Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from Goldsmith's History of Fishes, Reptiles, Insects &C: With Numerous Original Notes, &C. &C
As most animals that live upon land are furnished with a covering to keep off the in juries Of the weather, so all that live in the water are co vered with a slimy glutinous matter, that, like a sheath, defends their bodies from the immediate contact Of the sur rounding ?uid. This sub stance may be considered as a secretion from the pores of the animal's body; and serv ing not only to defend, but to assist the fish's easy progress through the water. Beneath this, in many kinds, is found a strong covering of scales, that, like a coat of mail, de fend it still more powerfully; and under that, before we come to the muscular parts Of the body, an Oily substance, which supplies the requisite warmth and vigour.
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