Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 4 (1846).djvu/174

1340 genus a couple of others, that are marked by the occurrence of seven branchial orifices ; on which account the latter have been formed into the genus Heptanchus by the two above-named German naturalists. It is more easy to raise objections to any proposed arrangement of this family of fishes, than to form a new one ; and at least a more ex- tensive acquaintance with the species must be obtained, before a classification can be made that will stand the test of close inquiry, as a natural series. Cuvier has remarked, that though the teeth of this fish have been well figured, the fish itself is no where well repre- sented. But he is wanting in his usual accuracy when he adds, that it differs from Galeus only in the absence of the first dorsal fin ; for beside the greater width of the head, which is a sign of less activity ; and the different form of the teeth, that leads to a different mode of feeding ; the much superior length of the tail, and the singular ridge or spines along its superior margin, which must be employed in a dif- ferent mode of defence, and which assimilates it to the Black-mouthed Dogfish (Scyllium Melanostomum), are quite sufficient to show it widely distinct. In this last particular, indeed, it approaches the genus Pristiurus of Muller and Henle, while its snout bears an inter- mediate character between it and the genus Scyllium ; so that it is equally allied, and yet equally distinct from either of them. In its habits it is undoubtedly a ground shark ; and Risso says that it keeps in very deep water in the Mediterranean, in some parts of which it is said to be not uncommon, though Swainson never met with it during six years that he resided in Sicily. The ground sharks, with us, are very inactive ; and the fisherman who caught this fish informed me, that it scarcely moved after it was taken into the boat.

Curious mode of fishing in India. — I have never seen the following Indian mode of fishing noticed in any work. It is practised about Midnapour in Bengal, where I resided for some time and constantly partook of its fruit. It is at least a good illus- tration of native patience. The spear consists of from eight to ten pieces of very light reed, about a finger in thickness, each piece from four to five feet long. These joints fit neatly into one another (like a fishing rod), the ends being bound with thin strips of cane to prevent their splitting. The last joint carries a light iron, and is barbed double, and the whole tapering from the but to the point. The fisherman stands on the bank of the stream, and having fixed a piece of red flannel or cloth on the barbs, deliberately pushes out the spear into the stream at right angles to the bank, adding joint to joint until he reaches a length of from thirty to forty feet. He then, perhaps, feels he has a fish, and slowly takes it to pieces, until he has landed his captive, — generally a kind