an English ton

The Citharinidae is one of the less species-rich families in Africa with only eight species belonging to three genera. Citharinids, commonly known as lutefish, are distributed throughout much of tropical Africa and constitute an important part of artisanal fishing catches.

[…]earth whose tumultuous face I can only compare to the virgin and mad forest which were it in my power I would show in guise of a face to the undeciphering eyes of men [translating French yeux indéchiffreurs]

There had been a downtick in April's enthusiasm for schoolwork — a sprinkling of Bs on her report card.