It deserves
the bad eminence to which it has been raised by the blacks on accounts
of looks alone, and if the poisonous qualities are in line with its
hideousness, one can but pause and ponder why and wherefore such a
creature has existence in "this best of all possible worlds." But it is
known that to the Chinese it is dainty. They pay for it with good grace
as much as 2s. 6d. per lb., and the flavour is said to resemble crab.
BURRA-REE
Another inhabitant of the coral garden to be avoided is the balloon fish
(TETRAODON OCELLATUS), which distends itself to the utmost capacity of
its oval body when lifted from the water. The flesh is generally
believed to be poisonous, though of tempting appearance. Authorities
assert that the pernicious principle is confined to the liver and
ovaries, and that if these are removed as soon as the fish is captured
the flesh may be eaten with impunity. Let others careless of pain and
tired of life, experiment. Middle-aged blacks tell that when a monstrous
"Burra-ree" was speared here, notwithstanding its evil repute, some of
the hungry ones cooked and ate of it. All who did so died or were sick
unto death.
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