Hirundo: The Flying Fish.
This Fish had a small Mouth without Teeth: The Body somewhat long
and round: The two Finns behind the Gills are extraordinary large,
and spread very wide. On the hind-part of the Back was another small
Finn, and under it on the Belly was a fourth. The Tail large and
forked: The Scales like those of a Herring, but of a darker Colour.
These Fish are seen in most Parts of the Torrid Zone, and
inhabit not the Northern Climates; yet in Summer some few wander
to the Latitude of 40 Degrees.
As they are a Prey to both Fish and Fowl, Nature has given them
those large Finns, which serve them not only for Swimming, but likewise
for Flight. They are good eating Fish, and are caught plentifully
on the Coasts of Barbados, where at certain Seasons of the
Year the Markets are supplyed with them.
Perca Marina Sectatrix: The Rudder Fish.
This is the common Size of this Fish. The Finn on the Back was
prickly before and not behind: Two Finns were placed behind the
Gills, one under the Abdomen, and a fifth between that and the Tail;
to the forepart of which is joined three sharp pointed Bones: The
upper Part of the Body was brown, with large Spots of dusky yellow;
the under part of the Body was alternately streaked with white and
yellow; the Eyes and Gills were variously colour'd with white, red
and yellow: the Tail forked and red at the End. These Fish are most
commonly seen in warm Climates, and in crossing the Atlantick Ocean
Ships Rudders are seldom free from them: they seem to gather their
Nutriment from the Slime adhering to the Rudder and Bottom of the
Ships; and tho' so small a Fish, they keep Pace with Ships in their
swiftest Course.
Perca fluviatilis gibbosa ventre luteo: The Fresh-Water Pearch.
This Pearch is generally small, rarely growing to the Size of a
Man's Hand: The upper-part of it dusky blue, the Back being darkest;
the Belly yellow; the Gills blue, with some Streaks of dark yellow,
with a red Spot at the Angle of each Gill; joining to which was
a black Spot, which distinguishes it from all the Fish I have ever
seen: It had one Finn on the Back, the forepart of which had prickly
Spines, the hind-part smooth; two behind the Gills, a prickly one
under the Abdomen; and another between that and the Tail, with two
Prickles: The Tail forked, the Tail and Finns brown, except that
under the Abdomen. Of these Fish there are plenty both in Carolina
and Virginia: They are found mostly in MillPonds and other
standing fresh waters: They are called by some Ground Perch, from
their burrowing into, and covering themselves in the Mud or Sand.
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