Page:Natural History, Fishes.djvu/235

Rh are seen on particular scales: the edges of these undulations actually overlap each other, a curious peculiarity of structure. The scales of the lateral line are not furnished with tubes as usual, but are simply cut with a deep narrow incision, through which an outlet is afforded to the mucus, with

which the body of this fish is so profusely lubricated. The above engraving represents scales from different parts of the body: a, is from the back, and has but two undulations; b, is from the lateral line, and has three; c, is from the belly, and has four.

The portrait of the Pike is drawn in the following lively, but not very flattering colours, by ‘Ephemera,’–“He is a greedy, unsociable, tyrannizing savage, and is hated like a Bluebeard. Everybody girds at him with spear, gaff, hook, net, snare, and even with powder and shot. He has not a friend in the world. The horrible gorge-hook is specially invented for the torment of his maw. Notwithstanding, he fights his way vigorously, grows into immense strength, despite his