YELLOW BUNTING. E. Citrinella. Jenyns, p. 1 31.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 106. Yellow Hammer. Glad-
dy. Common.

* GIRL. E. Cirlits. Jenyns, p. 131. Common. I am un-
able to refer to Bewick’s figure, in the last Edition of his
“British Birds,” as, probably from the manner in which his
Specimen was set up, it conveys no proper idea of the figure
of this Species.

* WHEATEAR. Saxicola JEnanthe. Jenyns, p. 119. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 238. White Ear. Nacker. A
common Summer visitor, arriving about the 'middle of
March. They cross the Channel early in the morning, few
arriving after nine o’clock ; and it is not uncommon for
them to alight on the Fishing Boats when the weather is
misty. I have never observed that the sexes arrive sepa-
rately, as is commonly reported. A few have been known
to remain with us through the winter ; the colour being
then much more brown than in Summer.

WHIN CHAT. S. llubetra. Jenyns, p. 120. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 240. Rare, not more than two or three
Specimens having been recorded as Cornish.

STONE CHAT. A. llubicula. Jenyns, p. 121. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 242. Stone Chatter. Common, and ap-
proaching gardens in the Winter. The nest is hidden with
great art. It has been known to cross the channel to us.

TITMICE.

GREAT TITMOUSE. Pams Major. Jenyns, p. 121.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p, 246. Common.

16

* BLUE TITMOUSE. P. Caruleus. Jenyns, p. 122. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 248. Heckamall, a name common
to all the Genus in the West of England. Common, but
more wandering in its habits than the Great Titmouse.

MARSH TITMOUSE. P. Palustris. Jenyns, p. 123.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p, 253. Scarce.

* COLE TITMOUSE. P.Ater. Jenyns, p. 123. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 248. Local.

* LONGTAILED TIT. P. Caudatus. Jenyns, p. 124.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 250. Common.

* BEARDED TITMOUSE. Calamopkilus liiarmicus. Jen-
yns, p. 125. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 254.

WAXWING. Bombycilla Garrnla. Jenyns, p. 125. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 115. One was shot at Restormel
in January, 1829.

FINCHES.

* CHAFFINCH. Fringilla Calebs. Jenyns, p. r 133. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 180. Copperfinch. Common.

* MOUNTAIN FINCH. F. Montifringilla, Jenyns, p.
134. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 182, Rare, and in winter
only.

* HOUSE SPARROW, F. Domestica. Jenyns, p. 134.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 176. Common. White Spar-
rows are not uncommon.

* GROSBEAK. F. Coccothraustes. Jenyns, p. 136. Be-
wick's Br. B., vol. 1, p. 158. Rare. A Male Specimen
was killed near Looe, Nov. 4, 1828, and another escaped.
Others had been seen.

* GREENFINCH. F. Chloris. Jenyns, p. 136. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 161. Common.

* GOLDFINCH. F. Carduelis. Jenyns, p. 137. Bewick’s

Br. B., vol. 1, p. 184. Common.

* SISKIN. F. Spinus. Jenyns, p. 137. Bewick’s Br. B.,
vol. 1, p. 186. Rare. A young Specimen of the year was
brought alive to me, October 31, 1835.

* LINNET. F. Cannabina. Jenyns, p. 139. Bewick’s Br.
B., vol. 1, p. 180, and Sup. p. 22. Naturalists seem inclin-
ed to consider the Linnet and Greater Redpole as one Spe-
cies ; I have therefore brought them together ; but it is ad-
mitted that the Lesser Redpole, F. Linaria, Jenyns, p.
188, is distinct : though whether the latter be found in
Cornwall is uncertain.

* BULLFINCH. Pyrrhula Vulgaris. Jenyns, p. 140. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. J, p. 162. Hoop and Golden Hoop.
Common, but especially in the early part of spring, when
it visits gardens to devour the buds of gooseberry bushes ;
w ith which it (ills its crop to distension.

17

CROSSBILL. Loxia Curvirostra. Jenyns, p. 141. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 154. An irregular visitant in small
companies. It has been known to alight on a fishing Boat
at a few leagues from our Shores.

* STARLING. Stumus Vulgaris. Jenyns, p. 143. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 119. This Bird visits Cornwall in
large flocks, in Autumn and Winter ; but none of them re-
main to breed, except perhaps a few, as I have been in-
formed, in the Cliff’s on the North East of the County.
They even depart much earlier than the migratory Birds
that go to the North parts of Europe.

THE CROW KIND.

* CORNISH CHOUGH. Fregilus Graculus. Jenyns, p.
144. Bewick’s Br. B„ vol. 1, p. 106. Not abundant, a cir-
cumstance chiefly owing to the persecution it suffers from
the sportsman, and those who supply Naturalists with Spe-
cimens.

* RAVEN. Corms Corax. Jenyns, p. 145. Bewick’s Br.
B.,vol. 1, p. 101. Common. It builds in steep cliff’s more
frequently than in trees.

* CROW. C. Corone. Jenyns, 145. Carrion Crow and
Town Crow. Common. It is destructive to young poul-
try, exhibiting considerable daring in its attacks on them.
It also plunders the nests of Gnlls and other large Sea
Birds, piercing the eggs and carrying them off on its bill.

* HOODED CROW. C. Cornix. Jenyns, p. 146. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 103. Scarce and in Winter only.

* ROOK. C. Frugilegus. Jenyns, p. 146. Bewick’s Br. B.,
vol. 1, p. 105. Common in Rookeries. I have seen two
young birds taken from the same nest, one of them much
mottled with White, and the other having the White por-
tions so regularly arranged, in broad stripes across the
wings and on the body, both sides corresponding in the
distribution of tbe markings, that it might have easily passed
for some other Species.

* JACK DAW- C. Monedula. Jenyns, p. 147. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 107. Chow, Chauf. Common, but variable
in its attachment to situation. Beside Church Towers, a
favourite resort is in steep and craggy Cliffs.

* MAGPIE. C. Pica. Jenyns, p. 147. Bewick’s Br. B.,
vol. 1, p. 110. Maggot. Maggotty pie, a name used by
Shakspear, and of which Magpie seems an abbreviation.
Common.

* JAY. Garrulus Glandarias. Jenyns, p. 148. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 113. Common in woods.

NUT CRACKER. Nucifraga Caryocatactes. Jenyns, p. 146.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 112. Montagu reports it to have
been shot in Cornwall.

18

WOODPECKERS.

* GREEN WOODPECKER. Picus Viridis. Jenyns, p.
149. Bewick s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 141. Common in
Woods.

* GREATER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. P. Major.
Jenyns, p. 150. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 143. Rare.

* LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. P. Minor.
Jenyns, p. 151. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, last Edition. I
Lave only seen one Specimen that was shot in Cornwall, in
the neighbourhood of Liskeard.

* WRYNECK. Yunx Torquilla, Jenyns, p. 152. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. l,p. 13(5. Not common, more perhaps from its
retired habits than absolute scarcity.

* CREEPER. Ccrtliia familiaris. Jenyns, p. 152. Bewick’s

Br, B., vol. 1, p. 149. Not uncommon.

* WREN. Troglodytes Europams. Jenyns, p. 153. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 237. Common. Although this little bird
braves the severest Winters, in very cold weather it seems
to require more than usual warmth, which is sought in
ricks of hay, or the recesses of moss, where they huddle to-
gether in troops. A specimen has been seen with a white
ring round the neck.

* HOOPOE. Upupa Epops. Jenyns, p. 153. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 147. So many Specimens have been met
with, as to justify me in saying that it is not uncommon in
Cornwall. The periods of their visit are about the vernal
and autumnal Equinox, as if performing a regular migration ;
and for several years I have noted the occurrence of one or
more Specimens within a very limited distance of the same
spot, an elevated and retired farm near the Sea. Two
were shot at one time, after they had seemed to have
paired; and in the Autumn of 1836, one remained near the
farm yard for about a week, being by no means shy. It
seemed to be in moult, having but one or two feathers in
the Crest.

NUTHATCH. Silta Evropoea. Jenyns, p. 154. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 145. Loeal ; but not uncommon in some
situations ; as near Liskeard, and at Boconnock.

* CUCKOW. Cuctihis Canorvs. Jenyns, p. 154. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 131. Common in its season. The Cuc-
kow is never seen crossing the Ocean to us, but as it is
probable that its call is heard immediately on its arrival,
tho following dates may serve for comparison with other
parts of the kingdom ; lirst heard, April 19, 1830 — 2lst,
1816— 22r:d, 1826— 23rd, 1824, 1832— 24th, 1825— 25th,
1833, 1836— 27th, 1835— 29th, 1823— 30tli, 1810, 1828,
1831— May 2nd, 1813, 1822, 1837— 9th, 1821— 11th, 1812,
1815. About the middle of June the voice undergoes a

19

change and reduplication ; after which it soon ceases alto-
gether, although Specimens are seen, in small companies,
to the beginning of July ; when the old Birds disappear
altogether, at nearly the same day. A Bird of the year
was shot August 29, 1837.

CAROLINA CUCKOW. Coccyzus Americanus. Jenyns,
p. 155. Eyton’s rarer Birds, p. 23. One is recorded as
having been found in Cornwall.

ROLLER. Coracias Garrula. Jenyns, p. 156. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 117. Pennant mentions one shot in Corn-
wall, and another was killed near Falmouth, Oct. 4, 1822.

BEE EATER. Merops Apiaster. Jenyns, p. 156. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, last Edition. Drew (Hist, of Cornwall,
2 vois. 4to.,) records the occurrence oi four Specimens in
the parish of Madern, in 1807 ; and from G. S. Borlase,
Esq., of Helslon, whose decease I lament to see announced
whilst writing this, I have been informed that a flock of
twelve came near that Town in 1828 ; of which eleven
Were shot.

* KINGFISHER. Alcedo Ispida. Jenyns, p. 157. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 34. Common.

SWALLOWS.

* SWALLOW. Hirundo Rustica. Jenyns, p. 157. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 259. Abundant in Summer. The
following are the first dates of its being seen : the earliest
April the 4th, the greatest number of appearances, in the
second and third weeks of that month, and the latest. May
5th. The disappearance, first in September 24, 1816, the
greatest number in October, and the latest November 1st,
1805. It often builds in Caves on the Sea Shore.

* MARTIN. II. Urbica. Jenyns, p. 158. Bewick’s Br. B.,
vol. 1, p. 264. Abundant in Summer, but many that leave
Us in Autumn, never return in Spring. It sometimes forms
its nest in Caverns on the Sea Shore; but although in these
circumstances both it and the Swallow fly boldly into the
Cavern, the Nests are well concealed in crevices. The
first appearances, from April 6th, to May 5th, embracing
as in the instauce of the Swallow', a period of 25 years : the
Period of disappearance, from September 28th, to December
7th. The dates given for the arrival of these Birds, noted
only the first that are seen in each year; but they continue
to cross the Channel in small parlies through nearly all the
month of May, and it often happens that some are seen for
a few days, and then no more for a week or two, without
the occurrence of any weather that can be supposed to
have caused them to hide themselves. The circumstance
therefore is explained by the supposition that they are not

20

our resident Birds, and have passed on to their moreNorthern
haunts: an opinion which will also account for the fact, that
a few will sometimes make their appearance long after all
onr resident Birds seem to havo left us ; and I have myself
witnessed the arrival in a state of exhaustion and fatigue,
from the broad expanse of the Ocean, and late in the Au-
tumn, of small flocks of Martins, that seem to have had their
passage interrupted by boisterous opposing winds. The
latest date given for the disappearance of these Birds, refers
to the year 1835, and belongs to a considerable flock of our
own Birds ; which sometimes disappeared for a few days
and then appeared again, still continuing a recognition of
their former residence. Towards the end of their stay, the
weather being cold, they passed the night in holes of a wall
originally formed for scaffolding.

BANK MARTEN. II. Riparia. Jenyns, p. 158. Be-
wick s Hr. B., vol. 1, p. 263. In Summer, local ; there
being but a few places in the County fitted for their resi-
dence.

* SWIFT. Cypselus Apus. Jenyns, p. 159. Bewick’s Br.
B., vol. 1, p. 266. Common in Summer. First appearance
from May 1st, to the 2lst, the whole colony appearing to-
gether, contrary to the custom of the oilier Hirandines.
Latest seen from July 28th, to August 16 th. Their num-
bers sulfer no increase, in a considerable number of years ;
and indeed all the Swallow tribe appear to sulfer a diminu-
tion of numbers when absent from ns.

ALPINE SWIFT. C. A Ip mils. Jenyns, p. 158. Eyton’s
Rarer Birds, p.17. Tn two instances I have been informed
of the appearance of this rare Bird, on evidence that seems
probable.

* GOAT SUCKER. Caprimulgus Europanis. Jenyns, p.
160. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 261. Night Crow. Com-
mon in woody places, in Summer. Its period of migration
is not well known, but it had arrived, April 28th, 1830, and
one was shot, as if in departure, November 27lb, 1821.

PIGEONS.

Be-

* RINGDOVE. Columba Palumbus. Jenyns, p. 161.
wick’s Br. B.,vol. 1, p. 275. Common.

STOCKDOVE. C. (Enas. Jenyns, p. 161. Eyton’s Rarer
Birds, p. 27. Not common.

ROCK DOVE. C. Livia. Jenyns, p. 162. Common in
rocky Caverns on the Coast, but scarcely abundant

* TURTLE DOVE. C. Turlur. Jenyns, p. 162. Bewick’s
I>] . 13., vol. l, p, 277. Not uncommon ; but being shy, it is
not often seen.

21

POULTRY.

TURKEY. Meleagris Gallopavo. Jenyns, p. 1G4. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 1, p. 290.

* PEACOCK. Pavo Crisiatus. Jenyns, p. 164. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. I, p. 293.

DOMESTIC FOWL. Gallus Domesticus. Jenyns, p. 165.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 381.

* PHEASANT. Phasianus Colchicus. Jenyns, p. 166.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 286. In the Museum are spe-
cimens of the Mule Bird, the white and the ring necked
varieties.

GUINEA FOWL. Numida Meleagris. Jenyns, p. 168.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 296. Gallina.

GALLINACIOUS BIRDS.

BLACK GROUSE. Tetrao Tetrix. Jenyns, p. 169. Be-
wick's Br. B., vol. 1, p. 301. Rare.

* PARTRIDGE. Perdix Cinerea. Jenyns, p. 172. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 307. Common.

* QUAIL. P. Coturnix. Jenyns, p. 174. Bewick’s Br. B.,
vol. 1, p. 309. Scarce ; but seeming more so than it really
is, from the habit of lying close, on the appearance of dan-
ger. A few remain through the YV inter.

LITTLE BUSTARD. Otis Tctrax. Jenyns, p. 175. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 320. Two or three Specimens
have occurred in Cornwall ; one of which I have seen.

PLOVERS,

GREAT PLOVER. (Edicnemus Crepitans, Jenyns, p. 177.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 320. In addition to a Specimen
mentioned by Montagu, one was shot at Morval, near Looe,
December 31, 1830.

* GOLDEN PLOVER. Charadrius Plvvialis. Jenyns, p.
177. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. I, p. 326. It changes its quar-
ters from the high grounds in Summer, to the Coast in
Winter.

RINGED PLOVER. C. Hiaticula. Jenyns, p. 179. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 329. Common in solitary places
along the shores.

GREY PLOVER. Vanellus griscus. Jenyns, p. 181. Be-
wick’s Br. B, Sup. p. 49.

LAPWING. Vanellus Crisiatus. Jenyns, p. 182. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 322. It breeds on the high lands
in the middle of the County, and descends to the Coast in
Winter.

* TURNSTONE. Slrepsilus Interpret, Jenyns, p, 182. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 123. Not uncommon.

* SANDERLIN. Caiidris Armaria. Jenyns, p. 183. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 19. Scarce.

D

22

OYSTER CATCHER. Heematopus Ostralegus.
p. 184. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 23. Scarce.

Jenyns,

the heron tribe.

CRANE. Grits Cinerea. Jenyns, p. 185 Bewick’s Br. B.,

v °l. 2 , p. 43. One or two Specimens have been recognized
as Cornish. °

HERON. Ardea Cinureu. Jenyns, p. 186. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 2, p. 49. Common.

PURPLE HERON. A. Purpurea. Jenyns, p. 186. Bc-
wick s Br. B., vol. 2 . Bast Edition. One Specimen only
is known as Cornish,

SQUACCO HERON. A. Ralloidcs. Jenyns, p. 189. Be-
wick a Br. B., vol. 2 . Last Edition. Two Specimens killed
near Penzance, and formerly supposed to be the E«ret,
prove to be of this Species.

EGRET. A. Garzetta. Jenyns, p. 187. One or two Spe-
mens are known. 1

’ LITTLE BITTERN. A, Minuta. Jenyns, p. 189, Be-
wick's Br. B , vol. 2 , Sup. p. 9 . Rare.

* COMMON BIT1 ERN, A. Stellaris. Jenyns, p. 190 .
Bewick’s Br. 13., vol. 2 , p. 58. Not uncommon in Winter.

COMMON NIGHT HERON. Ardea Nycticorax. Jenyns,
tt ^ ew '°k s Br. B„ vol. 2, p. 54. Rare.

BLACK STORK. Ciconia Nigra. Jenyns, p. 193. Ey ton’s
Rarer Birds, p. 33. One Specimen only is known to have
been killed in Cornwall, on the borders of the Tamar.
GLOSSY IBIS. Jhis Falcinellus. Jenyns, p. 194. Bewick’s
ui . B., \ol. 2 . Last Edition. Several Specimens have
occurred in Cornwall.

* CURLEW. Nvmenius Arqnata. Jenyns, p. 195. Bewick's
Br. B., vol. 2, p. 64. In Winter ; and a few remain to breed
in the high grounds.

* WHIMBREL. N. Phaopus. Jenyns, p. 195. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 2 , p. 66 . Half Curlew, and May Bird, from
arriving in small flocks in May ; at which season the fisher-
men see them crossing the Channel from France.

* REG SIIANK. Totanus Calidris. Jenyns, p. 196. Be-
wick’s Br. B , vol. 2, p. 05. In Winter, rare.

GREEN SANDPIPER. T. Ochropus. Jenyns, p. 197
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2. p. 102. Rare.

* COMMON SANDPIPER. T. Hypoleucos. Jenyns, p.
199. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2 , p. 106. Not uncommon.''
GREEN SHANK. T. Glottis. Jenyns, p. 200. Bewick’s
Br. b., vol. 2, p. 91. In Winter, rare.

AVOSE 1 . Rceurvirostra Avocetla. Jenyns, p. 201 . Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 149. This Bird has been seen near
Swan cool, and the Specimen in the Museum of the Royal
Institution at Truro, was shot near that place.

23

* BARTAILED GODWIT. Limosa Rufa. Jenyns, p.
202. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 85 and 86. Rare. lathe
beginning of May, 1836, numerous flocks, containing many
hundreds were seen by fishermen at about three leagues
from land, coming from the West and flying up the Channel,
as if pursuing a migration to the Eastward. One of them,
that from fatigue was taken and brought to me, had far
advanced in assuming its Summer plumage.

* WOODCOCK. Scolopax Rristicola. Jenyns, p. 204.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 69. Common in Winter, but
in a few instances known to have remained through the
Summer. The earliest immigrant 1 have known shot, was
on the 24th of Sept,, but their most usual period is about
the first ten days of October.

GREAT SNIPE. S. Major. .Jenyns, p. 205. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 2. Last Edition. Somewhat rare.

* COMMON SNIPE. S. Gallinago. Jenyns, p. 205. Be-
wick’s Br. B , vol. 2, p. 76. Common. It breeds in our
elevated Moors.

’JACK SNIPE. S. Gallinula. Jenyns, p. 206. Bewick’s
Br, B., vol. 2, p.80. Less common than the last, and never
remaining to breed.

’ RUFF. Tringa Pugnax. Jenyns, p. 207. Bewick’s Br.
B., vol. 2, p. 98. A Specimen of the Reeve was killed
near Truro, in March 1829, by Mr. Wright of Larnbessow,
and by him presented to the Museum ; but it does not re-
gularly visit Cornwall.

* PIGMY CURLEW. T. Subarqmta. Jenyns, p. 208.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, Sup. p 11. Several have been
killed at the Swanpool near Falmouth.

* DUNLIN. T. Variabilis. Jenyns, p. 209. Bewick’s Br-
B., vol. 2, p. 1 15, and 117. Purr. Rather scarce.

PURPLE SANDPIPER. T. Maritima. Jenyns, p. 211.
Not uncommon.

TEMMINCK’S STINT. T. Temminckii. Jenyns, p. 211-
Eyton’s rarer Birds, p. 44. Two Specimens in the posses-
sion of Mr. Clement Jackson, of East Looc, were killed at
the Swanpool, in the Autumn of 1822.

* LITTLE STINT. T. Minuta. Jenyns, p. 212. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 2, p. 120. Mr. Jackson informs me, “ I have
several times shot this Species at Swanpool singly, and once
paw a flock of Ten or Twelve there. I have also found it

* company with the Purr,”

KNOT. T. Camtus. Jenyns, p. 213. A few in Winter.

' GRAY PHALAROPE. Pludaroptis Lobatus. Jenyns,
P- 215. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 133. Sometimes abun-
dant on the Coast in Autumn, in stormy wheather.

24

RAILS.

* M A TER RAIL. P alius Aquaticus. Jenyns, p °17
. Bewick^B., vol. 2, p. 28. Rillcock. Not uncommon!

LAND RAIL. Crex Prat ends. Jenyns, p. 217 Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 1, p. 312. Crake.' In Summer, not
uncommon. I have known one shot, December the 24th,
after the occurrence of frost and snow ; but in another in-
stance of this Bird s remaining late iti the season it was as-
certained to have been caused by injury, that rendered it
incapable of distant flight.

* SPOTTED RAIL. C. Porzana. Jenyns, p. 128. Be-
wick's Br. B , vol. 2, p. 52. Scarce.

LITTLE GALLINULE. C. Pvzilla. Jenyns, p. 219.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 1, Sup. p l. Rare.

* COMMON GALLINULE. Gallinula Ckloropus. Jen-
yns, p. 220. Bewick's Br. B., vol. 2, p. 125. Water Hen.
Not uncommon.

* COOT. Fulica Atra. Jenyns, p. 221. Bewick’s Br. B.,
vol. 2, p. 129. I have seen it only in Winter: and its
change of quarters according to the season is made, like
that of most migratory birds, by night. It is capable of
alighting on a tree; which we should scarcely have ima-
gined, from the structure of its feet.

THE DUCK TRIBE.

WILD GOOSE. Anser Ferus. Jenyns, p. 222. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 2, p. 265. In Winter.

* BEAN GOOSE. A. Segetum. Jenyns, p. 223. Not
common,

* WHITE FRONTED GOOSE. A. Albifrons. Jenyns
p. 223. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, Sup. p. 33. In the Cold
Winter of 1829, they appeared in large flocks, keening
chiefly in fields of Turnips.

9 COMMON BERNICLE. A. Leucopds. Jenyns, p.224
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 277.

* BREN r GOOSE. A. Torquatus. Jenyns, p. 224. Be-
wick b Br. B., vol. 2, p. 280. Not common.

RED BREASTED GOOSE. A. Rvjicollis. Jenyns, p.

SPURYV INGED GOOSE. A. Gambensis. Jenyns, p. 22G,
Bewick's Br. B„ vol. 2. Last Edition. One Specimen
only is on record ; and that was mutilated when ascer-
tained.

SV\ AN GOOSE. Cygnus Guineensis. Jenyns, p. 226.
Bewick s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 256. It is domesticated by a
tew Gentlemen.

25

* WHISTLING SWAN. C. Ferus. Jenyns, p. 227. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 2. Last Edit. An irregular visitor, in
small flocks, in cold Winters.

The discovery of Bewick’s Swan, C. Bcwickii, Jenyns,
p. 228, and Transactions of the Linnean Society, vol. 16, — is
too recent to have permitted the making of a comparison with
the Cornish Specimens of the Whistling Swan ; but it is not
improbable that this newly ascertained Species may also be
found in Cornwall.

* TAME SWAN. C. Olor. Jenyns, p. 228. Bewick’s Br.
B., vol. 2, p. 252.

* CRAVAT GOOSE. C. Canadensis.

Bewick's Br. B., vol. 2, Sup. p. 32.

SHIELD DUCK. Tadoma Baillonii.

Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 307.

MUSCOVY DUCK. Cairina Moschata.

Domestic ; but is not much regarded,
larger than the common kind.

* SHOVELLER. Anas Clypeata. Jenyns,
wick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 311. Scarce.

GADWALL. A. Strepera. Jenyns, p. 230. Rare.

* PINTAIL. A. Acuta. Jenyns, p. 232. Bewick’s Br.

Jenyns, p. 227.

Jenyns, p. 229.

Jenyns, p. 230-
though so much

230. Be-

B., vol. 2, p. 324. Rare.

* WILD DUCK. A. Boschas. Jenyns, p. 233.
Br. B., vol. 2, p. 292. In Winter.

Bewick’s

Jenyns, p. 234. Bewick’s
It has been seen at the

GARGANY. A. Querquedula.

Br. B., vol. 2, p. 336. Scarce.

Swanpool in April.

* TEAL. A. Crecca. Jenyns, p. 235. Bewick’s Br. B.,
vol. 2, p. 338. In Winter.

* WIGEON. Mareca Penelope. Jenyns, p. 236. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 2, p. 317. Common in Winter.

* VELVET SCOTER. Oidemia Fusca. Jenyns, p. 239.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 287.

* Black SCOTER. Oidemia Nigra. Jenyns, p. 239.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 289. Common on the Coast in
Winter, and a Specimen was taken in Falmouth Harbour,
Aug. 2nd, 1824.

SURF DUCK. O. Perspicillata. Eyton’s Rarer Birds, p.
31. I quote this Species, supposing it to be the Bird
figured in London’s Magazine ot Nat. Hist., vol. 2, p. 101,
4 hy the Rev. Mr. Lakes.

POCHARD. Fuligula Ferina. Jenyns, p. 241. Bewick s
Br. B. vol. 2, p. 321. Rare.

SCAUP. F. Marita. Jenyns, p. 243. Bewick’s Br. B.,
vol. 2, p. 305. Scarce.

* TUFTED DUCK. F. Cristata. Jenyns, p. 244. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 334. Scarce.

26

GOLDEN EYE. Clangula Chrysophthalmos. Jenyns, p
245. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 320. Scarce.

GOOSANDERS.

GOOSANDER. Mergus Merganser. Jenyns, p. 248
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 231. Dundiver, the female.

* REDBREASTED GOOSANDER M. Serrator. Jen-
yns, p 240. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 238.

* SMEW. I\I. Albellus. Jenyns, p. 250. Bewick’s Br. B ,
vol. 2, p. 241.

■These three Species of Goosanders are seen only in the
severest Winters ; and with the Dundiver,— M. Castor, Lin.
which is the female of the M. Merganser, were taken in
Cornwall in the Cold Winters of 1829—30, and 1837 8.

GREBES OR DOBCHICKS.

* CRESTED GREBE. Podiceps Cristatus. Jenyns, p. 25.
Bewick’s Br. B„ vol. 2, p. 137. Tippet Grebe. On the
Coast in Winter.

* REDNECKED GREBE. P. Rubricollis. Jenyns, p.
252. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 144. Scarce.

SCLAVONIAN GREBE. P.Cornutus Jenyns, p. 252. The
Eared Grebe of Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 141, Scarce.

* EARED GREBE. P. Aurilus. Jenyns, p. 253. Rare

* LITTLE GREBE. P. Minor. Jenyns, p. 254. Be-
wick s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 140. Dabchick. Not uncommon,
and sometimes in the Sea.

* 1 lie DUSKY GREBE. P . Obscnrus, — is also found in
Cornwall ; but it is still doubtful whether it, be a distinct
Species, or the young of the Sclavonian Grebe.

DIVERS.

* NORTHERN DIVER. Colymbus Glacialis. Jenyns, p.
255. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 170. Not uncommon iri
Winter ; but I have also seen it in its most brilliant Sum-
mer plumage.

* REDTHROATED DIVER. C. Septentrionalis. Jenyns,
p. 257. Bewick's Br. B., vol. 2, p. 176. Scarce. A Spe-
cimen of the young Bird, Bewick’s Speckled Diver, is in
the Museum.

* FOOLISH GUILLEMOT. Uria Troile. Jenvns, p.
258. Bewick's Br. B., vol. 2, p. 163. Common.

* BLACK GUILLEMOT. U. Grylle. Jenyns, p. 258.
Bewick's Br. B-, vol. 2, p. 167, in its Winter Clothing" in
which state it has been taken in Cornwall.

ROTCHE. Mergulus Alle. Jenyns, p. 259. Bewick’s Br.
B., vol. 2, p. 160. Little Auk. Rare.

* RAZOR BILL. Alca Torda. Jenyns, p. 260. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 2, p, 154, and Sap., p. 19. Common in
Summer.

27

* CORMORANT. Phalacrocorax Carbo.. Jenyns, p. 262.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 343. Common.

* SHAG. P. Cristatus. Jenyns, p. 262. Bewick’s Br. B.,
vol. 2, p. 351. Common.

* GANNET. Sula Bassema, Jenyns, p. 263. Bewick’s
Br. B., vo). 2, p. 353. This Bird is not known to breed in
Cornwall, but according to Dr. E. Moore, it frequents
Lundy Island for that purpose, in considerable numbers.
Specimens in various Stages of Plumage are seen with us
in all the months of the year, though the adult Birds arc
most abundant in Autumn and Winter ; at which time
their falling on Pilchards is an indication of the presence
of these Fish, and a guide to the Fishermen, in the direc-
tion they arc pursuing. The Gannet takes its prey in a
different manner from any other of our Aquatic Birds ;
for traversing the air in all directions with an heavy and
irregular flight, as soon as it discovers the Fish it rises to
such an height as experience shows best calculated to carry
it by a downward motion, to the required depth ; and then
partially closing its wings, it falls perpendicularly on the
prey, and rarely without success, the lime between the
plunge and emersion being about flftcen seconds. When
Pilchards arc collected into a narrow space, the number
and eagerness of the Gannets are such, that it is surprising
they do not fall on and kill each other. Their clamour
indeed, at such times proves them to be well on their
guard ; but it is also probable that every one in falling
lias its eye fixed on the fish it intends to seize ; and the
well poized wings direct it unerringly to its prey. The
form and setting on of the Gannel’s wings well fit it for
assuming the perpendicular attitude preparatory to its fall,
which is effected with case, rapidity and precision. They
are attached to the body about the centre of gravity, so
that the anterior parts drop as on a pivot; and thj* elbow
being about the middle of the distance between the shoulihwm
and wrist a slight inclination in an^Urectioa is sufficient N
to regulate the motion.

TERNS.

SANDWICH TERN. Sterna Cantiaca. Jenyns, p. 205.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 188. Rare. One was shot at
Looe in March.

BOSEATE TERN. S. BovgaUii. Jenyns, p. 265. Bewick’s
Br. B.j vo i ■ 2 1 Sup. p. 23. A lew Cornish Specimens are

recorded.

* COMMON TERN. S. Ilirundo. Jenyns, p. 266. Bewick’s
Br. B., voi. 2, p. 184. Miret; a name which from this
Species is extended indiscriminately to the whole genus.

28

It visits us in September in considerable numbers, and some-
times also in Spring.

LESSER TERN. S. Minula. Jenyns, p. 267 Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 2, p. 188. It visits us with the common Tern.
BLACK TERN. S. Nigra. Jenyns, p. 268. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 2, Sup. p. 21.

GULLS.

LITTLE GULL. Larus Minutus. Jenyns, p. 27 1 . Ey ton’s
Rarer Birds, p. 61. Two or three Specimens have been
taken, all in the plumage of the first year.

* BLACK HEADED GULL. L. Ridibundus. Jenyns, p.
272. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 213. Common in Winter.

* KITTIWAKE. L. Tridacty/us. Jenyns, p. 274. Bewick’s
Br. B., vol. 2, p. 209. And the young Bird of the year,
Sup. p. 39, in which state it visits us in Autumn. They
do not breed with us.

* GREY GULL. L. Canus. Jenyns, p. 275. Bewick’s Br.
B., vol. 2, p. 200. Common.

* HERRING GULL. X. Argentatus. Jenyns, p. 276.
Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, Ad. p. 50. Common.

In the month of March, 1837, I had an opportunity of
examining a couple of Gulls killed by Mr. Clement Jackson,
of East Looe, and of comparing them with the Herring Gull,
shot at the same time ; and the comparison has convinced
both of us, that they arc distinct Species, though hitherto
confounded together. Their plumage agrees in all respects
with that of the Herring Gull, except that it seems to be
more glossy ; and therefore I will only mention those par-
ticulars in which they dill'er.

Herring Gall, weight, 2 lbs. 1 oz., length, X ft. 10 in., breadth, 4 ft. 3 in.

First new bird .... 3 .. 1 2 •• 2 5

Second new bird ... 2f 2 .. 2 5

In the former the bill, from the point to the angle of the
mouth, is 3 inches, while in the two latter, this part measures
respectively 3f and 8J. In the new Birds also the bill is far
stouter in proportion, and much paler ; and the legs a livid
flesh colour, the membrane of the feet being of the finest silky
texture to the feeling and sight, while in the Herring Gull
the colour of these parts is a palcish bull', and though a
smaller bird, more rough and coarse. From the Glaucous
Gull, which in size it resembles, this Bird is distinguished by
having the quill feathers marked with black and white, as in
the Herring Gull. The*e Birds seem equally common as the
Herring Gull; and if it should appear that they are now for
the first time recognized as a distinct Species, I propose to
designate the Species by the name of the discoverer, to whom
Cornish Ornithology is much indebted.

29

JACKSON’S GULL. L. Jacksonii. Nobis.

GLAUCOUS GULL. L. Glaucvs. Jenyns, p. 279. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 2, last Edition. Rare.

LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL. L. Fuscvs. Jenyns,
p. 277. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, Sup. p. 30 and 198.
GREAT BLACK BACKED GULL. L. Marims. Jenyns,
p, 278. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 194. Strip. Notun-
common.

* SKUA GULL, Lestris Cataractcs. Jenyns, p. 280. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 212. It is not uncommon in
Autumn, at a few leagues from land, but never approaches
the shore. I have obtained it from fishermen, who have
caught it alive, with a baited hook.

RICHARDSON’S SKUA. L. Richurdsonii. Jenyns, p.
282. Bewick’s Br. D., vol. 2, p. 115; and Ad. p. 6. In
Winter. It bears the name of Tom Horry, in common
with the last and next named Species.

ARCTIC JAGER. L. Parasiticus. Eyton’s Rarer Birds,
p. 55. One that I possessed, was taken with a baited hook.

Most of the larger Gulls are bold and ferocious Birds, prey-
ing not only on dead matter and insects and fishes, bat also on
the smaller Birds. The Herring Gull has been seen to pursue
and devour the Sky Lark, in the fields, and the Skua, in like
manner, to make a meal of the Stormy Petrel.

PETRELS.

* FULMAR. Procettaria glacialis. Jenyns, p. 284. Be-
wick’s Br. vol. 2, p. 329.

* CINEREOUS SHEARWATER. Procellaria Puffinus.
Jenyns, p. 284. Eyton’s Rarer Birds, p. 49. I have only
seen one Specimen, which was brought to me alive, having
seized a fisherman’s bait, in October, 1833.

MANK’S SHEARWATER. P. Anglorum. Jenyns, p.
285. Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 223. Skidden. Abundant
late in Autumn, watching for the fisherman’s baits, whieh
they seize with eagerness.

GREY PETREL. P. Cincrea. Br. Mus. This is inserted
on the authority of a Fishermen, who gave me an account
of a bird that approached within a few feet of him, having
all the actions of a Petrel, and about the size of a Black-
bird, with a bluish grey back, and white below. 1 his
Species is a native of the Mediterranean.

’ STORMY PETREL. P. Pelagica. Jenyns, p. 285. Be-
wick’s Br. B., vol. 2, p. 226. Common, chiefly in misty
weather in Autumn ; when, in the dusk of the evening, our
fisherboys catch great numbers with their keep nets.

* I'ORKTAILD PETREL. P. Leachii. Jenyns, p. 286.

Bewick’s Br. B., vol. 2, last Edition. I have known the
taking of several Specimens, in stormy weather, late in the
year. E

30

Dr. Fleming supposes the Petrel of which a figure is given
by Dr. Borlase in his Natural History of Cornwall, to be the
P. Oceanica of Forster : chiefly on account of the great length
of its wings, exceeding those of the common Petrel. Flem-
ing’s Br. An. p. 136.

REPTILES.

CORIACIOUS TURTLE. Sphargis Coriacea. Jenyns, p.
290. Borlase is the only good authority for the taking of
this Species on the Cornish Coast ; but I have been in-
formed of the occurrence of another Specimen, which how-
ever was not secured.

LIZARD. Laccrta Agilis. Jenyns, p. 292. Borlase’s Nat.
Hist, of Cornwall, pi. 28, f, 35. Evet. Long Cripple.
Common in dry uncultivated places.

* SLOW WORM. Angitis Fragilis. Jenyns, p. 294. Called
Long Cripple, through mistake, by Borlase, Nat. H. Corn-
wall, pi. 28, f. 34. Ray’s Syn. Quad., p. 289. The skin is
too slight to be cast off in a continuous whole, as in the
Snake.

* SNAKE. Natrix Torquata. Jenyns, p. 296. Ray’s Syn.
Quad., p. 334. It has been found six feet in length. Com-
mon.

* VIPER. Vipera Communis. Jenyns, p. 297. Ray’s Syn.
Quad., p. 285. Borlase’s Nat. H. Cornwall, pi. 28, f. 33.

* RED VIPER. Coluber Chersea, Lin. Whether this be a
distinct Species is still disputed; but I have no doubt of its
being the tail-pointed Slow Worm of Borlase; Nat. H. of
Cornwall, p. 28. Rare.

WARTY EFT. Triton Palustris. Jenyns, p. 303. Local.

WATER EFT. T. Puuctatus. Jenyns, p. 304. Common.

FROG. Rana Temporaria. Jonyns, p. 300. Ray’s Syn. Quad.,
p. 247. Wilkie. Common. On the 28th of March, a
very cold season, several Tadpoles were seen in active exer-
cise, in a pool so firmly frozen over as to sustain no slight
weight. In other years I have seen them in the middle of
January.

TOAD. Rufo Vulgaris. Jenyns, p. 301. Ray’s Syn. Quad,
p. 252. Common.

EDIBLE FROG. Rana Esculenta. Fleming’s Br. An., p.
159. Jenyns, p. 301. I feel some hesitation in inserting
this Species, which has not been well defined as an inhabi-
tant of Britain A Specimen that I saw in the neighbour-

31

hood of the Village of St. Neot, was at the time referred
by me to this Species as described by Dr. Fleming ; but I
have not been able to prosecute the enquiry.

FISHES.

Cabrilla. Jenyns, p.

Comber. Common,
and used for bait. It

THE PERCH KIND.

PERCH. Pei •ca Fluviatilis. Jenyns, p. 330. Yarrell’s Br.
Fishes, vol. 1, p. 1. Not a Native of Cornwall ; but it has
been introduced, particularly by R. Lakes, Esq. of St.
Austle, and thrives well. It is easily transferred from
one pond to another, and would well repay the labour.

fi ASS. P. Labrax. Jenyns, p. 331, Yarrell’s Br. F., vol,
1, p. 6. The Lupus of the Roman Poets. Common, in
harbours and sandy bays.

smooth serranus. Sen ■anus

332. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 8.
near rocks, at a few miles from land,
spawns in Summer.

DUSKY SERRANUS. S. Gigas. Jenyns, p. 333. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 15. Loudon’s Mag. Nat. Hist. vol.
5, p. 21. Only one Specimen is yet recorded as British.

STONE BASS. S. Couckii. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p.
12. Polyprion Gentium, Cuvier and Valenciennes,’ Hist,
des Poissons, vol. 2. The description of this fish was
omitted in Mr. Yarrell’s work, as above quoted, through
accident; and its publication here is unnessary, since little
doubt is felt either by that Gentleman or myself, that it is
the Polyprion Cernium of Cuvier. The doubt here inti-
mated arises from the great bulk assigned to the Species by
the French Naturalist, and because of some difference ia
the colours. We know however, that a variation in water
and light will greatly influence the tints of colonr, and there-
fore the only real difficulty arises from the enormous size of
an hundred pounds, ascribed to it by Cuvier, while a weight
ot twenty is regarded as extraord inary in the Cornish Fish.

>J QUlRi{,EL FISH. Hmmulon Formosum. Cuv. Poiss. vol.
5, p. 230, — who refers to Perea Formosa, Lin. Bnraco da
V elha. Ray’s Syn. Pise. p. 134. One Specimen has been
Inken at Looe. It is a native of the West Indies.

WIEVER. Trachinas Draco. Jenyns, p. 335, Yarreli’s
Dr- F vol. 1 ; p. 20. Sting Bull. Not uncommon towards
me end of Summer.

32

SURMULLET. Mullus Surmuletus. Jenyns, p. 337. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol 1, p. 27. In Summer it abounds near tbe
shore, but goes into deeper water in Winter, and is then
only taken in Trawls.

RED SURMULLET. M. Barbatus. Jenyns, p. 338. Yar-
r ell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 32. Some doubt still exists, as to
the identity of the Cornish Specimens, compared with the
genuine Species.

GURNARDS.

RED GURNARD. Trigla Cuculus. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol.
1, p. 34. T. Pini, Jenyns, p. 338. Red Ellick, Soldier.
When in fine condition, it is sometimes spotted with gold.
Common.

TUBFISH. T. Hirundo. Jenyns, p. 340, Yarrell’s Br.
F., vol. 1, p. 41. Common.

PIPER. T. Lyra. Jenyns, p. 341. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol.
1, p. 44. Common.

GREY GURNARD. T. Gumardus. Jenyns, p. 342. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 48. Common.

STREAKED GURNARD. T. Lincala. Jenyns, p. 339.

Yarrcll's Br. F., vol. 1, p. 46. Not uncommon in Summer.
CUVIER’S GURNARD. Hist, des Poissons, Cuv. and
Val., vol. 4, p. 67, and Loudon’s Mag. Nat. Hist., vol. 9,
p. 463. Rare. This seems to be distinct from Bloch’s
Gurnard of Mr. Yarrell, unless there be some mistake in
tbe account of the latter, as given by Montagu and Jenyns.

Beside tbe above, two Species claim to be mentioned, as
probably occurring on our Coasts, but hitherto overlooked
through the inattention of observers. The first, the high fin-
ned Trigla, T. Lucerna, Lin. has been observed on the Coast
of Devon by Dr. Parnell (Jardino’s Mag. of Zoology, vol. 1,)
and is perhaps not uncommonly taken in Trawls. The second
Species, which may not improperly bo claimed as Cornish,
having been caught near tbe Eddystone, is the Maile Gur-
nard, T. Cataphracta, Lin. Peristcdion Maiarmat, of Lace-
pede and Cuvier; the only British Specimen of which I had an
opportunity of examining, through the kindness of Dr. Edw.
Moore, of Plymouth ; who has given an account of it in Lou-
don’s Mag. of Nat. II., for 1837, p. 19.

Ray observes that the word Gurnard, which may be re-
garded as the English Generic Term, is derived “a grunnitu”
from tbe sounds which the Species are found to utter when
newly caught, and from which the Piper more especially lakes
its name. But in this etymology I have no doubt that this
eminent Naturalist was mistaken. Pengurn is the ancient
Cornu-British name, which signifies Hardhead ; and its Eng-
lish equivalent is now often given to the Grey Gurnard. From
this Cornish word Guru therefore 1 derive the name, as des-
criptive of the head of these fishes.

33

The Streaked Gurnard was called by the older Naturalists
Mullus Imborbis ; and no small reproach has been poured
upon them on account of a name that is supposed to bear
very little reference to the nature of the fish rcfercd to. But
those laborious, and usually accurate observers may be more
easily excused than a Naturalist of the closet might suppose.
The Streaked Gurnard and Surmullet frequent the same
haunts — feed on the same food — are taken in the same almost
peculiar sort of Net, during the same limited season of the
year; and when first drawn front the Sea the distinction
between them is not very obvious, the longitudinal yellow
lines of the Surmullet being concealed in the general bright
and glowing colours, that fade as the creature dies ; and the
barbs at the mouth lie concealed in a depression fitted to
receive them : — we need not wonder therefore, taking also
into consideration their general similarity of form, that one of
these fishes was termed the Bearded, and the other the
Unbearded Mullet. The Streaked Gurnard approaches to
the nature of a foreign Speeies (T. Volitans) in its habit of
making considerable springs out of the water. The generality
of these Fishes spawn in Winter or early in the Spring; but I
have known this function delayed until near Midsummer, and
believe that sometimes they breed at both seasons, though not
perhaps the same individual Fishes.

BULLHEAD. Cottus Golm >. Jenyns, p. 343. Yarrell’s
Br. F., vol. 1, p. 56. Miller’s Thumb. In brooks, com-
mon.

SEA SCORPION. C. Scorpius. Jenyns, p. 344. Yarrell’s
Br. F., vol. 1, p. 60. Slingfisk. Common, chiefly in har-
bours.

STINGFISH. C. liubalis. Jenyns, p. 345. Yarrell’s Br.
F., vol. V, p. 63. Common, but not usually distinguished
from the last Species. It goes, however, into deeper water,
and is more apt to vary in colour, being sometimes found of
a bright scarlet.

UOGGE. Aspidophnrus Catapliractus. Jenyns, p. 346.
Yarn ll’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 70. Black Stingfish. Not un-
common.

STICKLEBACKS.

three spined stickleback, Gasterosteus A cu-

featus. Jenyns, p. 348. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. I, p. 76.
Not uncommon, though not in abundance. It ascends our
rivers in May.

HALF ARMED STICKLEBACK. G. Semiarmatus. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 80.

SMOOTH TAILED STICKLEBACK. G. Leiount ..
Yarrell’s Iir, F., vol. 1, p. 81.

34

Mr. Jenyns doubts whether these three Species should be
considered as distinct; but having kept the first and third
alive in glass vessels, and finding them to manifest very dif-
ferent habits, I have no hesitation in believing Mr. Yarrcll to
be correct in his opinion of their being specifically different.
FIFTEEN SPINED STICKLEBACK. G. Spinachia .

Jenyns, p. 352. YarrelFs Br. F., vol. 1, p. 87. Common.
MAIGRE. Sciama Aquila . Jenyns, p. 352. Yarrell’s Br.
F., vol. 1, p. 90. Having had an opportunity of inspecting
a Specimen of this Fish in company with my friend Mr.
Yarrell, I am able to refer with confidence to two indivi-
duals that were taken in Cornwall. The colours of the
latter were far more splendid than those of the former, and
it is to be remembered that the serrations of the gillcovers,
as represented in Mr. Yarrell’s figure, disappear with age.

SEA BREAMS.

BECKER. Squints Pagrvs. Jenyns, p. 354. Yarrcll's Br.

F., vol. 1, p. 102. Common in Summer and Autumn.
SPANISH BREAM. N. Erythrinus. Jenyns, p. 355. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 104. In Summer, not common. I
have also known it taken at Christmas.

BREAM. S. Cenlrodontus. Jenyns, p. 356. Yarrell’s Br.
F., vol. 1, p. 107. The young Fish of the year, being
without the lateral spot, is termed a Chad. Abundant, but
most so in Summer. I have known it with developed Roe
at opposite seasons of the year.

OLD WIFE. Cantharus Griseus. Jenyns, p. 358. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 114. Common in Summer and
Autumn ; I have also seen it in Spring, but in a meagre
condition.

RAY’S BREAM. Brama Raii. Jenyns, p. 359. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 117. I have considered the kindred
Fish referred to in the transactions of the Linnean Society,
vol. 14, p. 78, as a different Species; but the sketch of
its figure, having been presented to Mr. Bewick, the cele-
brated engraver, cannot now be referred to.

THE MACKAREL TRIBE.

MACKA11EL. Scomber Scombrus. Jenyns, p. 300. Yar-
rell's Br. F., vol. I, p. 121. This Fish can scarcely be said
to disappear from the Cornish Coast through the year ; but
according to the observations which I have made for a few
years, the males precede the females in their migrations in
Spring: thus in 1834, March 24, out of 8 taken indiscrimi-
nately, 7 were males ; on the 28th, of 8, 6 were males ;
April 1st, of 4, 3 were males. In 1835, March 25, from a
capture of 7,000, 17 out of 20 were males. In 1836, April

35

13, of 6 all were males. The season of spawning is towards
the end of June ; at which time drawing somewhat off the
Land, the Schnlls are dispersed, and the general season of
Sean Fishing ends.

SPANISH MACKAREL. S. Colias. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 1, p. 131. Scarcely common.

TUNNY. S. Thymus. Jenyns, p. 362. Yar roll's Br. F.,
vol. 1, p. 134. Not often taken.

BONITO. S. Pelamys. Jenyns, p. 363. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 1, p. 140. Not often taken.

BELTED BONITO. Pelamys Sarda. Cuv. and Val. Pois-
sons, vol. S. I have never seen this Fish caught ; but it
has been described to me in a manner that leaves no doubt
of its occasional occurrence on our Coasts.

SWORDFISH. Xiphias Gladius. Jenyns, p. 364. Cuv.
and Val. Pois., vol. 8. Not often seen.

PILOTFISH. Cenlronotus Ductor. Jenyns, p. 365. Yar-
r ell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 149. Rare.

SCAD. Caranx Trachnrvs. Jenyns, p. 366. Yarrell’s Br.
F., vol. l, p. 154. Common in Summer and Autumn ; but
in Spring it keeps in the deeper water.

DORY. Zeus Faber. Jenyns, p. 367. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 1, p. 162. Common.

BOARF1SH. Z. Aper. Jenyns, p. 368. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 1, p. 169. Only one Specimen has been taken in Corn-
wall, which was observed by Dr. Boase.

OPAH. Lampris Lima. Jenyns, p. 369. Yarrell’s Br. F.
vol. 1, p. 173. I have been informed of one Specimen taken
in Cornwall.

SCABBARD FISH. Lepidopus Anjyreus. Jenyns, p. 371.
Yarrcll’s Br. F., vol 1, p. 176. I have been informed of
one Specimen only, which was caught by a boat from
Mount’s Bay.

BLACK FISH. CorypJuena Pompilus Lin. Yarrclls Br.
F., vol. 1, p. 158. Borlase’s Nat. Hist, of Cornwall, pi.
26. Rare.

CEIL CONIN. Gymnetrus Uawkcnji. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 1, p. 188. Much uncertainty exists concerning this
fish, of which one Specimen was taken on shore at Newlyn
in 1791 ; and it is not easy to reconcile the account of it by
Blocb, with the researches of M. Valenciennes, Poissons,
vol. 10. In the original drawing from which Mr. Yarrell’s
figure is taken it is called “ Ceil Conin, or King of the Her-
rings;’’ which seems also to imply the confusion of two se-
parate Species in the mind of him who wrote it.

REDBAND FISH. Cepola Rubescens. Jenyns, p. 374.
Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 195, where however, the tail
is not represented as sufficiently distinct. Red Snake Fish.

30

Instead of being simply scarlet, I have seen it with the
dorsal fin remarkably wide, the margin purple, the base
yellow, and the middle red, the Specimen about 18 inches
long. The C. Taenia probably does not differ from this
Species. It is not uncommon.

GRE Y MULLET. Mugil Capilo. Jcnyns, p. 374. Yar-
rell’s I5r. F., vol. 1. p. 200. Common.

THICK LIPPED MULLET. M. G'lielo. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 1, p. 207. Common, sometimes in great numbers. The
pea of both these kinds of Mullets is shed in harbours, and
the mouths of rivers; and the young, which associate in
Shoals, are commonly at the margin of the tide, and often
in freshwater.

AT1IERINE. Atherina Presbyter. Jenyns, p. 377. Yar-
roll’s Br. F., vol. 1 , p. 377. Smelt : — a word fancifully in-
terpreted by Pennant, to signify a peculiar odour ; but de-
rived from the transparent appearance of two or three Spe-
cies bearing it, and signifying to melt ; in which sense it is
still employed in the liquefaction of metals from their ore.
No less than three kinds of British Fishes have been called
Smelt: — the immature. Salmon, another Species of the same
Genus (S. Eperlanus) and the Atherine; and the propriety
of carefully distinguishing between these and other Fishes,
that may chance to bear corresponding designations in dif-
ferent parts of the Kingdom, will appear from the fact, that
it was a recommendation of a Committee of the House of
Commons on the Salmon Fisheries, to inflict a penalty on
the possession of a Whiting at the prohibited season ; for-
getting that the latter name is far more commonly applied
to a Fish of the Cod than Salmon kind.

BLENNIES.

GATTORUGINE. Blennins Gattorugine. Jenyns, p. 379.
Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 227. Tompot. Common.

MONTAGU’S BLENNY. B. Montagui. Jenyns, p. 381.
Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 219. Not uncommon.

SHAHNY. B. Pholis. Jenyns, p. 382. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 1, p. 230. Common.

SPOTTED GUNNEL. B. Gunnellus. Jenyns, p. 383 .
Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 239. Buttcrfish. Nine Eyes.
,1 have no doubt that the word Gunnel, first applied to
this Fish by Ray, and supposed by him to be its Cornish
name, is a corruption of the word Gunwhale, from the
part of the boat which the form of the Fish was supposed
to resemble ; but I question whether it was any thing more
than a momentary invention of his informant, who probably
knew no name for the Species.

.37

GOBIES.

ROCK" GOBY. Gohiris Niger. Jenyns, p. 385. Yarre’Fs
Br. F., vol. 1, p. 251. Miller’s Thumb — Black Goby ; but
the latter name is inappropriate, since the colour is often
light grey, or brown, according to the colour of the ground
it occupies. I have taken a Shanny, two inches long, from
the stomach of a Rock Goby of about six inches.

TWO SPOTTED GOBY. G. Bipunctatus. Jenyns, p.

386. Yarrell's Br. F., vol. 1, p. 255.

SPOTTED GOBY. G. Minulus. Jenyns, p. 386. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol 1, p. 258. The two last Species are com-
monly confounded together ; but the last seems the most
abundant.

YELLOW SKULPIN. Callionymus Lyra. Jenyns, p.

388. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 261. Not uncommon.
DUSKY SKULPIN. C. Dracunculus. Jenyns, p. 389.
Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 266. Common.

The Gobies and Skulpins are excellent bait for the more
valuable Fishes, and form a portion of the attraction that
draws them to our Coasts.

ANGLER. Lophius Piscatorius. Jenyns, p. 389. Yarrell’s
Br. F., vol. 1, p. 269. The monk of our Fishermen. Com-
mon.

Denied by nature the power of actively pursuing its prey,
this curiously shaped fish is well fitted to discover and seize it,
when it comes within its reach. The olfactory nerves, which
terminate in two hollow tubes on its snout, are thin and feeble,
so that tlie sonse of smell can profit it but littlo ; and the eyes
a fc directed from rather than to, the presence of its prey ;
but the fishing apparatus on the head is erected on a compli-
cated muscular and bony structure, that is capable of guiding
*t in all directions ; whilst the nerves with which it is furnished,
derived from the origin of the spinal marrow, and passing for-
ward over the top of the head, distributing branches to the fin
like structure there, thus endowing them with ready sensibility,
e uable it to discern the presence of any little unsuspecting crea-
ture and to lead it forward to the gulf below. The roof of the
•Uouthis rendered sensitive by a distribution of nerves that have
Penetrated through the bone from the cavity of the skull, where
they communicate with the brain (very small for the size of
he Fish) by means of a large ganglion far in front oi it, but
■within the same cavity. Branches of the fifth pair of nerves
°f very large size, are supplied over the cheeks and jaws, but
the largest of all to the lower jaw; where the teeth are fur-
mshed with them in a manner to render their sensation exqui-
site. Woe betides the unsuspecting creature that touches any
P a rt of this well formed trap ; the presence of a stranger is

38

instantly perceived, and the closure of the entrance by the
long and moveable teeth is the work of an instant. ^Dull as
are the general sensations of this curious creature, the organi-
zation of its mouth and head are such as to warrant the belief
that the stories related of its stratagems in fishing are not
devoid of truth.

SMALL-WINGED ANGLER. L. Parvipinnis. Cuv.
Animal Kingdom. It is probable that I have seen a Speci-
men ; but both it and the next are introduced with doubt,
because in the one a minute description was not taken, and
in the other it is uncertain whether the Specimen was not
a mutilated example of the Common Angler.

LONG ANGLER. L. Borlasii. Borlase’s Hist, of Cornwall.

WRASSES.

COMMON WRASS. Labrus Maculatus. Jenyns, p. 390.
Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 275. L. Tinea of some authors.
Common.

This Fish, and generally most of the Genus, are subject to
a great variety of colour, according to the seasons, station, or
the influence of the passions, especially, as I have witnessed,
that of fear: on which account much confusion has formerly
crept iuto their History, as given by different writers, and
which is only now begun to be cleared up. Whether the
Green Streaked Wrass, of Jenyns, and Yarrell, is to be dis-
tinguished from this Species, I am unable to determine; but
1 have examined many Wrasses of a fine bright Green
colour, from deeper water than this Fish usually chooses for
its residence, without being able to discover any specific dif-
ference.

COOK. L. Variegatus. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. p. 281 . L.
Coquus. Ray’s Syn. Pise, and Pennant, vol. 3, p. 340. Com-
mon. It varies but little in its colours, except in their
intensity.

THREE SPOTTED WRASS. L. Trimaculalus. Jenyns,
p. 390. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 28(5. L. Carneus.
Bloch and Cuv. Common, and often termed the Cook by
Fishermen.

COMBER. L. Comber. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 289.
Pennant, vol. 3, p 342. Rare. It must not be confounded
with the Serranus Cabrilla, which bears the same name.
RAINBOW WRASS. Julis Mediterranca. Yarrell’s Br.
F, vol. 1 , p. 291. Rare.

CO UK WING. Crenilabrus Comubicus. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 1, p. 296. I have little doubt that the Gibbous Wrass
of Pennant and Mr. Yarrell, is a full grown Specimen of
the same Species ; both states being of freqeent occurrence,
and the spot at the termination of the lateral line near the

39

tail (the only distinction between them) though constant in
the smaller Specimens, is often wanting in the larger. The
quotation in Mr. Yarrell’s work, p. 297, from my M.S., is
misapplied to this Fish, and belongs to the proper Goldsinny
C. Tinea, Yarrell, p. 293.

GOLDSINNY. C. Tinea. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 293.
Connor. Common. There are sufficient marks of dis-
tinction between this Fish, and tho Species described and
figured by Mr. Selby, in Sir Win. Jardine’s Magazine of
Zoology, vol. 1, p. 167, and pi. 6. to cause mo to believe the
Goldsinny is not the Lutjanus Rupestris of Bloch, as that
Gentleman supposes.

ROCK COOK. This Species, not described by Mr. Yar-
rell, was first found in Cornwall; and named C. Micro-
stoma, in my M.S. a name adopted by Mr. Thompson who
has found it in Ireland. Sec Jardine’s Mag. Zool., vol. 2,
PI. 14. It is less common than the Goldsinny, and is
chiefly taken in Crab Pots.

SCALE-RAYED WRASS. C. Luscus. Yarrell’s Br. F„
vol. 1, p. 300. Rare.

The two following are introduced on doubtful authority :

TWO SPOTTED WRASS. Labrus Bimaculatus Lin. On
the authority of Pennant, who however did not see the
Specimen.

HOG WRASS. L. Suillus Lin. On the authority of Osbeck,
who may have confounded it with the Rock Cook ; if indeed
they be different.

TRUMPETFISH. Centriscus Scolopax. Jenyns, p. 400.
Yarrcll’s Br. F., vol. 1, p. 302. One Cornish Specimen
only is on record.

RACE. Cyprians Lends cus. Jenyns, p. 410. Yarrell’s Br.
F., vol. I, p. 353. I know of this fish from no other of our
Rivers beside the Tamar.

Minnow, c. Phoxinus. Jenyns, p. 415. Yarrell’s Br.
F-, vol. 1, p. 372. Common in many of our Rivers, but not
in all.

1 HE CARP. C. Carpio; and the Tench, C. Tinea , are not
natives of Cornwall, but are kept in ponds.

ROACH. Cobitis Barbatula. Jenyns, p. 416. Yarrcll’s
Br. p., vol. 1, p. 376. Common in some Rivers.

GARFISH. Belone Vulgaris. Jenyns, p. 418. Yarrell’s
Hr. F., vol. 1, p. 391. Long nose, and Gorefish. Common
at all seasons, but less abundant in Spring. It is voracious
and of very quick digestion ; feeding on every variety of
living being it is able to seize.

RITTLE GOREFISH. Trans, of Lin. Soe., vol. 14,

P- 85. Hemiramphus Europams, Loudon’s Mag. Nat. H.,
vol. 2, N. S.

40

SKIPPER. Scomberesox Saurus. Jenyns, p. 419. Yarrell's
Br. F., vol. 1, p. 394. Skopster, Haliou. Abundant in
Summer, but rarely appearing before June.

FLYING FISII. A few instances are on record, of a fish
of this Genus, Exocoetus, having been seen or taken in Corn-
wall ; and Mr. Yarrell, following Pennant, has referred
them to the Linnean Species, E. Volitans, though with an
expression of doubt. In one instance, however, I have
ascertained from inspection that the Specimen, which threw
itself on the Quay at Plymouth, was the Greater Flying-fish
E. Exiliens, or Le Muge Volant of Bloch, the common
Species of the Mediterranean ; and I have reason to believe
from its dimensions as given to me by its possessor, that
the individual which was found at Helford, where it was
discovered on the sand, having just then expired, was of
the same Species.

THE SALMON KIND.

SALMON. S. Salar. Jenyns, p. 421. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 2, p. 1. Common, but far less abundant than formerly,
perhaps in consequence of the extension of Mining; for it
is found to diminish in, or even to forsake, Rivers, into
which water pumped from Copper Mines, is discharged.
Punning through an hilly Country, in a course of no great
length, the Rivers of Cornwall are generally too shallow in
Summer, and too liable to fluctuation at all Seasons, to
admit of the regular ascent of Salmon at the time when they
are esteemed best in Season in other parts of the Island ;
they are therefore chiefly taken in Autumn and the begin-
ning of Winter. A smaller run of good fish takes place
also in February and March, consisting of such as have not
been disposed for spawning at the ordinary Season ; which
is in December and January. These latter fish can have
no intention to spawn at this time, for their roe shews little
marks of dcvelopement ; and it is equally clear that they do
not remain until the next Season, as many Naturalists have
asserted ; for in that case they could not have escaped
detection. In some Cornish Rivers it is unlawful to catch
these Fish, from an apprehension that under the pretence
of doing so, such as are heavy with spawn may be des-
troyed, to the great injury of the Fishery ; but to render
this reason effectual, it should be applied more extensively
than it is at present ; for there are, I believe, no more than
three Rivers which have deGuite times of Fishing appoint-
ed by Law.

41

Fence days appointed by the Justices in quarter Sessions, in Cornwall,
for the preservation of Salmon in the Rivers of that County.

River Fowey, from the 15th December, to the 1st May,
both inclusive.

River Camel, from the 23rd December, to the 15th Mav,
both inclusive.

River Tamar, from the 1st November, to the 27th April,
both inclusive.

Second Parliamentary Report on the Salmon Fisheries, 1825, p. 154.
RULL TROUT. S. Eriox. JeDyns, p. 423. Yarrell’s Br.
F., vol. 2, p. 31. Less common than the Salmon, and not
found in some Rivers. It may be questioned whether more
than one Species has not been confounded with this ; and
at least it is certain that various names have been employed
to designate it — as Pugtrout, Sea Trout, Bartholomew
Trout, and Sea Trull'.

PEAL. S. Trutta. Jenyns, p. 423. Yarrell’sBr. F., vol. 2,
p. 36. Salmon Peal. This is far more abundant than the
Salmon. It spawns in December or January, the females
being much more numerous than the males ; in so much
that in one instance that came under my own notice, to a
proportion of not less than twenty engaged in shedding their
roe, there was only one male. With regard to the latter
indeed, an error has existed, that it is a distinct Species, so
different are its markings and colour. The young Peal are
not easily distinguished from those of the Salmon : more
especially as they abound, and descend the Rivers together ;
hut in the Winter, and first months of Spring, at the com-
rnencement of their second year, when half grown, they are
known in the Rivers hy the name of the White Trout ; after
which they arc not distinguished from the adult fish.
ROUT. S. Fario. Jcnyus, p. 424. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol.

P- 51. The Shot. This fish, though abundant, does not
reach so large a size in Cornwall, as in the more central
a nd Northern parts of the Kingdom : and the instances
where it is recorded to have attained to the weight of two
Pounds, must be considered extraordinary. Dr. Borlase
a ;akes especial mention of the size and beauty of the Loe
J rout; which indeed in both these respects surpasses the
common race. But having been furnished, through the
■ndness of the late G. S. Borlase Esq., of llelston, with a
coloured Drawing and a couple of Specimens of this fish —
one of which has also been examined by Sir William Jar-
,ne a nd Mr. Yarrell, I have the authority of these com-
petent judges to pronounce, that it is not specifically different
r om the common sort. In the Spring it is not uncommon
° r l be Trout to go into salt water ; and ou its return to he
n° u ' ar ked on the sides as to bear considerable likeness to
lhc Samlet.

42

SAMLET. S. Salmulus. Jenyns, p. 426. YarrelFs Br.
F., vo I. 2, p. 42. Palmer Trout, and 1 believe, the Farthing
Trout of Carew. 1 have known it in the Rivers, in Summer
only ; but it is probable that it also ascends in Winter to
spawn.

THE HERRING TRIBE.

PILCHARD. Clvpea Pikliardus. Jenyns, p. 436. Yarrell's
Br. F., vol. 2, p. 5)6.

The natural and oeconomical History of this fish is given
at considerable length in the report of the Royal Cornwall
Polytechnic Society for 1835 ; and the following notes are
here collected that the subject may be rendered as perfect as
our present state of information will admit.

The earliest mention of the Pilchard that I have found in
any public document, is in the 35th Eliz. ch. 11 (misprinted
37th Eliz. in the report) where they are termed Pilchers; and
Gesner about the same date calls the fish a Pylcher or
Pylcharde, but makes it the same as the “ Herring.”

The small size of the Meshes of a Sean are renderod legal
for the taking of Herrings, Pilchards, Sprats and Lavidnian
(the latter name not being explained in any book to which I
have access, but which I have ventured to guess as signifying
the Anchovy) by the 3rd James 1st, cb. 12. (1605). By the
2nd (Vulgo 1st) of the same, ch. 23. for the better perserva-
tion of fishing in the Counties of Somerset, Devon and Corn-
wall, and for the relief of Balkers, Condors and Fishermen
against malicious suits, it is made legal for Balkers, lluors.
Condors, Directors or Guidors, in pursuance of their calling
to go upon high hills and grounds, without being guilty of
trespass. It also permits other persons “ to attend their
Seans or Nets for the drawing or carring off the said fish on
land or shore or as it is afterwards said, “ lauding the said
Fish.”

By the 13th and 14th Chas. 2nd, ch. 23, (1662) it is further
provided that idle suspicious persons assembling by night
about Boats, Nets, or Cellars, having no business and being
warned of and not departing, shall pay five shillings, and be
placed in the stocks for five hours.

The fence months during which Drift Nets may not bo em-
ployed within a league and half of the land, are, from the first
day of June to the last day of November, by the 13th and
14t.h Chas. 2nd, ch. 23.

The Act, 35th Eliz. ch. 11, already referred to, complaining
of the modern destruction of timber, orders that for every six
tons of Pichards or other Fish carried out of the Kingdom,
the same ship shall bring back either the old casks formerly
exported, new casks in their places, or 200 clapboards, each
3 feet 2 inches long, as staves for casks.

43

By 13 and 14 Chas. 2nd, cli. 23, if any person not an adven-
turer in the Fishery, shall make any Pilchards in Casks or
Funiathoes, to be sold or transported, except of the Adven-
turers, he shall forfeit the whole of their value. Also any
Owner or Partner embezzling the Fish, shall pay to the
others treble the valne, and be committed to the House of
Correction for the space of three months. Pilchards in any
state may not be imported into England by Foreigners, on
pain of forfeiture, by 18 Chas. 2nd, ch. 2, and 9 Geo. 2nd,
ch. 33.

Since the publication of the Report of 1835, I have satisfied
Uiyself that the Pilchard feeds eagerly on the Mackarcl Midge,
Motella Glauca; and that abundance ot Pilchards heavy wil.li
r oe, were on our Coasts in April, 1830, thus establishing the
fact of a vernal as well as autumnal spawning, though probably
not by the same individual Fishes. In the present year 1837,
the Fish were full of Melts and Roc, at the end of July, and
the first fortnight in August, chiefly perhaps through the late-
Uess and coldness of the spring; which delayed the spawning
°f several other kinds of Fishes,

HERRING, c. Ilarcngus. Jenyns, p. 434. Yarrell’s Br.
F., vol.2, p. 110.

A few scattered Herrings are taken in August and Septem-
ber ; and in October and November, they are sufficiently
abundant to be an object of interest to the Fisherman. No
extensive Fishery, however, is carried on along the Western
Coasts, and none of the Fish are prepared for exportation.

SPRAT. C. Spratlus. Jenyns, p. 435. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 2, p. 121. The young of the Herring and Pilchard arc
by Cornish Fishermen separately termed Herring and Pil-
chard Sprats ; but the difl'erencc of both the latter are
readily allowed when the real Sprat is laid before them.
This Fish does not appear until the end of the year; wlnjn
it is found in the stomachs of Fishes, and at tiroes is taken
in some abundance in Rivers within reach of the tide. That
they have not been more noticed, seems to have proceeded
from their small size, the season of their appearance, aud
the great abundance of other Fish.

T WAITE SHAD. C. Finla. Jenyns, p. 437. Yarrell’s
Br. F., vol. 2, p. 131. This is sparingly taken in Pilchard
°r Herring Drift Nets, towards the close of the year.
ALLIS SHAD. C. Alosa. Jenyns, p. 488, Yarrell’s Br.
P-j vol. 2, p. 137. Scadiua, Alose, and corruptly Alewile.
Coin in on but not abundant. It more frequently takes a bait
than others of this Genus.

ANCHOVY. Engraulis Encrasicliolm. Jenyns, p. 439.
Yarrell’s Br. F-, vol. 2, p. 140. This Fish abounds towards

44

the end of Summer; and if attention were paid to the Fish-
ery, enough might be caught to supply the consumption of
the British Islands. Bloch informs us that the fishery in
the Mediterranean is carried on from May to July, at which
period this Fish enters that Sea for the purpose of shedding
its spawn ; and that when this function is performed it
returns to the Atlantic. I have not found them on our
Coast until the Autumnal equinox ; and the Fishery would
be chiefly followed in October and November, when the
Fish are in fine condition ; but some are met with through
the Winter and until the month of March.

T11E CODFISH TRIBE.

CODFISH Gadus Morrhua. Jenyns, p. 440. Mr. Yarrell
supposes the Sharpnosed Codfish of the Western Coast to
he a variety of that of which he has given a figure ; Br. F.,
vol. 2, p. 151, but perhaps in this as in most other instances
it will be found, that though colour in Fishes is exceedingly
liable to variation, according to the ground and temperature,
yet a variety of form is proof of a difference of Species.
This Fish is abundant, large, in fine condition in its season,
on the Cornish Coast, chiefly from feeding on the smaller
kinds of Crabs, which are in great number ; hut out of sea-
son, as it is for nine months in the year, few Species offer
a greater contrast to their best perfection. The younger
Codfish is termed a Tamlin Cod, and is good food at all
times ; and it sometimes happens also, that the Fish which
has not been exausted by spawning, is found in excellent
condition at a time when others are thin and meagre, or as
fishermen denominate it, Louning.

HADDOCK. G. JEglrfinus. Jenyns, p. 441. Yarrell's
Br. F., vol. 2, p. 153. This Fish is variable in its habits,
sometimes abounding for a year or two, and then again

. becoming scarce. This seems to arise from its manner of
feeding, which is on Sea eggs (Echini,) the Crab kind, and
Ascidem, or as fishermen term them, W ater bags ; and when
these have become scarce, their haunts are again changed.

BIB. G. Lnscvs. Jenyns, p. 442. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2,
p. 157. Common.

POWER. G. Minulus. Jenyns, p. 444. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 2, p. 101. Common.

WHITING. Merlangtts Vulgaris. Jenyns, p. 445. Yar-
rell's Br. F., vol. 2, p. 167. Common. >

POLLACK. M. Pollachius. Jenyns, p. 446. Yarrell’s
Br. F.. vol. 2, p. 172. Common.

RAUNING POLLACK. M. Carbonarius. Jenyns, p. 446.
Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 169. Common.

GREEN COD. M. Virens. Jenyns, p. 447. Yarreli’s
Br. F., vol. 2, p. 175. I suppose this to be the Young of
the last Species.

45

HAKE. Merludus Vulgaris. Jenyns, p. 447. Yarr ell’s Br.
F., vol. 2, p. 177. This Fish is of great importance to the
poorer classes, being salted and dried for their winter’s
food. I have been informed of 40,000, that were landed in
Mount’s Bay in one day, and that 1100 wore taken in one
boat in two nights.

LING. Lota Molva. Jenyns, p. 448. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol.
2, p. 180. Common.

THREE BEARDED ROCKLING. Moldla Tridrrata.
Jenyns, p. 449. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 186. Com-
mon.

FIVE BEARDED ROCKLING. M. Mustela. Jenyns, p.

450. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 190. Common.
MACKAREL MIDGE. M. Glauca. Jenyns, p. 451. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 193. This little fish, which abounds
in summer, is of value for attracting within reach of the
fisherman, the wandering tribes of larger size and national
importance. On this account, with the Skulpins, Gobies,
Launces, Sprats, and others, too small or deficient in deli-
cacy, to be esteemed for the table, their importance to the
fisheries demands their adequate protection.

FORK BEARD. Pkyds Furcatus. Jenyns, p. 452. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 201. Not uncommon, but chiefly in
Winter. Hake’s Dame.

LESSER FORKBEARD. Raniccps Jago. Yarrell’s Br.
F., vol. 2, p. 204. Rare. It is the opinion of Naturalists,
that this Species and the Tadpole fish, R. Trifurcatus,
Jenyns, p. 451, are the same ; but comparing four spe-
cimens that have come into my possession, with a figure of
the latter, by Dr. Parnell in Jardine’s Magazine of Zoology,
vol. 1, the question does not appear to be decisively settled.

The family of Codfishes (Gadid®) deposit their spawn, from
file beginning of January to April, in moderately deep water,
*n the situations commonly resorted to by the parent fishes.
The prevalence of cold winds, however, will influence this
function in them as in other Genera ; and in the remarkably
late spring of 1837, the Hakes had not shed their roe until
after Midsummer. It would appear that it is not simply cold
Weather, that exerts this influence on the fishes of the ocean ;
Which are observed to bo even more affected by change of
Weather than animals of the land. But as winds botween
kouth and West accelerate the advance of the Gulf stream
°f warm water from the tropics, the Eastern w'inds retard it,
juid thus repress the vital energies of such Fishes as have
been accustomed to this usual excitement. All but our more
hardy Fishes retire into deep water under these circumstan-
ces ; and when again emerging they are observed to be ill-fed

G

40

awl in bad condition : circumstances not favourable to propa-
gation. Farther observation enables us to remark, that a

delayed propagation of ono Season is not necessarily followed

by a late spawning in the next.

FLAT FISHES.

PLAICE. Plalessa Vulgaris. Jenyns, p. 454. Yarrell’s
Br. F., vol. 2, p. 209. Common, but far less abundant than
formerly ; a remark which may be applied to all the Flat
Fishes, and to be accounted for by the destructive influence
of Trawl fishing.

FLOUNDER. P. Flesvs. Jenyns, p. 455. Yarrell’s Br.
F., vol. 2, p. 215. Fluke, a name derived from its form, as
Flounder is from its motion. Varieties, in which all the
organs are on the reversed side of the body, are not uncom-
mon in all the flat Fishes ; but more frecjuently in this
species than in the others. Sometimes also the under sur-
face is of the colour and texture of the upper, and in a few
instances the upper surface has resembled the lower.

DAB. P. Limanda. Jenyns, p, 456. Yarrell's Br. F., vol.
2, p. 219. Common.

SMEAR DAB. P. Microcephalus, Jenyns, p. 457. Yarrell’s
Br. F., vol. 2, p. 221. Not uncommon.

HOLIBUT. Eippoglossus Vulgaris. Jenyns, p. 460. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 230. Mr. Yarrell by mistake ex-
cludes this from the Cornish Catalogue ; it is however not
uncommon, and one that was weighed for my satisfaction,
amounted to 120 pounds, its length being six feet. As
food it is far below the other flat Fishes, and differs from
the rest in being very powerful when hooked, as well as very
voracious.

TURBOT. Ple&ronectes Maximus . Jenyns, p. 461. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 233. This Species, so well known
to the Epicure, sometimes ascends to the surface over deep
water, and remains several hours stemming the tide, with-
out advancing.

BRILL. P. Rhombus. Jenyns, p. 462. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 2, p. 240. Kite. Common.

TOPKNOT. P. llirtus. Jenyns, p. 463. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 2, p. 243. Not uncommon, and contrary to the habit
of its Congeners, keeping among rocks. It is probable that
the P. Punctatus is also a Cornish Species.

WHIFF. P. Mcgastoma. Jenyns, p. 464. Yarrell’s Br.
F., vol. 2, p. 251, where however the oeellated marks
round the coloured margin are omitted, although I never
saw a recent Specimen without them. Carter, and Mary
Sole. Common.

MEGRIM. P. Amoglossus. Jenyns, p. 465. Yarrell’s Br.
F., vol. 2, p. 254. Perhaps not so rare, as disregarded.

47

SOLE. Solea Vulgaris. Jenyns, p. 466. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
yoI. 2, p. 256. Common.

VARIEGATED SOLE. S. Lingula. Jenyns, p. 468.
Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 262. Scarcely common, but
constant in its residence.

This family of Fishes (Pleuronectidag) spawns in Spring, in
sandy ground or among stones.

SUCKING FISHES.

CORNISH SUCKER. Lepadogaster Cornubiensis. Jenyns,
p. 469. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 264. Common.
BIMACULATED SUCKER. L. Bimaculatus. Jenyns, p.
470. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 268. Less common than
the last Species.

LUMPFISH. Cyclopterm Lnmpus. Jenyns, p. 471. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 270. This Species is chiefly found
on our Coasts in Winter, when it comes into shallower
water to shed its spawn ; the young however, sometimes not
exceeding an inch in length, may occasionally ho found
through the Summer. The painted Lumpfish, C. Pavoni-
nus of Shaw (Jenyns, p. 471) is considered by Naturalists
as a variety of this ; but the only Specimen 1 ever examined
differed so remarkably, in having a short distinctly rayed
fin at the termination of the adipose dorsal ridge, that it
this mark were found in all the Specimens, I should not
hesitate to regard it ns a seperate Species.

CORONATED LUMPFISH. C. Cm onaius. Nobis.

Of this Species, new to the British Fauna if not to Science,
I have examined only one Specimen ; the small size of which
causes me to suppose that it may have hitherto been over-
looked from its likeness to the young of the common Lump-
fish. If however, it can be supposed to attain the ordinary
hulk of the last named Fish, it must be rare, as the difference
is too striking to admit of their being confounded together.
Flie Specimen was about 8 lines in length, with the figure and
general proportions of the common Lumpfish : the head
Sf ptare, and along the beginning of the hack fiat and broad,
rising towards the first dorsal fin, and there ridged ; hut chan-
nelled behind the head. About the centre of gravity, near
die summit of the hack, is a wide and moderately long (in,
the extremity reclining; the second dorsal separated from the
first by an interval, and placed opposite the anal ; both ot
diem wide and rather long, hut less so than the first dorsal;
neither of them approaching the tail. Central rays of the
Caudal fin longest. Sucking disk as in the common Lumpfish.
The skin smo°oth ; and with but little ridge, and no tubercle
° r adipose substance on the back. Colour a dark green on
die hack, lighter on the sides, whitish below ; a silvery line
a °ross the head uniting the posterior portion of the eyes, and

48

from this on each side a line running forward, approximating,
and then receding at right angles, thus resembling the Greek
il (omega,) but with a square instead of circular summit. The
specific name I have given is from this mark. The difference
between this Species and the common Lumpfish, is seen in
the entire absence of tubercles, which in the latter give a gro-
tesque appearance to the back ; in the want of the flat space
between the termination of the ridge and the (only) dorsal
fin ; and more especially in the moderately elongated first
dorsal fin, which bore no resemblance to the vestige of fin des-
cribed as possessed by the painted Lumpfish.

This Specimen was found in a Crab Boat, in the month of June. Supposing
it to be a distinct Species, I have named, it as above.

MONTAGU’S SUCKER. C. Montagui. .Jenyns, p. 473.
Yarrell’s Br. F , vol. 2, p. 277. Not uncommon.

THE EEL TRIBE.

SHARPNOSED EEL. Anguilla Acutirostris. Jenyns, p.

474. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 284. Common.
BROADNOSED EEL. A. Latirostris. Jenyns, p. 476.

Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 299. Less common than the last.
SNIG EEL. A. Mediorostris. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p.
301. It is only of late that three or four Species of Eels
have been enumerated among British Fishes : though as
early as the time of Gesner, and even perhaps of Aristotle,
more than one Species was suspected to exist. In Corn-
wall the Sharpnosed seems to be the most common, and
next to it the Snig, which is of much smaller size. Most of
the young Eels in Cornwall, are bred in the Sea, from which
they begin to ascend our rivers in the early part of March,
the stream of emigration continuing until the beginning of
autumn.

CONGER. A. Conger. Jenyns, p. 478. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 2, p. 304. Selya, the ancient Cornish name of this
Fish, offers a more probable derivation of the name of the
Scilly Islands, and other places so called on our Coast, than
any other with which I am acquainted.

A monstrosity is sometimes observed, in which the dorsal
fin commences about opposite the vent, the greater part of the
hack being naked ; and in one Specimen which I examined,
the fin at its beginning was rolled up, in the manner of a rib-
bon, round its centre. The Colour varies also, from Black
through every degree of shade, to a dull White and this so
constantly according to the nature of the ground, that fisher-
men are able, from an inspection of the Fish, to know the
place at which they have been taken.

In the memory of persons now living a trade was carried
on with Spain and Portugal, in Conger douce or sweet Con-
ger, so called from their being dried without the application

49

of Salt. The smaller fish were preferred, as shrinking less
in the process, as being sooner prepared, — which in wet wea-
ther was an important consideration — and as being purchased
of the fishermen at a less price ; and the public advantage
was considerable, as women and children were chiefly em-
ployed, in the labour of spliting the fish from head to tail,
sewing them together with twine, edge to edge and head to
tail, in the form of a sheet, and drying them on a frame work
of poles. At present this trade could not he restored, as the
demand and price at home are too great, to allow ot a suffi-
cient remuneration to the merchant ; but the subject is worthy
of the attention of an adventurous fisherman.

MUR.33NE. Murcena Helena. Jenyns, p. 479. Yarrell’s
Br. F., vol. 2, p. 38. Only One British Specimen is on
record.

MORRIS. Leplocephalns Morrisii. Jenyns, p. 480. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 311. Not uncommon.

WIDE MOUTHED LAUNCE. Ammodytes Tnbianus.

Jenyns, p. 482. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 317. Common.
SMALL MOUTHED LAUNCE. A. Luncea. Jenyns, p.
483. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 322. Common. It spawns
in the Sand, about Christmas.

PIPEFISHES.

GREAT PIPEFISH. Syngnnthus Acus. Jenyns, p. 484.
Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 325. The whole of this family
are provincially termed Sea Adders. Common.

LESSER PIPEFISH. S. Typhte. Jenyns, p.485. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 332. Scarcely common.
■J2QUOREAL PIPEFISH. .S'. JEquoreus. Jenyns, p. 48G.

Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 335. Scarcely Common.
SNAKE PIPEFISH. S. Ophidian. Jenyns, p. 437. Yar-
reil’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 338. Common.

WORM PIPEFISH. S. Lnmbriciformis. Jenyns, p. 488.
Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 340. Common.

SUNFISHES.

LLOBEFISII. Tetrudon. Stellatus. Jenyns, p. 489. T.

Pennantii, Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 347. Rare.

SHORT S UNFISH. Orthagoriscm Mola. Jenyns, p. 490.
Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 350. Not uncommon in Sum-
mer. The young Specimen, as figured by Mr. Yarrell, dif-
fers considerably from the adult Fish.

OBLONG SUNFISH. O. Oblongvs. Jenyns, p. 491. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 354. Rare.

STURGEON. Accipenscr Sturio. Jenyns, p. 492. Yar-
rell’s Br- F,, vol, 2, p. 360. Not uncommon.

50

THE SHARK TRIBE.

- SMALLER SPOTTED DOGFISH. Scyllium Canicula.

Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 367. Morgay and Rough (pro-
nounced Rotih) Hound. Common. This and (lie next
Species are the only Britisli Sharks that deposit eggs, or
as they are termed, purses ; and the present Species per-
forms this function both in autumn and spring ; though
probably not the same individual.

~ LARGER SPOTTED DOGFISH. S. Catulus. Yarrell’s
Br. F., vol. 2, p. 273, but the figure is too short posteriorly,
and I have never seen a specimen having white spots mixed
with the darker. The provincial name Nursehound. Com-
mon, but less so in winter.

EYED DOGFISH. S. Melanostomum. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 2, p. 375. Only one British Specimen is on record.

WHITE SHARK. Sqnalus Carcharias- Jenyns, p. 497.
Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 377. I have never seen this
species, a specimen that 1 once supposed to be the same,
proving to be different. There is authority, however for
classing it with Cornish Fishes, though it must be rare, and
1 have no doubt that the Toper has been mistaken for it —
the more especially as the latter is sometimes called the
Whitehound.

— .THRASHER. Sq. Wipes. Jenyns, p. 498. Yarrell’s Br.
F., vol. 2, p. 373 Rarely taken.

BLUE SHARK. Sq. Glaucus. Jenyns, p. 499. Yarrell’s
Br. F., vol. 2, p. 381. Common in Summer and Autumn.

JPORBEAGLE. Sq. Camubicus. Jenyns, p. 500. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 884. Common in Summer and
Autumn.

TOPER. Sq. Galeus. Jenyns, p. 501. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 2, p. 390. The young of the first year being of a whiter
colour, are termed Miller Dogs ; and Whitehound when of
full size. Common.

— SMOOTH IIOUND. Sq. Mustelus. Jenyns, p. 502. Yar-

rell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 393. Raymouthed Dog. Common,
chiefly in summer and autumn.

BASKING SHARK. Sq. Maximus, Linnei Systema Na-
tures. We learn from Mr. Jenyns, (Manual, p. 504,) that
four different Species of Fishes have been confounded toge-
ther under this name: and this gentleman’s opinion is so tar
confirmed, that I have inspected two original figures of
enormous Sharks taken in Cornwall, neither of which bears
a close resemblance to the engraving given by Mr. Yarrell,
Br. F., vol. 2, p. 396, though having the appearance of being
of the same sub-genus. To the first of these drawings,
which I have little hesitation in referring to the Sq. Maxi-
mus of Linneus, the following note is attached : “ its length

51

was SI feet, height 8^ feet, and 19 feet round, the mouth
5| feet wide, extent of the tail 6 feet 9 inches, weight P>
tons. At day break of the 3rd of January, 1809, this
enormous fish was discovered at half cable’s length from
Penryn Quay, steering towards the town ; and three boats
W'ere manned to attack it. It was brought into shallow
water, and by favour of the ebbing tide subdued. There
was no oil except in the liver, from which 198 gallons
were taken. Pennant represents his Basking Shark to ho
of rather a slender form ; but the measured dimensions and
figure of the specimen here referred to, represent a very
bulky fish, with the snout somewhat depressed, the bran-
chial orifices reaching from the neck to the throat, pectoral
fins higher than I ever saw in a Shark, an anal fin, a raised
ridge at the termination of the lateral line, and without the
mark of a temporal orifice.

The second specimen I have designated the Rashleigh
Shark — Sq. Kashleighamis (Transactions of Lin. Soc., vo).
14, p. 9]) in honour of William Rashleigh, Esq., of Mena-
hilly, who kindly favoured me with the original sketch. It
Was 29 feet 4 inches long, 24 feet round, fork of the tail 7 feet,
the weight. 4 Tons ; mouth 21 feet wide. In the drawing,
Ut >like the former species, the eyes are in front, so as to be

°Pposed to a spectator standing before the fish ; the snout is
ra ther small and narrow, and somewhat turned up, the head
l ‘ e ep, spiracles reaching from neck to throat. The first dor-
Sa l fin elevated, the second small and near the tail ; no anal
ho, nor mark of a temporal orifice. It may he questioned if
'his be not the Sq. Peregrinus of Blainville.

Kicked DOG-. Sq. Acanthias. Jenyns, p. 505. Yarrell’s
Hr. F., vol. 2, p. 400. Abundant.

HAMMER HEAD. Zyijw.ua Malleus. Yarrell’s Br. F„
v ol. 2, p. 400. Three or four species are known to have
been confounded under this name; and consequently a rni-
•mte description, with reference to a figure if possible, will
he necessary to identify any one that may fall into the
hands of an observer. One specimen is on record, as
having been taken in Cornwall, but whether the tiue Z.
Wallens is uncertain.

— Aiustcliis Equestris, Fauna Italica ?

A Shark supposed to he of this species was taken with a
me by one of our Fishermen. It was a male, the length 54
•“ches . and laid by the side of a Toper (Sq. Galeus) of the
‘ aa,e length, the distinction between these species is easily
Recognized. In all the proportions it is a stouter fish, with
&>eat diilhrence of physiognomy ; the distinction consisting in
10 greater prominency of the eye, in this respect exactly re-

52

sembling the Blue Shark, instead of the Toper, which has a
flatness or depression at that part. The temporal orifice is
small and on a level with t lie surface. The snout is thicker
than in the Toper, and lining less flattened has the appearance
of being shorter; the nostrils in a rather deep depression.
The roots of the teeth expand, and are notched on both sides.
Pectoral fins longer than in the Toper ; and the superior
stoutness of the body is remarkable from the abdominal fins,
to the tail; from the second dorsal to which latter organ,
where along the surface the Toper is convex, in this Species
there is a longitudinal excavation, as is described in the White
Shark (Sq. Carcharias) with which Fish I have no doubt this
has been confounded. With the exceptions mentioned all the
fins resemble those of the Toper. The colour was dark
brown above, somewhat reddish at the sides, and light below.
It was caught June 24, 1834.

All the smaller Sharks are used as food, fresh or salted ;
and the smaller Spotted Dogfish is sometimes boiled to form
Morgay Soup, in the west parts of Cornwall.

ANGELFISH. Squat in a Angelas. Jenyns, p. 507. Yar-
rell’s 13r. F., vol. 2, p. 407. Monkfish. Common.
LEWIS. Sq. Lewis. Transactions of Lin. Soc., vol. 14,
p. 90.

THE RAY TRIBE.

This family of fishes has two English generically descrip-
tive names, both of which appear to be derived from Saxon
roots. Ray is from reoh, which signifies rough, and is indeed,
the ancient form of that word. When appropriated to a par-
ticular species it is the name of the Raia Clavata, and may
be considered as equivalent to its other designation, Thorn-
back.

The term Skate has been derived from the word Squatina,
though that is known to have belonged to a different Species,
the Monk or Angelfish. A more probable derivation is from
the Anglo Saxon Skitan, to throw out or reject ; for this is
one, and the largest, of the fishes which fishermen in gene-
ral do not think of conveying to market; and which on that
account are denominated Rabble Fishes : others of the same
degrading appellation being several species of Dog Fishes,
Rays, Grey Gurnards, Scads, Combers (Serrani,) Powers, and
most of the Wrasses ; which arc considered as the peculiar
property of the fishermen, and are not shared by his em-
ployer." The word Skit is the popular denomination of a lam-
poon or sarcasm thrown out at random, and circulated without
a name of the author ; a Scout is one placed at a distance as
a watch, and to scout is to drive away or reject.

53

CRAMP RAY. Raia. Torpedo. Jenyns, p. 509. Yarrell’s
Br. F„ vol. 2, p. 410. Rare.

SKATE. R. Batis. Jenyns, p. 510. Yarrcll’s Br. F., vol.
2, p. 421. Common. The smaller are used for food, either
fresh or salted, in fishermen’s families in the winter; and
the larger speeimens are chiefly employed as bait for Crabs
and Lobsters ; the former being attracted by the fresh bait,
the latter by that which has hung in the air for a season.
LONGNOSED SKATE. R. Chagrinea. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 2, p. 414. Less common than the last species.
SHARPNOSED RAY. R. Oxyrhynchus. Jenyns, p. 511.
Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 424. Burton Skate. Common
in deep water.

SPOTTED RAY. R. Maculata. Jenyns, p. 514. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 429. Common. Homlyn, and
sometimes the Sandy Ray, from being confounded with a
species not until lately recognized as llrilish, but decidedly
distinct, R.Circularis C, This is the Species, of which the
purses are often thrown on shore in winter, after a storm.
I have known a specimen not exceeding four inches across
the disk, to swallow an hook and he taken.

PAINTED RAY. R. Microcellata. Jenyns, p. 515. Yar-
rell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 433. Rare.

THORNBACK. R. Clavata. Jenyns, p. 516. Yarrell’s
Br. F., vol. 2, p. 436. The Ray. Common. The best of
the genus for food, and the most commonly used, fresh or
salted ; in the latter condition a principal Subsistence for
the fishermen’s families in winter.

This species is sometimes seen with the under surface
r °ugh, in which case it is the Rough Ray (R. Rubus) of
uuthors; and it may be well here to remark, that the presence
° r absence of spines, in all this Genus, is a very uncertain
characteristic of species or sex ; and I have seen a full grown
Skate, with scarcely the mark of spine on the body or tail.

Sl'ING RAY. R. Pastivac.a. Jenyns, p. 518. Yarrell’s
Br. F. ; vol. 2, p. 442. Scarce.

.-'■EAGLE RAY. R. Aquila. Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p.
445. I have been informed of one specimen.

BLACK RAY. R. Chardon , — mentioned by Mr. Yarrell,
Br. F., vol. 2, p. 425.

^ANDY RAY. R.Circularis. Loudon’s Magazine of Na-
tural History, vol. 2, N.S. 1838. It is common, but not
esteemed as food.

LAMPREYS.

SEA LAMPREY. Petromyzon Marinus. Jenyns, p. 520.
Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 448. Common, but rarely used
us food.

H

54

SILVER LAMPREY. P. Fluviatilis. Jenyns, p. 521.
Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p.454. Common in spring; but
it seems to quit our rivers in summer.

PLANER’S LAMPREY. P. Planeri. .Jen y ns, p. 522.
Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 2, p. 457. 1 have obtained speci-

mens in April from the Trelawney branch of the Looe river,
and probably it is not uncommon, having been confounded
with the Silver Lamprey.

MUD LAMPREY. Mr. Yarrell supposes this fish to be
the same as the Pride, of which a figure is given Br. F.,
vol 2, p. 459; I willingly yield to his judgment.

BORER. Mxjxina Glulivosa. Jenyns, p. 523. Yarrell’s
Br. F., vol. 2, p. 462. Rare.

LANCELET. Amphioxus Lanceulatus. Yarrell’s Br. F.,
vol. 2, p. 468.

As every thing belonging to this singular little fish, hitherto
found only in Cornwall, must be interesting to Naturalists, I
here insert some correction of Mr. Yarrell’s account; that
excellent observer having fallen into some oversight concern-
ing it. When alive this fish had a very evident, though
diaphanous fin, extending from near the snout, round the
extremity of the tail, which it encircled in the manner of the
same organ in the Eel, and terminating at the vent; and the
appearance in the engraving is probably owing to the influ-
ence of the preserving liquor which has caused the mem-
brane to contract. The rays of this fin arc arched transver-
sedly, in a very singular manner. The specimen was not
found in a pool, but lay buried in a small quantity of sand,
at about 50 feet from the receding tide ; and on turning over
a small Hat stone that was on the sand, the tail of the fish
appeared exposed. When moved it exhibited signs of great
activity, so that the head could not readily bo distinguished
from the tail ; and as there can be no doubt that the fish had
sought the shelter of the sand in which it was found, there is
little question that such is its usual habitation : a circumstance
rendered still more probable by its want of eyes. It was dis-
covered on the 21st of December, 1831, after an heavy storm,
that had torn it from its native situation, which from its rarity
we may suppose to be in deep water. In February, 1838, I
obtained two other specimens, which had been thrown up by
a tempest. The largest measured 2 inches and 3-10 in length,
which enabled me to discern still more of the internal struc-
ture of this fish.

The seasons of spawning in those fishes that are considered
the most important for trade or the table, have been noted
when referring to the separate genera or species ; and the
place in which the pea is deposited is most usually at the
bottom, in situations to which the instincts of the fish lead it,
as best fitted to perfect the infant brood. Those which at.
other times frequent the deeper water, or are engaged in
Wandering through the expanse of Ocean, at this season ap-
proach the shores, and are thus placed within reach of the
fishermen: the great natural objects kept in view being, to
obtain the combined action of light, heal and shelter ; the
latter implying also protection against the voracity ot other
fishes, by which multitudes are devoured in the slate of pea
or newly born embryo. The more casual influences of tides,
torrents, or other variations of currents, appear also to influ-
ence the choice; and the migration, a necessity for which
this natural duty imposes on many of the finny tribes, some-
times amounts to almost a change of element, for the passage
from salt water to fresh is scarcely less, and however essen-
tial to some, is destructive to the life of others, and even of
tile same fish at different periods of its existence. The Grey
Mullet, Shad, Eel, Flounder, and Salmon tribe, are examples
of this ; and the Salmon itself offers so well marked a speci-
men of the habit, as to demand especial attention. Its pea
requires to be brought very near to the source of a fresh
stream, where, sheltered by i's covering of sand, it may ex-
perience the benefit of the running water ; and in this condi-
tion it remains for a very long period, probably differing ac-
cording to the severity or mildness of the climate and season.
Mr. Yarrell, whose work contains the best account of the
process of developetnent of the pea of the Salmon, reports
tbe lime between the first shedding of the roe and the final
escape of the young, to be about 130 days ; and Mr. Hogarth
observes that it requires three weeks from the time ot its first
activity, to its attaining the length of an inch, the whole of
tbe yolk not having been then absorbed into the body ; but
any stage of this process, from the shedding of the pea to
l be full perfection of the embryo, tbe presence of salt water is
latal to its existence. During tbe following stages tbe growth
°f the young Salmon is rapid, and by llie end ot April so
8 r eat a change has passed over it, that the element which a
s b°rt time before would have been destructive, is now become
Necessary to its health and growth.

Most sorts of fishes select spots that are exposed to the
action of the free and flowing water, sheltered only by some
Neighbouring rocks or weeds, and somew hat remoied fioin
*-bc direct action of tbe sun ; lor though this be necessarily
moderated by the clement till ough which it penetrates, yet

56

all fishes powerfully feel its influence, and the dcvolopcment
of the embryo may be unnaturally hastened by it to its des-
truction. The Salmon, Peal, and perhaps most of their Con-
geners, make considerable trenches in the sand by the aid of
the tail, which becomes excoriated in the operation ; and the
Lamprey in like manner, sheds its roe in a channel of its own
formation, in both cases the place being again filled up by the
labour of the parents, the female performing the largest share
of the toil. The Launce takes a more effectual method of
concealment even than this, bnrying itself in the sand, through
which it is able to move with almost the same facility as a
Mole in the earth, and leaving, as it would seem, the pea in
its progress. The Conger and Eel also, are known to bury
themselves in sand or mud for concealment, the operation
being effected by a sort of rotatory motion, the snout serving
as a pivot ; and in such a situation it is probable that the roe
is deposited, the young emerging as they come to life. It is
not a little curious that fishes thus accustomed to burrow in
the sand or mud, are supplied with a structure for circulating
blood in the tail, dill'erent from any thing hitherto discovered
in other species and constituting that part a sensitive, and in
the Eel and Conger at least, a prehensile organ, by which
they arc able to seize an object, and through it lift the body
over formidable obstructions. In the Eel this structure was
first discovered by Dr. Marshal Hall, who lias given a beau-
tiful figure of it in his work on the circulation of the blood
in the lower animals, plate 10, from which it has been copied
by Mr. Yarrell ; but I have also recognized something extra-
ordinary in the circulation of the blood in the tail of the
Wiever and the Launce, both of which harbour in sand ;
through which to be able to move, this organ must he endued
with some sensibilities not common to many other fishes.

In most sorts of sea fishes the separate particles of roe
when deposited have no bond of connection with each other ;
and even in the ovarium of the Great Lumpsucker it requires
minute inspection to discover the connecting thread ; the se-
parate particles, which in this fish are of largo size, appearing
to hang as loosely as shot in a hag. But in some river fishes,
as the l’erch and Tench, we are informed that they are pre-
served in a tenacious slime, that, in the form oi a chain or
ribband binds them to the spot, and perhaps also affords pro-
tection from the harsher surrounding fluid, as well as food for
the supply of their first wants. This glutinous matter, more-
over, iu some cases produces a further effect, in addition to
its own nourishing and protecting qualities ; and I have seen
an abundance of the roe of some inhabitant of the ocean,
floating on the surface for several miles in length, exposed to
the full action of the light and heat of a summer’s day ; the

57

enclosing substance being so tough as to require the employ-
ment of a cutting instrument to ilivido it ; but at the end of a
few days, decomposition took place, and the pea having passed
through a part of its change, dropped to the bottom to obtain
its full developemcnt in a place of greater safety. Mr. Jesse
reports the Shad to shed its spawn by night at the surface
of the river, using the action of its tail to assist its efforts;
the Pilchard, a kindred species, probably acts in a similar
manner, being sometimes seen to lie on the surface extended
on its side, multitudes together being in a quiescent stale,
except that the tail is employed in causing the splashing sound
beard by fishermen in a still evening, when none are found to
onter the net.

A greater degree of heat, more uniform and congenial than
any afforded by mere shelter, is sometimes required, and the
body of tlie parent is mude the procreant cradle of the oil-
spring : — in a manner however, even here, no less diversified
than in other portions of the Almighty’s works.

Fishes that produce their young alive are not confined to
a ny one class or order; for whilst only one known species of
iMenny (Blennius Viviparus) is viviparous, some of the Sharks
ar e exceptions in an opposite mariner, to the general habit of
their race ; their eggs being enclosed in purses of curious con-
duction, that guard them from the actual presence of the
®alt water. That the oviparous or viviparous manner of hatch-
jig lias close relation with the power of the egg to develope
beat for its own use, or to exist on a smaller portion, is ren-
dered probable by the following considerations ; The late
Professor Turner informs us (Chemistry, p. <J14) that some
.'pung animals, as puppies and kittens, but especially such
llr ds as are delivered from the egg in a naked condition, a
Ca se more in point since, being oviparous, they approach more
•‘early to the nature of fishes, require so small a quantity of
° x Jgen or vital air for the purpose of supporting life, that
'hey may be deprived of that gas altogether for twenty mi-
nutes without material injury; but then it is necessary that
'hey should derive an artificial heat from the mother, because
•heir own vital action is not sufficient to support their proper
j'liipeiature : whereas such birds as are well feathered when
. le y quit the egg, are able to support their own temperature,
“t require a good and constant supply of oxygen. VVc know
hke manner, that the eggs of oviparous fishes, though often
eposited at a cold season, are so placed as to obtain the most
Abundant supply of vital air ; but the egg hatched within the
° l 'y, almost entirely cut oil' from that of which it has little
eed, has the requisite warmth supplied from the mother.
a some cases indeed, both these objects are joined in one,
' s m the Snake Pipefish, (Syngnathus Ophidion) where the

58

ova are deposited on tlie external surface of tlie male parent,
where they possess all the benefits of free exposure, with a
sufficient portion of animal heat. The eggs of the Crab and
Lobster possess the same advantage, chiefly perhaps for the
sake of a frequent change of water, which is equivalent to a
flowing stream, the health of this class of creatures mater-
ially depending on the frequent renewal of the purest water,
but in a less degree also, for the sake of vital heat and
protection. They are therefore suspended to the body for
a long period, hut are developed very quickly after they are
shed.

In our present state of knowledge we can only wonder at
the variety of nature, by which it becomes the duty of the
male Syngnathus Actis to carry about, enclosed in cells, be-
neath the caudal portion of the body, the eggs, and after-
wards the young; which take refuge there even after their
first exclusion; and that too, it would seem, not only at the
approach of danger, but for the sake of warmth and shelter.
This curious fact displays an analogy to the Kanguroo and
other marsupial animals, and finds a correspondence in the
mysis, a genus of shrimps common on our coasts ; of which
one sex, carries about under its thorax, supported by an or-
ganization fitted to the purpose, the eggs and afterwards the
young, until they are able to shift for themselves.

It appears that in what, are termed viviparous fishes, no
direct communication of nourishment take3 place between the
parent and offspring; and the remark of Gesner, that one
species of Shark is attached by a funis to its mother, has not
been supported by further testimony. It follows then, that
the quantity of nutriment originally enclosed in the egg
(usually a yolk and white, though these are not clearly dis-
tinguished by their colour in most marine animals) is exactly
fitted to the duration of the creature’s faetal life, the whole
being absorbed into the body just at the moment of birth.
But there is reason to believe also, that in some species the
egg increases in size after exclusion, by an endosmodic ab-
sorption from the surrounding fluid : thus allowing room for
a greater increase of bulk, as well as providing a more diluted
nourishment to the embryo; and at the same time affording
an explanation of the fact, of the disproportionate size of the
newly excluded fish, compared with the deposited pea.

A curious part of our subject is the frequent occurrence of
hermaphroditism in fishes; a circumstance that displays itself
most frequently in the presence of a melt on one side of the
body, and a roe on the other; but I have seen an example in
the Mackarel, where a single lobe of roe lay between the two
usual lobes of melt. Whether fishes thus circumstanced are
capable of self propagation has not been ascertained, and the

59

analogy of nature discountenances the opinion, among other
reasons, because it is not uncommon to find fishes with one
ovarium shedding spawn, while the other, though not sterile,
is far from the period of developernent. But as the activity
of the separate ovaries at different seasons, will explaiu the
occurrence of young broods at various seasons of the year, so
!t is probable that the occasional activity of these separate
organs of an hermopkrodite may lead to the male orgasm at
one period, and to the female at another. Our common Com-
ber also (Serranus Cabrilla, Yarrell’s Br. F., vol. 1,) has
been judged capable of independent propagation, from the
occurrence of a small portion of a soft substance resembling
melt, near tbe duct of the much larger rue or ovary. In
this fish the funnel shaped organ through which t Ire grains
pass, is on ordinary occasions turned into the body ; but on
pressure, which perhaps the fish effects against some solid
body, it becomes everted, and the ova are guided by it into a
favourable situation.

The Perch is described as pressing a pointed stick or stone
into contact with a pea, aud by the motion of its own body
drawing them over tbe selected spot. Other fishes are said
lo require the lateral pressure of a couple of males in the
Process of parturition, and in some the melt is diffused over
the pea after it has been shed in the proper situation, the dilu-
l| on of water offering no hindrance ; for it lias been found on
tr ial, that the prolific fluid is not rendered less efficacious, but
? v ®n more so, by being largely mixed with water ; and that it
,s not less so even when the parent lias been dead for a day
°r two : a circumstance worthy of notice to those who may
tvish to stock their ponds with fish.

The pea produced in exposed situations must suffer great
diminution from the voracity of the numerous tribes that as-
semble at the expected season, to devour it ; but this destruc-
ll °n bears only a limited proportion to that of the fish in tbe
e arly stages of their growth, at which period they are preyed
0, i abundantly by almost every other individual of larger
growth, including those of their own kind.

riie interval between the shedding of the pea and the es-
cape of the young, lias been ascertained only in a few species,
atl d is probably subject to diversity according to the tem-
perature and situation. Bloch observed the Perch to quit
I e gg in from six to eight days, and we have already noted
t Jat in some instances of the Salmon, the interval has been so
great as 130 days ; but tbe subsequent growth of few fishes is
®<lual to that of the Salmon tribe, of which the chief, the Sul-
' u n itself, having reached the lenglit of about three inches in
■ Pril, has been known to acquire the weight of four pounds

June, six in August and thirteen in September. (Jesse’s

60

Gleaning?, first series.) Some peculiar sorts of food are
necessary to the growth, and even life, of several kinds of
fishes at this important period of their lives : a circumstance
that will explain many of their habits and migrations ; and I
have noticed that the absence of sand will effectually hinder
the growth of the Grey Mullet for many months, whereas
when favourably situated their advance in bulk is moderately
rapid. The stomach of this fish acts as a gizzard, and I have
taken two table spoonsful of sand from this organ in a full
grown individual.

The adult size of most fishes is not attained until the third
year, and few increase in size alter four or five ; while the
Stickleback may be judged to be only one of many that do
not survive their third or fourth year, and the Tunny, with
some Sharks and Rays, live and grow for a much longer period
than is usual with other inhabitants of the ocean.

Most fishes are gregarious in the first stages of their exist-
ence— chiefly perhaps from the circumstance of awaking to
life within a near distance of each other. But the danger ot
extermination to which they are thus exposed, is counterba-
lanced by the transparency of their texture, which enables
them to escape detection; and by passing into more shallow
water, where willi the enjoyment ot superior warmth, they
are free from the presence of the more ravenous tribes. It
is in this situation and at those seasons that they are exposed
to their most formidable enemy, man, with his nets and en-
gines; and therefore now is the time when the legislature
might interpose with propriety, in preventing that destruction
which is sapping the foundation of an important national in-
terest, and enhancing the price of what ought to be a cheap,
as it is an wholesome food, esteemed by most, and essential
to the existence of the poorer inhabitants of our sea ports.

In forming our opinion on this subject, which embraces
many conflicting interests and feeling?, we must be careful not
to be led by the idea that the value and consequent legislative
importance of fishes should be estimated by the rank in which
the separate species may be regarded by the merchant or for
the table; for the presence on our coasts of the larger and
more esteemed kinds is altogether dependent on that of others
which separately viewed, appear unworthy of regard; and
the protection of the Launce, the Skulpin and the Mackarel
Midge, with others of the most inferior races of marine ani-
mals unnoticed by all but the scientific naturalist, is of no less
consequence than that of the Codfish, Pilchard, Mackarel, or

Turbot. _ , , ,

It is a question, then, of national importance, what methods
of fishing are to be allowed or forbidden, and at what seasons
they may be destructive or otherwise.

61

There arc two kinds of nets against which a well founded
charge has been brought, of causing a useless or extensive de-
struction of young fishes ; but the difference between them is
great, both in the amount of injury inflicted, and in the ease
With which their use may be regulated.

The Ground Sean as employed in Cornwall, is simply a
sweep net of indefinite length and depth, according to the
phallowness of the water, and the extent of clear sjTace it is
intended to encircle. A district interrupted by rocks or large
stones does not admit of its employment. Moderately calm
Weather in the summer or autumn, when the fish wander near
he shore, is the time chosen, and the morning or evening the
n, y periods of the day ; and all that seems necessary to
ender it unobjectionable, is to fix the dimensions of the
eshes, which should not be less than an inch and half from
c n °t.to knot; and to forbid the use of a double net, which by
causing the meshes to cover each other, is even more destruc-
v c than a single net with meshes of very small size.
ffle ground scan is not always drawn on the shore with its
^intents ; but when the middle space is formed into an hollow
r bunt, it is employed after the manner of a tuck sean, and
: *t encloses is taken into the boat. It should be born in
s, ID ?, tbat t* 16 temptation to make the meshes of this net of
g size, does not chiefly arise from a wish to catch the
jailer fishes, which would sell for very little in the market;
w 11 is to prevent the fish from becoming entangled in the
fisl CS ° f , l ^ C net ’ a ci rcumstance that will add greatly to the
t ^ Uer man’s labour, with some injury to the fish and more to
De C Pilchard and Mackarel seans are of the nature of the
j ® e P or ground net, and were originally the same, of somewhat
l 1;i 5f r s,ze ancl smaller mesh. The minute size of the latter
the ^ 6en made lawful by a special enactment, on account of
U , S^cat importance of the Pilchard fishery; and the fortu-
e e invention of a tuck sean, by enabling the fisherman to
l‘a ^ h - a lar S er Principal net and to go further from the shore,
liot ° ,.'’i !, tcd what might well have been feared, the destruc-
Tl a ^ ar » e { l U! *ntity of small fishes,
tioo * raw * i“ i ts present form is probably a modern inven-
cflic’i an< * * na - y be to have attained its present state of

at | en °y l*y a gradual process of improvement. Its use has
son, increased within the space of half a century, though
q e h ln g lii <e jt seems to have, been known in the age of
* atl : and I Lave been informed by an individual then
*nor r * n lbe fish «ry, that in the year 1781, there were no
e , than two vessels so employed, from the port of Ply-
hoth being open or without a deck, and neither ex-

‘noutb.

ecedim, ,, , UCII, g °P el
same t . burtllen of 25 tons. The number now from the
Place is but litilo short of thirty, of about the average

62

measurement of 40 tons, and whilst the usual dimensions of
the trawlbenm are proportionally increased little scruple is
made of working at the depth of from 40 to 50 fathoms. The
form and nature of a trawl are represented and described in
Mr. Yarrell's History of British Fishes, vol. 1, p. 52, but those
used on the coast of Cornwall are of the largest size, and
more elaborately constructed than there figured. They are
employed at the. distance of ten leagues from land, in water
of the depth of from fifty to sixty fathoms ; and as the method
of conducting this fishery is by dragging along at the stern of
the ship, the enormous bag termed the trawl, the weight ot
the iron trawlheads causing it effectually to sweep the bottom
without any selection except as to the general nature of the
"round (the vessel being steered without tlie rudder, by fas-
tening the trawl warp to different parts of her stern, or quar-
ter) it can make but little difference what may be the size of the
mesh in that part of the net in which the fish are taken since
the stones and weeds met with in its course must be sufficient
to close every crevice through which the smallest might be able
to pass. It is certain that every creature which may chance
to be dragged in this manner over a considerable space must
be killed ; and a large proportion of such as might otherwise
find purchasers, are so bruised as to be unfit tor food. When
we add to this the vast variety of creatures that form the sub-
sistanee of tlie more valuable kinds, and in search of which
tbev visit our coasts — all involved in one common havock,
with the uprooting of their resting places and shelter ,- little
doubt can be felt of the justice of the opinion entertained by
other fishermen, that much of the falling off of the success of
our fisheries on tlie west coast of England, is to be imputed
to the operation of the trawl.

With such an impression of the hurtful nature ot this kina
of fishing it may be demanded, why then is it suffered to con-
tinue in the first period of its employment the abundance
and cheapness of the fish thus brought to market led neces-
sarily to a favourable opinion concerning it, and thus prevented
a close enquiry into the remote consequences. In the present
day on the other hand, its existence has become mixed up
with the interests of too many poor families, to be lightly dealt
with - and it is of national importance to remember that feW
occupations are better fitted to form a race of hardy sailors

aI1< A* pros pe ct! v e remedy may indeed be anticipated in the fact
that the practice of trawl fishing as now carried on, must at
last destroy the foundation of its own prosperity ; but advant-
age to every party might be secured by positively forbidding,
the working of a trawl for tour months in the spring, including
those of February and May ; and leaving it to the alreat y

63

prescribed limits in regard to the distance from land, for the
remainder of the year. The time now proposed for the res-
triction of the trawl fishery, is founded on the well known
habits and seasons of spawning of the fishes most in danger,
and which are also the most esteemed for the table ; and
though, after all, it must happen that multitudes will be des-
troyed, by no other regulation will so large a number be en-
abled to escape. Facility of conviction must also be regarded
as an important part of any protective enactment.

CRUSTACEANS.

The class of creatures termed Crustaceans, in which are,
included the families of Crabs, Lobsters and Shrimps, may he
popularly described as animals without a vertebral internal
skeleton, but having the body divided into distinct rings move-
able on each other "by joints ; the integument forming a crust ;
antennae, or feelers, and eyes separately on footstalks; jaws
°f numerous jointed portions for chewing, the slit of the mouth
Perpendicular. The legs with joints, the first pair with hands;
Vent at the extremity of the body.

The Stalk-eyed Crustaceans to which our enumeration is
confined, possess a carapace or shelly crust above the thorax,
within which the principal organs of life arc protected ; the
branchiae or gills for breathing, are not branched ; legs at the
thorax.

They are arranged by Dr. Milne Edwards, the last Natu-
ralist who has extensively studied them, in two great sections,
of which the separate characters are these :

Decapod stalk-eyed crustaceans, with the

rings of the head and thorax united into a carapace ; an-
tennas commonly four; brauchite in a cavity protected and
concealed by the carapace.

s TOMAPOD STALK-EYED CRUSTACEANS, destitute
of thoracic branchiae in interior cavities.

Decapod, Crustaceans are again divided into three families :
®R ACHYURES, or Short Tailed Decapods, the tail or more
properly the abdomen, slightly developed ; without legs
iormed for swimming, and destitute ot tanlike caudal plates
A N AMOURS, the abdomen well developed, with a portion
Permanently bent under the thorax, with terminal eatulal
plates.

^tACROURES, the abdomen well d evcloped and extended,
having paddles beneath, and terminal fanshaped caudal
plates.

64

The family of Brachyures is again divided into,

OXYRHYNCHS, the carapace slender in front, and length-
ened, the orbits looking downward, branchial organs much
developed.

CYCLOMETOPS, the carapace large, regularly arched in
front, more slender behind ; the orbits obliquely upward
or in advance ; brauchias as in the Oxyrhynchs.

CATOMETOPS, the carapace usually square or eggshaped ;
front transverse and commonly diminishing; the orbits
directed forward or down ; branchi® fewer than in the two
first, but situated alike.

The family of Oxyrhynchs is again divided into the following
sub-families,

MACROPODIANS — the legs slender and very long, the
second or third pair much longer than the first, and more
than twice as long as the post-frontal portion of the cara-
pace.

MAIANS — tbe'legs of moderate size, the second or third pair
not commonly twice as long as the post-frontal portion of
the carapace ; the first pair longer and stouter than the fol-
lowing, but not more than twice the length of the post-fron-
tal portion of the carapace. Inferior portion of the external
antennas well developed, forming the greater part of the
inferior portion of the orbit.

PARTHENOPIANS — the four posterior pairs of legs much
shorter than the first; the second pair less than a length
and half of the post-frontal portion of the carapace ; the
first pair stout, at least in the male, and two or three times
that length. Inferior portion of the antennae usually but
little developed, and forming a small part of the lower par-
tition of the orbit.

MACROPODIANS OR SEA SPIDERS.

GENUS STENOllRHYNCHUS: the second pair of legs
much longer than the others; the stalk of the external an-
tenna inserted before the level of the eyes, of which the
footstalk is very short.

SMALLER SEA SPIDER. S. Longirostris, Edwards’ Crus-
tacea, vol. 1, p. 280. Macropodia Tenuirostris, Leach’s
Malacostraca, pi. 23. Common at the depth of from 2 to
20 fathoms, and often taken in crab pots.

Another Species, S. 1‘ halangium of M. Edwards, p. 279, is
described as common on the coasts of the channel, but 1
have not hitherto recognized it as Cornish. It is the Can-
cer Phalangium of Pennant, Br. Zool. vol. 4, pi. 9, fig. 17,
and Macropodia P. of Leach’s Malac, pi. 23.

65

GENUS ACHJEUS .* snout not much lengthened, and on
each side leaving uncovered the insertion of the stalk of the
external anlennsc. The terminal articulation of the two
posterior pairs of legs is large, compressed and falciform.
CRANCH’S SEA SPIDER. A. Cranchii. M. Edwards’
Crust, vol. 1, p. 281. Leach’s Malac. pi. 22. A rare spe-
cies, the only British recorded specimen having been taken
at Falmouth.

GENUS INACHUS : differing from the two former genera
in having retractile eyes capable of extensive motion, second
pair of legs thrice as long as the post-frontal portion of the
carapace ; terminal portion of the four hinder pairs similar
and slender.

SCORPION SEA SPIDER. 1. Scorpio, M. Edwards’
Crust., vol. 1, p. 288. I. Dorsettensis, Leach’s Malac. pi.
22. Cancer D, Pennant, pi. 9, fig. 18. Commonly taken
in crab pots within a few miles of the shore at all depths.
FEEBLE INACHUS. /. Dorynchus, M. Edwards’ Crust.,
vol. 1, p. 288. Leach’s Malac., pi. 22. Not uncommonly
found on board crab boats. Except in the rostrum it has
much of the aspect of Stenorrhynchus Longirostris, but is
less common.

SMALL SNOUTED INACHUS. I. Leptorhynchus, M.
Edwards’ Crust., vol. 1, p. 289. Leach’s Malac., pi. 22.

M. Edwards assigns this species to the west of England,
where it must be rare unless it has been confounded with the
°ther Sea Spiders. In the Athenaeum at Plymouth I was fa-
'oured by Dr. Edward Moore with the sight of a specimen
n 'arked by Mr. Prideaux with the name of I Leptochirus,
' v liich is al.-o figured by Dr. Leach as having been taken on
the Cornish coast, and of which I possess a specimen; but
whether, as seems probable, this be M. Edwards’, I. Lepto-
Jnynchus I hesitate to decide. The latter author, lias not re-
nted to Leach’s name.

MAIANS— SEA SPIDERS, continued.
genus pjsa : rostrum much developed, stout, formed of
two lengthened horns, somewhat conical ; stalk of the ex-
ternal antennas nearly on the level of the rostrum.

* °UR SPINED SEA SPIDER. P. Tetmodon, M. Ed-
wards’ Crust., vol. 1, p. 305. Leach’s Malac. pi. 20. Pen-
na nt, pi. 8, fig. 15. Much larger than either of the former
s pecies, and far more formidable in its appearance. Not

common.

UIBBS’ SEA SPIDER. P. Gibbsii, M. Edwards’ Crust.,
y°F L p. 307. Leach’s Malac., pi. 19. Not uncommon in
'tom 1 or 2 to 20 fathoms of depth, and taken in crab pots.

66

GENUS HYAS: distinguished from Pisa by the absence of
the strong spine which in that forms the anterior portion of
the circle of the orbit ; and by the second member or arti-
culation of the outer antennae being flattened and widened
on the outer side.

SPIDER HYAS : JET, Aranea. M. Edwards’ Crust., vol. 1,
p. 812. Leach’s Malac. pi. 21. Pennant, pi. 9, fig. 16.
STRAITENED HYAS. H. Coarctata. M. Edwards’
Crust., vol. 1, p. 312. Leach’s Malac. p. 21.

I am not acquainted with these species, and therefore sup-
pose them not to be common ; but there are specimens of both
in the museum of the Athenaeum at Plymouth, and conse-
quently taken at or near the Cornish coast.

GENUS MAIA : the stalk of the external antennas inserted
into the internal angle of the orbit, and uncovered ; nippers
of the hand slender and pointed.

CORWICH CRAB on SKERRY. M. Verrucosa. M.
Edwards’ Crust., vol. 1, p. 327. M. Sqainado. Leach’s
Malac., pi. 18. Our species differs much from the Cancer
Horridus of Pennant, pi. 8, fig. 14, to which M. Edwards’
refers for his M. Squinado ; and seems not exactly similar
to the latter author’s M. Verrucosa, pi. 3, fig. 1. It may
possibly prove a distinct species. This in its season is the
most abundant species of the family, and by far the largest,
sometimes weighing so much as five pounds, and the cara-
pace measuring 9 or 10 inches in length; so that it is com-
monly used as food, though only by poor people and fisher
boys, who find in it a delicate meal. Its not tempting form
anil the small size of the legs, conspire to exclude it from
the tables of the rich.

PARTHEN O P IANS.

GENUS EURYNOME: eyes retractile; joint of the hand
mere or less triangular and armed. Lower articulation of
the outer antennae fixed in front, and giving insertion to the
next articulation on the forepart of the level of the inner
canthus of the eye.

ROUGH EURYNOME. E. Aspcra. M. Edwards’ Crust.,
vol. 1, p. 351. Leach’s Malac., pi. 17. Pennant, pi. 9, fig.
20. Rare. There is a specimen in the Museum of the
Athenaeum at Plymouth.

The length of the legs in this family of Crabs, necessarily
leads to slowness of motion; but they are well fitted to a
residence among rocks and stones covered with sea weeds,
among which they stride with little difficulty. In the winter
they become almost, if not altogether torpid, concealing
themselves at this season either in deep crevices of rocks, or

67

embedded in tlie soil ; for the Corwich Crab has been observ-
ed, when caught at the time of its first activity in April, to
have the inequalities of its carapace covered with the mud of
the bottom. It is perhaps at this period of repose that the
crops of sea weeds and corallines (Sertulariae) fix themselves
as they are often seen beautifully adorning them ; shells of
different species, but especially Oysters and Muscles, are also
found adhering, and. on the smaller kinds, as of the Genera
Inachus and Pisa, spunge will grow so luxuriantly as to con-
ceal the whole carapace, with tufts on the legs to the extre-
mities.

In the spring the Spider Crabs appear in water of the depth
of a few fathoms; but as the weather grows warmer they
approach the shore, and in summer climb the rocks so as
sometimes to be left by the receding tide. At the season of
its greatest activity the Corwich Crab becomes so abundant
that, as no one thinks of purchasing them, they are regarded
as a great annoyance by the fishermen ; for it is found that
when they occupy his crab pot no Lobster will enter it. I
have been informed of nearly a cart load having been taken
at one haul of a ground sean, and singularly enough, the whole
were found lo be females. It is indeed a general observation
that the females exceed the males in the proportion of perhaps
10 to I, and during the summer they are all well loaded with
spawn ; which having been carried beneath the flap, as in
°ther Crabs, for several months, for the sake of free exposure
to the water and light, are dropped in some concealed places,
where they elude observation ; for I have not succeed in find-
ln g one of very small size.

The family of Cyclometops is divided into two sub-families,
UANCERIANS ; posterior legs as in the former family,
ending in a pointed articulation, and thus unfit for swim-
ming.

FORTUNIANS ; posterior legs more enlarged than the pre-
ceding, ending in a broad plate ciliated at the edges, and
fitted for swimmiug.

CANCERIANS, or CRABS.

GENUS ZANTIIO: carapace large, horizontal ; a narrow
fissure dividing it into two portions, the separating line fur-
rowed ; cavities of the antennae transverse, separated by a
slender partition ; antennae short.

F URROWED CRAB. Z. Floridus. M. Edwards’ Crust.,
' ol. 1, p . 394. Leach’s Malac. pi. 11. Common.

UESS FURROWED CRAB. Z. Itivulosus. M. Edwards’
Crust., vol. 1, p. 394. Equally common with the last, and
la similar situations, under stoues about low water mark.

68

GENUS PLATYCARCINUS : carapace approaching to a

transverse oval, without furrows.

EATABLE CRAB. P. Pagurus. M. Edwards’ Crust.,

vol. 1, p. 413. Cancer P. Leach’s Malac., pi. Pennant,
pi. 3, fig. 7.

This is the species so highly esteemed for the table, and
for which a regular fishery is carried on. The male, called
the Stool Crab, is much the largest, not uncommonly weighing
a dozen pounds, whilst the female, termed the Bon Crab, is
rarely of half that size. Although this Crab is somewhat
effected by cold weather, so that it is most abundantly caught
in summer, its activity is not diminished by it, and some
may be obtained at all seasons. The fishery therefore, is
more influenced by the danger to which the pots set to take
them are exposed in stormy weather, than by the absolute
scarcity of the crabs. Their haunts are along the edges of
rocks, in situations varying from low water mark to about 20
fathoms ; and the selection is perhaps as much influenced by
the facility of hiding or burrowing, as by the supply of food.
The Bon Crah begins to breed when about 3 inches across the
carapace ; and the spawn after remaining long attached to the
parent, is buried beneath some shelter, at all seasons of the
year; but as when engaged in this duty the female feeds but
little and commonly hides herself, few of them are taken in
the pots. Fishermen mention such instances as somewhat re-
markable, though most other crustaceans are familiarly taken
with the pea attached.

The eggs are commonly shed while the parent is hid in the
sand ; and the young, of very small size, may be found be-
neath stones at low water mark ; but there are some differ-
ences in this as in some other of the habits of the different
sexes ; for among the multitudes of young found as described,
I have never been able to discover a female.

The trap made use of in taking Crabs and Lobsters is
formed of wicker work, in the form of the ordinary dome-
shaped mouse-trap, with the difference that the only entrance
is at the top, and that the bottom is immoveably joined to the
structure. It is about 2J feet high, and the bait is fastened
within, between the neck of the entrance and the sides, by
wooden skewers, so as to be seen at the greatest distance.
The skate and other fishes not generally sold in the market, are
used for bait, and it is found that the freshest only will attract
the Crab, whilst for the Lobster it is best when hung for
several days to become tainted. The pot is weighed down
by a couple of stones fastened within, and the place is marked
by aline, with single corks along its course, and a buoy at the
end. The pots are hauled or examined every morning, at
which time they are rebaited, and the Crabs and Lobsters

09

conveyed to the store pots ; which are much larger than the
others, and are suspended near the surface by a small barrel
fastened above, the more effectually to secure them from the
voracity of ravenous fishes that prowl below. In this manner
the fish are preserved until the arrival of the W ell boat or
Lobster smack, which comes periodically to convey them to
the market. When first taken it is usual to drive a wooden
Peg into the joint of the prehensile portion of the claw, to
prevent their injuring each other; anil no food is afforded, as
they will endure long abstinence without suffering, although
they can live but a very short time without a renewal of
Water. In the small collection of a few dozens kept together
jn the store pots, this source of injury is, indeed, of small
hnportance ; hut in the well of the Lobster smack it is essen-
tial; and I have been informed that when the vessel has been
Stained in harbour, it has been found necessary to go to the
b pen sea and back, to renew the water in the hold, that the
Ca rgo might be kept alive.

The master of a Lobster smack has a method of dealing
With the fishermen, that must not a little redound to his own
advantage. If the Lobster exceeds the length of 1 1 inches
from snout to tail it is considered a full size fish, or tale, of
Which the price is now 10 shillings the dozen ; but all that fall
s Wt of this, are regarded as only amounting to halt of this price.
A crab of the largest size can pass for no more than hall the
Value of a full Lobster, but if less than 8 inches across the
shell or carapace, they are halt of a lull or tale crab ; and
Done are admitted that measure less than 4 inches.

Crab fishing is followed chiefly by the poorer fishermen, or
y those whose activity has given way to the infirmities ot age.
It was formerly more profitable than now, and seems to be
Svadually decreasing. The Lobster smacks that pass along
'■he Cornish coast, collecting the produce of the fishery ot the
Uvo or three preceeding weeks are mostly from Southampton ;
hut the destination of the cargo seems to be the portol London.
VENUS CANCER: the carapace large, oval, somewhat
elevated in the middle ; points ot the nippers not spoon
shaped. Legs short, compressed, those which are prehen-
sile furnished above with a crest formed of a row of spines
or tubercles. Terminal portion o! the walking legs short
a °d pointed.

Section with the carapace covered with granulations, but
without spines.

No British example of this genus has hitherto been known ;
^ut a. specimen has come to my hands, that belongs to tuis
section, though I have not been able to refer it to any known
species.

K

70

It was found in a crab pot in June 1837, and though of
small size, appearing to the fisherman to be of rare occurrence?
it was reserved for my inspection. It was scarcely the fourth
of an inch across the carapace, the form and colour resembling
those of the common Edible Crab, but the area was covered
with small warty protuberances. On the margin between the
ocular cavities were five segments, the central most project-
ing ; on the lateral margin nine crenations, each, as also those
between the eyes, distinctly but finely notched. Antennae
small, fine, simple, and with the palpi resembling those of the
common crab. Hand claws and walking legs short, the two
outer segments of the former with a serrated crest; the finger
also notched at its root. Walking legs with short bristles.

It may be that this is not uncommon, as its small size may
easily cause it to be overloked ; but uncertain whether it has
been described before, I have provisionally named it:

C. Incisocrenatus. Couch’s M.S. and fig.

GENUS P1LUMNUS: second portion of the outer antennse
placed in the inner cantlius of the orbit, and extending be-
yond the front. Carapace rounded over the summit and
without lines.

FURRY PILUMNUS. P. Hirtelhis. M. Edwards’ Crust.,
vol. 1, p. 417. Leach’s Malac., pi. 12. Pennant, pi. 6, fig.
11. Common under stones at low water mark.

GENUS PIRIMELA : carapace rounded in front, and about
as wide as long, strongly embossed, and toothed at the
sides; the third articulation of the inner foot jaws giving
insertion to the next on its internal edge.
DENTICULATED PIRIMELA. P. Denticulata. M. Ed-
wards’ Crust., vol. 1, p. 424. Leach’s Malac., pi. 3. This
is the only known species of the Genus, and it is not
common.

PORTUNIANS, SWIMMING CRABS.

GENUS CARCINUS: terminal articulation of the hindmost
legs lancet shaped and straight. Front of the carapace
advanced, broader than long.

COMMON HARBOUR CRAB. Carcinus Mcenas. M. Ed-
wards’ Crust., vol. 1, p. 434. Leach’s Malac., pi. 5. Pen-
nant, pi. 2, fig. 5.

One of the commonest Crabs of our shores, where it hides
under stones or in the beach, but never goes far from land.
It. is an hardy species, easily kept in confinement for the sake
of observation, and has even survived the being kept in fresh
water.

GENUS PLATYONICIIUS : hinder legs with a wide and
oval terminal articulation ; corresponding part of the other
legs straight and unfit for swimming.

71

^VlDEFOOT. P. Latipes. M. Edwards’ Crust., vol. 1., p.
436. Portunus Variegatns, Leach’s Malac., pi. 4.

POLYBIUS : all the legs having the terminal arti-
culation wide, oval and thin, well formed for swimming.

Nipper crab, swimming crab. p. nensiowii.

M. Edwards' Crust., vol. 1, p. 439. Leach’s Malac. pi. 9.
This is, more than any of the others, a swimming crab : for
"'hilst the other British species of this family are only able
to shoot themselves along from one low prominence to another,
l lte Nipper crab, as our fishermen term it, mounts to the sur-
face over the deepest water in pursuit of its prey ; among
tvhich are numbered the most active fishes, as the Mackarel
and Rauning Pollock ; the skin of which it pierces with its sharp
P'ncers keeping its hold until the terrified victim becomes ex-
hausted. We are witnesses to this enrious method of obtaining
food in the summer only, at which season the fishermen's nets
intercept them and their prey together ; and it is probable
that in colder weather they keep at the bottom in deep water ;
from which however I have never seen them brought in the
sf omachs of fishes. So far as my observation extends, it is
chiefly or only the male that pursues this actively predaceous
existence; but that for a time they also remain quietly at the
n°ttom, appears from the fact that while for the most part the
*niooth and flattened carapace is clean, I have seen it covered
"ith small corallines (sertulari®,)

Genus POR TUNtJS: the terminal articulation of the three
hinder legs stvliform. Moveable stem of the outer antenna-,
composed of "only two articulations, and inserted on the
same line with the eyes and inner antennae; their basilar
articulation fixed in front and entirely separating the orbit
and cavity of the antennte.

VELVET CRAB. P . Puber. M. Edwards’ Crust., vol. 1.,
p. 441. Leach’s Malac. pi. 6. Cancer Velutinus, Pennant,
Pl> 4, fig. 8.

This is the largest British species of the family, sometimes
Measuring 4 or 5 inches across the carapace. It is also the
" m ° s t active and fierce, running with great agility on the ap-
pearance of dahger, but stopping and assuming the attitude of
''efence when closely pressed. It seizes an enemy in an in-
* ta «t, and holds with tenacity. The largest keep in water of
tl ‘e depth of a few fathoms, and the smaller about low water
n ‘ a rk, among stones; beneath which they shelter themselves.
^IARy CRAB. P. PHcatus. M. Edwards’ Crust,, vol. 1,
P- 442. P. Depurator, Leach’s Malac., pi, 9. Pennant,
Ph 4, fig. 6, a. Common, and with much of the habits of
the last species. There is some difficulty in assigning the
Proper synonyms to this and the two following species,

72

which are described as inhabiting our coasts, and it is pro-
bable that we have one or more to which none of their
descriptions apply. They are all termed Harbour or Mary
Crabs, and are exceedingly ravenous, fastening eagerly on
any animal substance that comes within their reach.
MARBLED CRAB. P. Marmoreus. M. Edwards’ Crust.,
vol. 1, p. 442. Cancer Depurator, Pennant, p. 2, fig. 6.

' • P. Holsatus. M. Edwards’ Crust., vol.

1, p. 443. P. Lividus, Leach’s Malac., pi. 9.
WRINKLED CRAB. P. Corrugalus. M. Edwards’ Crust.,
vol. 1, p. 443. Leach’s Malac., pi. 7. Pennant, pi. 5, fig.
9. Scarce.

DWARF CRAB. P. Pusilus. M. Edwards’ Crust., vol. 1,
p. 444. Leach’s Malac., pi. 9. Common.

PINNOTHERIANS, PARASITIC CRABS.
GENUS PINNOTIJERA S : front large to conceal the
inner antennae, which are transverse.

PEA C RAB. P. Pisum. M. Edwards’ Crust., vol. 2, p.
30. Leach’s Malac., pi. 14. Pennant,. pi. 1, fig. 1.

This species seems rare with us, and only found in the
Muscle Shell, the natural inhabitant of which it either finds
diseased or renders so. I have never found it in the Pinna,
as reported by authors, though many have been examined for
that purpose.

ANCIENT PEA CRAB. P.Veierum. M. Edwards’ Crust.,

vol. 2, p. 32, and pi. 19. Leach’s Malac., pi. 15.

This is more rare than the last named, but there is a speci-
men in the Museum of the Athenmum at Plymouth, as also of
the P. Varies of Leach ; and either marked by that gentle-
man or Mr. Prideaux, but which is supposed by Dr. M. Ed-
wards to be identical with P. Pisum : a species that is subject
to variation at different stages of growth.

GONOPLACIANS, ANGULATED CRABS.

GENUS G()NOP LAX : footstalks of the eyes long, received
into a cavity occupying the chief part of the anterior bor-
der of the carapace. Carapace angular and extended
laterally.

SQUARE CRAB. G.Angnlata. M. Edwards’ Crust, vol. 2,
p. 61. G. Bispinosa, Leach’s Malac. pi. 13. Pennant, pi.
5, fig. 10.

Common in moderately deep water, and often in the sto-
machs of fishes.

GENUS GELASIMUS: Foot stalk of the eye long and
slender, the transparent cornea small. Carapace resembling
that of Gonoplax, but more advanced in front, and legs ex-
tended laterally.

73

This family is by Dr. M. Edwards placed among the Ocy-
podes, but is here coupled with Gonoplax, from the great
similarity of form and habit of the following Species.

In the history of Crustaceans by Dr. M. Edwards, no notice
is given of any species of this genus as found in the European
seas; and therefore I feel some hesitation in assigning to it a
species frequently found in the stomachs of fishes taken in
depths varying from 5 to more than 20 fathoms : but of which
no figure is found in the works of Pennant or Leach.

The form of the carapace is represented by Dr.M.Edwards,
Pi. 18, fig. 10, and consequently much resembling that of
Gonoplax ; but that of the present species differs from the
figure by that gentleman iu possessing a second well marked
fiook on the lateral margin, a little behind the anterior angle,
and at the place where in the Gonoplax Bispinosa there is a
Protuberance much less marked, but giving origin to the tri-
rial name. Both claws are of equal size, and less than the
transverse breadth of the carapace. The eye stalks are con-
pealed, in the manner of the gonoplax ; but as the carapace
•s more advanced at the separation of the occular cavities,
"'lien withdrawn their extremities point a little backward. I
find but little difference in the form of the male and female,
a nd none in the proportions of the claws, though such is the
c ase for the most part in Crustaceans. I have provisionally
designated it;

G. Bellii, Couch’s M.S. and fig.
ln hononr of the professor of Zoology in King’s College,
"'hose labours have been eminent in this department of science.

A species of the Genus Grapsus is in the Athenaeum at
Plymouth, under the name of G. Pelagicus, by Mr. Prideaux
a nd known to Dr. Leacb, but not in any published work. It
ls understood that the collection in the Museum of that Insti-
tution is confined to specimens taken on the borders ot Devon
a QU Cornwall.

OXYSTOMES or SIIARPMOUTHS.

EEJVUS EBALIA : Carapace dilated at the sides, the gene-
ral figure rbomboidal; feelers of the fooij iws not dilated at
the sides.

GftYER’S EBALIA. E. Bryerii. Leach’s Malac. pi. 25.
M. Edwards’ Crust, vol. 2, p. 128. Rare.

Tld s j s the only species that I have myself met with, and
M. Edwards supposes that the others named are no more
han varieties. The other two are in the Athenteum at Ply-
mouth.

^RANCH’S EBALIA. E. Cranchii. Leach’s Malac. pi. 25.
Hi? ®d wards’ Crust, vol. 2, p. 129.

PENNANT’S EBALIA. E. PemaniiL Leach’s Malac.,
pl. 25. M. Edwards’ Crust, vol. 2, p. 129. Pennant pi. 9.
a - fig. 19.

74

GENUS ATELECYCLUS: Carapace large, arched anteri-
orly, more contracted behind. Cavities of the antennas
longitudinal, the front denticulated.

BIDENTICULATED CRAB. A. Heterodon. M. Edwards’
Crust., vol. 2, p. 143.

Common in the stomachs of fishes, chiefly Cod fishes and
Rays, from the depth of 20 to 50 fathoms. They must abound
at these depths, as I have found more than thirty in a single
fish, and almost every Ray opened for several days in succes-
sion was found to contain them.

GENUS CORYSTES : Carapace much larger than wide,
and in shape approaching to an ellipse. Outer Antennae
very long, and inserted in a cavity of the orbitary foramen.
LONG CRAB. C. Denlalus. M. Edwards’ Crust , vol. 2, p.
148. C. Cassivalaunus, Leach’s Malac., pi. 1. Cancer, C.
Pennant, pi. 7. C. Personatus of some writers.

It is scarcely common, which may be accounted for from its
habit of burrowing in the sand, leaving the extremities of its
antennae alone projecting above the surface. These organs
are of some use beyond their common office of feelers; per-
haps as in some other Crustaceans, they assist in the process
of excavation; and when soiled by labour I have seen the Crab
effect their cleaning by alternately bending the joints of their
stalks, which stand conveniently angular for this purpose.
Each of the long antenna; is thus drawn along the brush that
fringes the internal face of the other, until both are cleared of
every particle that adhered to them.

FAMILY of ANOMOURS.

PTERYGURES, a subfamily having a pair of moveable ap-
pendages at the extremity of the abdomen.

PAGURIANS, or HERMIT CRABS.

GENUS PAGURUS: the abdomen large and membranous,
turned sideways; the pairs of abdominal feet irregular.
HERMIT CRAB. P. Bernardus. M. Edwards’ Crust., vol.
2, p. 215. P. Streblonyx, Leach’s Malac., pi. 26. Pennant,
pi. 17.

Common and abundant, the smaller in pools left by the tide,
the larger in a considerable depth of water; where they be-
come so large as to occupy Whelk shells (Buccinum) of the
largest size : for as Crabs of this genus are weak and de-
fenceless on the hinder parts of their body, they exercise the
well known habit of residing in the empty shells of various
species of the turbinated family ; moving about in this cover-
ing, from the earliest ascertained stage of their existence, as if
the structure were a portion of their own bodies. They

75

cannot indeed, be easily made to quit this habitation, but shrink
into it on the least appearance of danger; so that the usual
■way in which they fall victims to an enemy is when the shell
and its inhabitant are swallowed together. Few Crustaceans
are more frequently found in the stomachs of fishes; and as
they quit the shell when about to die, they soon become the
food of their devourer, the empty shell being speedily re-
jected from the mouth. These Crustaceans also quit their
assumed tabernacle from increase of size, which as in others,
is at the. time of exuviation ; and on one occasion when I was
observing the combat of a pair in captivity, the smaller, which
seemed to have felt itself fettered by its unwieldy covering,
Initted the encumbrance, and manceuvered round the enemy
with great alacrity in its naked condition. They often seize
the fisherman’s bait, and are drawn up in deep water by the
line; and in feeding I have seen it hold the prey with the
smaller (or left) band, while the other was engaged in uipping
off pieces and conveying them to the mouth. They breed
When of small size, the pea being thrown round on the back ;
f r om which position it is certain that they must quit the shell
'n order to deposit it.

SMOOTH HANDED HERMIT CRAB. P. Prideauxii.
M. Edwards’ Crust., vol. 2, p. 216. Leach’s Malac., pi. 26.
More scarce than the last species.

I have examined a specimen of this Genus, with a line of
hair encompassing the thorax, with a few rather long fibres
j*lso pointing forward from the first segment of the. abdomen;
out further observation is necessary to decide whether it be a
mstinct species.

PORCELL ANI AN S.

Venus porcellana: carapace nearly circular ; the
hands broad and twisted; the binder pair of legs slight and
Weak, bent on the others, and ending with a finger. The
abdomen bent under as in Brachyures, but ending in a fan
shaped tail.

MAIRY CRAB. P. Platychelus. M. Edwards’ Crust., vol.
2, p. 255. Pennant, pi. 6, fig. 12.

Abundant under stones at low water mark. It is incapable
moving in any direction except backward, not lifting its
c .aws, but drawing them after it; the antennas lying on the
S| des of the carapace in the direction of its march. Unlike
? Ur other Crabs, it does not wail for an attack to throw off its
e S s ; but seizing an enemy with the nippers, it leaves them to
a U the injury of which they are capable, whilst itself has
^treated to a place of safety.

^ONG HORNED PORCELLANA. P. Longiconm, M.
Edwards’ Crust., vol. 2, p. 257. Pisidia L. Leach’s Malac.
"ennant pi. 1 fig. 3. Common.

70

LEACH’S P OR CELL ANA . P. Leachii, Gray’s Zool.
Misc., p. 15. Conmion.

Beside these I possess a spcimen of a minute species which,
though much resembling the latter, yet differs from it in seve-
ral particulars. The Carapace advances further in front,
where it is divided into three scarcely separated portions,
somewhat resembling the P. Longicornis : and retiring from
this it turns off angularly towards the eyes. On the ridge of
the second section of the handlegs are two well marked spines ;
the three remaining are rather shorter than in the last species
and margined thinly with hairs, whereas in the other they arc
smooth. I found this specimen on a coralline from deep water,
and in ignorance of its being hitherto described, I have pro-
visionally named it

P. Acanthechelcs. Couch’s M.S. and fig.
FAMILY of MACRO URES.

This is divided into the following sections :
CUIRASSIANS: crust remarkably thick and hard; cara-
pace depressed and wide; without a moveable scale below
the second pair of antennae.

ASTACIANS: crust firm; body lengthened and somewhat
compressed ; abdomen large, but less developed in propor-
tion to the thorax than in the salicoques ; a moveable scale
below the outer antenna;.

SALICOQUES : the body compressed laterally; abdomen
large, its covering horny; scale below the outer antenna;
large, the natatory false legs covered by the lateral enlarge-
ment of the abdominal rings. Caudal fan large.

The Cuirassians are further divided into the following
sub-families :

GALATHEANS: fifth pair of legs slender and not fit for
walking, but bent up under the base of the preceding.
LANGOUSTIANS : fifth pair of legs as the others, and not
bent up ; hands with an imperfect finger, the other legs
without that organ.

GALATHEANS.

GENUS GALA THE A : the carapace covered with trans-
verse sections edged with short hair; snout advanced and
s pinv ; half of the abdomen permanently bent under.
PLATED LOBSTER. G. Strigosa. M. Edwards’ Crust ,
vol. 2, p. 273. G. Spinigera, Leach’s Malac., pi. 28. Pen-
naut, pi. 14, fig. 26.

Common and in its younger state not easily distinguished
from the next species. It is incapable of any motion but
backward, and rarely rises above the bottom, where by a la-
borious motion of its tail it contrives to retreat from its ene-
mies; but its usual progress is creeping, and by the legs only.

77

3 Squamifera. M. Edwards’ Crust., vol. 2,

p. 275. Leach s Malac., pi. 28. Common, under stones
at low water mark.

LANGOUSTIANS.

GENUS PALINURUS: the body almost cylindrical; in
front a deep depression, having on each side a prominent
spine, with others scattered about. The legs one-fin^ered
CRAWFISH, RED CRAB. P. Vulgaris. M. Edwards’
Crust., vol. 2, p. 292. Leach’s Malac., pi. 30. Cancer
Homarus, Pennant, pi. 11, fig. 22.

A large and valuable species, inhabiting along the borders
rocks, where it is often taken in Crab pots ; which however
Jts long and unyielding antenme frequently hinder it from en-
uring. Keeping in companies it also gets entangled in the
trammel Net, and in some abundance on the fishermen’s
j'Ues. It meets a ready sale in the market, though not so
highly esteemed for the table as the Lobster.

GENUS CALL1ANASSA : the integuments, except of the
claw legs, soft; caudal plates large and foliaceons; second
pair of legs didactyle, of the third pair larger at their ends.
BURYING SHRIMP. C. Subterranea. M. Edwards’
Crust., vol. 2, p. 309. Leach’s Malac., pi. 32.

GENUS AXIUS: integuments moderately firm. Caudal
plates large and foliaceons ; second pair of legs didactyle,
the third pair slender and not enlarged at the end. Cara-
pace with a slightly projecting snout.

‘"'LOW SHRIMP. A. Stirynchus, M. Edwards’ Crust., vol.
2, p. 311. Leach’s Malac., pi. 33. The male of what I
judge to be the same species differs from the female, in the
snout, which in my specimen of the latter was finely not-
ched, and without the well marked longitudinal ridge of the
former. The outer antennae of the male are furnished with
a ridge of firm hair on their inward line, decreasing towards
fhe point, which the female is without, and the former also
has well marked brushes near the lateral edges of the ab-
dominal rings. This species, like those of the Genus Cal-
jianassa, has the habit of burrowing in the sand, from which
>t rarely emerges ; and then it seeks shelter in a crevice
covered with weeds, for it is sluggish in its motions, and if
distant from a soft bottom in which to sink, incapable of
escaping an enemy. A female, that I obtained loaded with
was dug out of the sand in the middle of summer.
GEB1A : carapace terminating in a rostrum lar"-e
enough to conceal the eyes, the sides forming a ridge pass-
,n S back and encircling the region of the stomach. Outer
antennae without a scale. Abdomen long, more enlarged

L

spawn,

genus

78

behind, the caudal plates large. The clawlegs straitened,
the moveable finger large, but not met by a corresponding
portion in opposition. The following legs one-fingered,
those of the second pair having the next to the last articula-
tion large and ciliated.

G. Ste.llata. M. Edwards’ Crust., vol. 2, p. 313.

Leach’s Malac., pi. 31.

G. Deltura. M. Edwards’ Crust., vol. 2, p. 214. Leach’s
Malac., pi. 31.

I find what appears to me to be the latter species, in abun-
dance in Ray fishes (Raia Maculata and R. Clavata) caught
in from 30 to 50 fathoms of water.

ASTACIANS — SHRIMPS and LOBSTERS.
GENUS HOAfARUS : the rostrum armed with a few spines
on each side ; scale of the outer antennae very small and
like a tooth. The hands large, ovate, compressed.
LOBSTER. 77. Vulgaris. M. Edwards’ Crust., vol. 2, p.
334. Astacus Marinus, Pennant, pi. 10, fig. 21.

Lobsters are common among the borders of not very elevated
rocks, from close to the shore to the depth of about 20 fathoms.
It is certain that they are less abundant at present than about
the beginning of the present century ; for whilst now, with an
hundred pots, a dozen in a day is regarded as tolerable success,
persons now living have caught above an hundred in the same
space, and in one instance an hundred and forty seven. One
fisherman has taken G40 in a week, where now another has se-
cured only 300 in a season. The reason assigned for this falling
off is that the fishery for congers is not followed as formerly ;
and it is certain that this fish feeds eagerly on them. Perhaps
however, too little is ascribed to the increased demand in the
market, and the consequent extension of the fishery ; for the
number of edible crabs has also diminished within the few
years that an advanced price has been obtained for them. On
the coast of Scotland, where it does not appear that fishes
likely to destroy them are less abundant than with us. Lobsters
are in great multitudes; for Sir Wm. Jardine informs us that
at Montrose, from GO, 000 to 70,000 are annually sent to Lon-
don, at the rate of 2^d. for each Lobster of full size.

Lobsters do not wander much from their accustomed haunts,
and hence the discovery of a new station is a fortunate circum-
stance for the fisherman ; and each situation is found to im-
press its own shade of colour on the shell. The same means
are employed in fishing for Lobsters as for Crabs; but whilst
the Crab prefers bait perfectly fresh, the Lobster is attracted
by that which has hung up to become tainted, or has been pre-
served by salting. Some other particulars of this fishery are
given when speaking of the common crab.

79

GENUS CRANGON : Carapace somewhat depressed, with
only the rudiment of a rostrum, antennas inserted on about
the same transverse line, on the outer side a large scale.
The claw legs expanded, the moveable finger opposed to a
slight rudiment of a process.

Sand SHRIMP. C. Vulgaris. M. Edwards’ Crust., vol.
2, p. 341. Leach’s Malac. pi. 37. Astacus C. Pennant,
pi. 15. fig. 30.

Common in harbours on a sandy bottom, in which it buries
'tself ; an operation performed by the aid of the hinder legs,
but it heaps the loose sand on itself by the action of the
a ntenn3e.

Rough SAND SHRIMP. C. Cataphractus. M. Ed-
wards’ Crust., vol. 2, p. 343, Pontophilus Spinosus,
Leach’s Malac. pi. 37.

I have possessed only one specimen, which came from the
stomach of a fish takeu at a depth of from 12 to 15 fathoms.

GENUS AUTONOMEA: eyes on short footstalks, project-
ing from beneath the border of the carapace. 1 he snout
scarcely passing beyond the eyes. The inner antennas
double, one filament much longer than the other. Outer
antennso slender, and much longer than the body, hirst
pair of legs only with hands.

LONG HORNED SHRIMP. A. OHvU. M. Edwards’
Crust., vol. 2, p. 361. _ _

This species has been hitherto unknown as British, but I
nave examined several specimens taken from the stomachs of
fishes from the depth of 15 or 20 fathoms. Some of these
Were of larger size than described from the Mediterranean :
°ne, not the largest measuring 3 inches from snout to tail,
With antennas of the length of 5 inches.

GENUS B1PPOLYTE : Carapace inflated on the top ; ros-
trum large, compressed, toothed.

BRANCH’S HIPPOLYTE. B. Cranclni M. Edwards
Crust., vol. 2, p. 376. Leach’s Malac., pi. 38.

Common in crab boats, and consequently living where the
fishery is carried on for Lobsters.

GENUS PANBALUS: The two first legs single fingered,
the second pair slender and with a minute finger. Rostrum
long, elevated towards the end, and toothed above and
below.

LONG SNOUTED SHRIMP. P. Annulicornis. M. Ed-
wards’ Crust., vol. 2, p. 384. Common in crab boats.
There appear to be two other species of this minute genus
our coasts ; which I have been accustomed to call iEsop
Shrimps, from their habit of bending up the back into an
,, Urn P ; but further observation is necessary to decide whether
b e y are known to Naturalists.

80

GENUS PAL2EM0N : Carapace elongated into a serrated
snout of considerable length; inner antenna; with three
processes having numerous articulations. Second pair of
legs stouter than the anterior, and two-fingered like them.
PRAWN. P. Serratus. M. Edwards’ Crust., vol, 2, p. 389.
Leach s Malao., pi. 43. Astacus S. Pennant, pi. 16. fig. 28.

A common species, found of largest size on the rockiest
coasts, where it seeks the shelter of large stones and places
overhung with weeds. It prefers the stillest waters, advance-
ing and retiring with the tide; in Summer preferring water
that has a distinct feeling of warmth, and in winter going into
what is at that season less cold than at the margin, but never
far from land.

It is sought after as a delicacy, the usual method of taking
it being with a bag net suspended from a circular ring of iron
at the end of a pole. Another method is by small pots, re-
sembling those employed for the Crab and Lobster. The
Prawn is a tempting bait for most sea fishes.

SHRIMP PRAWN. P. S (juilla. M. Edwards’ Crust.,
vol. 2, p. 390. Leach’s Malac., pi. 43.

Scarce, and generally confounded with the last named species.

The FAMILY of STOMAPODS,

Is formed of stalk- eyed Crustaceans that are destitute of bran -
chioe in interior cavities. It is divided into
CAR! DIOIDANS, haviug legs formed alike, and fitted for
swimming; the carapace reflexed against the base of the
legs, aud again nearly covering the thorax, abdomen much
developed.

SINGLE CUIRASSIANS ; the legs various, the first large
and cheliform, the three next short and snbeheliform, the
three last slender and natatory. Most of the thoracic rings
distinct, abdomen well developed.

CARIDIOIDANS.

OPOSSUM SHRIMPS.

GENUS MY SIS: The form slender and lengthened; scale
slender, on a long peduncle. Thoracic legs slender and
bifid, each anterior one shortest, abdominal paddles minute
and simple.

OPOSSUM SHRIMP. M. Spinulosus. M. Edwards’ Crust.,
vol. 2, p. 457.

Common in summer, when it draws near the shallows from
deeper water : it also enters rivers in multitudes, forming a
long line of migration, at which season it is much devoured
by the Trout. Its English name is taken from its habit of
carrying the eggs in a receptacle under the thorax until they
are hatched as in the analogous genus of Quadrupeds, the
Opossum tribe.

81

There are other species, as well as the nearly allied Genus
Cynthia, on our coast; but they are here omitted for want of
a recent opportunity for comparison.

SINGLE CUIRASSIANS.

SQUILLIANS.

GENUS SQUILLA : the carapace in three distinct lobes;
lateral appendix of the three last thoracic legs long, slender
and styliforiu. Claws of the hands flat and strongly denti-
culated on the inner border.

UESMAREST’S SQUILLA. S. Desmarestii. M. Edwards’
Crust., vol. 2, p. 523. Loudon’s Mag. Nat., Hist. vol. 6,
P. 230 and vol. 8, p. 462.

Hare. A few specimens have come into my possession ;
and it seems to be the species alluded to by Pennant and Tur-
l °n, under the name of Mantis.

SEPIADJ5.

CUTTLE FISHES.

GENUS SEPIA : The body furnished with a narrow fin
round its circumference.

°OM CUTTLE. & Officinalis. Fleming’s Br. An., p. 252.

figure in Gesner’s Nomenclator, de Mollibus, p. 186.

, Common, keeping near the bottom ; and l have known
jdndreds, or perhaps thousands, to be found swimming, their
}j ea ds having been bitten off by an herd of Cetaceans, which
b *d been unable to swallow the body, on account of the hard
sbe U, that had been broken in the effort. This internal shell
°f dorsal bone, is used for polishing, and has had medical
Vl rtues ascribed to it : being used with other ingredients,
Un der the name of Mouseshell, to excite perspiration.
GENUS LOLIGO: Sides of the body only having fins.
CUTTLE. L. Vulgaris. Fleming’s Br. An., p 252. Sepia
E- Lin., Pennant, vol. 4, pi. 27. fig. 43. Common, and
sometimes abundant, but changing quarters according to the
season and weather. In the autumn companies of them,
either in eagerness after prey, or through fear, will some-
times rush on the shore anil be stranded. On the occur-
ence of a difficulty, their colour changes to dark red, and
011 the appearance of an enemy their method ot escape,
c °minon to the genus, is to diffuse their ink in the water,
escaping under cover of the obscurity ; and this may be
done two or three times in succession, the advance or re-
treat being without turning the body.

, The Cuttle is a favourite bait among fishermen, few fish
eing a b] e to resist it. To catch them they are enticed near
, , le b °at by a bait, and then secured with a rod armed at the
J °d with several hooks; but they are easily caught at night,

82

by the attraction of a light. They will devour fishes that are
left for a time dead in a net; and arc themselves excellent food
bearing a considerable resemblance to tripe.

SQUID. L. Media. Fleming’s Br. An., p. 253. Pennant,
pi. 29. fitr. 45. Abundant, but rarer in winter.

SMALL W INGED CUTTLE. L. Sepiola. Fleming’s Br.
An., p. 253. Pennant, pi. 29. fig. 46.

I have seen only one specimen, which I took from the sto-
mach of a Whiting ; and this differed from Pennant's figure
in having the hinder margin of the fins opposite the middle of
the body, whereas in the plate referred to, they are placed far
behind.

GENUS OCTOPUS: Creeping Cuttle.

NEGUER. O. Vulgaris. Fleming’s Br. An., p. 253. The
figure in Pennant, pi. 28. fig. 44, well represents this species,
except that in this the suckers are in a double row. Com-
mon. It is scarcely capable of swimming; but it is a com-
mon amusement of boys to cause it to climb up the ascent
of a pole or mast.

RADIATED ANIMALS.

With organs regularly branched from, a common centre.
GEVUS ECHINUS: Sea Eggs.

SEA EGG, SEA HOG. E. Escnlentus. Fleming’s Br. An.
p. 478. Pennant, vol. 4, pi. 34. fig. 74, without the spines.
Common.

Motion is effected by suckers at the end of tendrils, the spines
acting as levers or crutches; and so firmly will the disks ad-
here, that they are sometimes torn off in removing it from its
station on the rock Slow in motion and without any apparent
organ of sense, this creature will enter the crabpot and mount
over the rods on the inner side, to the bait, placed as it is in
a seemingly inaccessible situation
GENUS SPATANGUS: Sand Eggs.

SAND EGG. S. Lordatus. Fleming’s Br. An,, p. 480.
Pennant, pi. 3. fig. 75. Local, but in some sandy places
common. It burrows by means of the lesser spines, and
then covers itself by the aid of the long ones on the back ;
which thus have a very different office from those of the
Genus Echinus.

OVAL SAND EGG. S. Ovatus. Fleming’s Br. An., p>
480. Less common.

GENUS ECIIINOCYAMUS: Flat Sand eggs'.

LITTLE SAND EGG. E. Pusillus. Fleming’s Br. An.,
p. 481. Borlase’s Nat. Hist. Corn., pi. 28, fig. 26,

83

STARFISHES.

G ENU$ ASTERIAS:— first section, the margin of the body
with five angles. Cake Starfishes.
fHlN STARFISH. A. Cartilaginea. Fleming’s Br. A.,
P-485. A. Placenta, Pennant, pi. 31, fig. 590. Common,
'n rather deep water.

GIBBOUS STARFISH. A. Gibbosa. Fleming’s Br. A.,
P- 487. Borlase’s Nat. II. Corn., pi. 25, fig. 25, 26. Com-
Dion, in pools left by the tide.

j BHNSTON’S STARFISH. A . Johnstonii. Loudon s Mag.
Nat. H.,vol. 9, p. 146, but there represented with only four
angles. It seems as yet uncertain whether this be the same
a* the A. Equestris, Flcin. Br. An., p. 486. . I have seen
only one specimen; but this and other species would pro-
bably be found abundant, if the contents of the Trawl net
"'ere more frequently examined,
n Second section : the body divided into rays.

^ALE RED STARFISH. A. Rubens. Fleming’s Br. A.,
A P- 486. Pennant, pi. 30, fig. 58. Common.
AIANYRAYED STARFISH. A. Papposa. Fleming’s Br.

A., p. 487. London’s Mag. Nat. II., vol. 9, p. 475. Rare
. within my observation.

^BAM STARFISH. A. Glacialis. Fleming’s Br. A., p.

487, Abundant in tbe early mouths of spring, but they
<retiro to deeper water in summer.

*BINY STARFISH. A. Spinosa. Fleming’s Br. A., p.

487. Borlase’s Nat. H., Cornwall.

U °TTED STARFISH. A. Oculata Fleming’s Br. A., p.
- 487. Pennant, pi. 30, fig. 56. Not uncommon.

OPUIURA— Snake Starfishes.

GRANULAR SNAKE STAR. O. Granulata. Fleming’s

^ UUrtJV OXw 11 _

t B r - An. p. 448. Loudon’s Mag. Nat. H., vol. 8, p. 596.
B j ^ARD TAIL. 0. Bracleata. Fleming’s Br. A., p. 488.

London’s Mag. Nat. IL, vol. 8, p. 466.
bLNgarmED SNAKE STAR. O. Bracliiala. Fleming’s
n f r. A., p. 488.

,j AISY SNAKESTAR.

i> .488. Loudon’s Ma
BLADED SNAKESTAR.
* P- 489.

wIINut

O. Beilis. Fleming’s Br. A., p.
g. Nat. II., vol. 8, p. 595.

STAR. O. Rosula. Fleming’s Br. A.
Loudon’s Mag. Nat. II., vol. 9, p. 231.
x - fE SNAKESTAR. O. Ncglecta. Loudon’s Mag.
Nat. H., vol. 8, p. 467.

Lhe whole family of Starfishes, though seemingly sluggish
r , e v °racious, feeding mostly on shell fish, which they swallow
“°' e , and rejecting the shells when the animal has been di-
swu 1 *' II is scarcely to be imagined how they contrive to
wallow this p re y, of the size sometimes found within them ;

84

I have known the Rostellaria Pos Pelicani of full size, to be
taken from the stomach of a small Clam Star and a Venus of
the width of half a crown from that of the many rayed Star of
not more than twice its diameter.

GENUS COM ATULA : Double rayed Starfishes.

MANY ARMED COMATULA. C. Rosacea. Flemings
Br. A., p. 490. °

FEWER ARMED COMATULA. C. Barbata. Flem-
ing’s Br. A., p. 490. Pennant, pi. 33, fig. 71. Often iD
Crab boats.

GENUS ASTROPHYTON: Medusa’s Heads.

WARTY MEDUSA S HEAD. A. Scutatum. Fleming’s
Br. A., p. 489. A. Caput, Medusa?, Turton. Borlase°is
our authority for the occurrence of this rare species in
Cornwall.

L. E. Gillet, Printer, 4, Prince's Street, Truro.