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FISH.
are a great number of other edible fish which might be deservedly mentioned, but the pages of this work have so multiplied, that I must pass them over without further mention.
CHAPTER LI. Zoology : orb-fish—Echinus, known to the ancients—Hippocampus— Trumpet-fish—Toad-fish—Sea-blubber, and galley-fish—Sea-polypus —Cat-fish—Crabs, oysters, &c.—Turtle—Land-crab—Soldier-crab— Lizards — Guana — Wood-slave — Scorpions—Centipede—Snakes— Tarantula—Cockroach—Caterpillars and butterflies—Ants—Bats— Aquatic birds—Land birds—Humming bird—Anecdote. AMONG the curiosities found about the shores of Antigua, are, first, the orb-fish, sea-porcupine, or orbus-major, as it is severally called. This fish varies from seven inches, to two feet in length ; it has no scales, but is armed with sharp spines, measuring from one to three inches in length, which it can erect at pleasure—the longest of these spines are placed behind the eyes, the shortest beneath the body. The mouth is shaped like a frog ; the eyes are round and prominent, and behind them rises two strong, circular-shaped fins, which it uses with great agility when swimming. The anal and posterior fins are large and curved ; and the tail strong and well adapted for making way through the waters. In the middle of the stomach is a bladder filled with air, by the aid of which it can inflate itself at pleasure, until it presents the figure of a complete sphere. The meat of the orbus is said to be excellent, with exception of the head, which is always thrown away ; it is dressed in the same manner as turtle. When alive, it is a dangerous and formidable enemy in its native element, as it is not blessed with a very amiable temper. And when stuffed, it is an object of great curiosity, and well worthy of a place in a museum. The echinus, or sea-urchin, is another species of the class and