[194] In his “Messenia,” for instance. The fragment has been preserved by Ælian, Hist. Anim. B. xiii. c. 4. Ajasson remarks that the ancients clearly mistook the swimming bladder of the fish for the gall.
[195] Or “heaven-gazer.”
[196] The original has “ab oculo quem,”—but we have adopted the reading suggested by Dalechamps, “Ab oculis quos in superiore capite.” Ajasson says that the white rascasse has the eyes so disposed on the upper part of the head as to have the appearance of gazing upwards at the heavens. Hence it is that at Genoa, the fish is commonly known as the prête or “priest.”
[197] See B. ix. c. 32.
[198] See Chapter [17] of the present Book.
[199] “Albugines.”
[200] Meaning, literally, “Fallen from Jupiter,” in reference to their supposed descent from heaven in showers of rain.
[201] Cortex.
[202] See B. xxxiv. cc. [22], [23].
[203] “Ossiculo.”