Volume 1

The history of British fishes / [Robert Hamilton].

  • Hamilton, Robert, M.D.
Date:
[1876]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The history of British fishes / [Robert Hamilton]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    General Hardwick, wlio observed it in the Isle of France. “ During my residence,” says tlie General, “ for some months in this island, I have witnessed the propensity evinced by some fishes for the pre- servation of their vouncr. In the tanks and fresh- water preserves the ])ro]>rietors bred tlie fish just named. The siimular habits of tlie creature in tlie breeding season must have been often observed; for at this time they frequent tlie sides of the tanks, which afford shelter from a (piantity of grass grow- ing about them, the culms of which trail and stretch several feet into the water, and supply cover to the operations going on while the goramy is busied in completing the deposition of its spawn. They arc for several days seen very active, passing in and out of the grassy cover, and thickening it in some places by entangling the trailing shoots, and form- ing what is commonly considered the spot under which the deposit is made.” To this we add, that abundant is the evidence now supplied of the anxious jiarental care which is exhibited by many fishes for the welfare of their oflTspring. Thus, to refer again, for a mo- ment, to the instances already adduciid. Of the Stickle-back, Dr. Johnston remarks: “ For a time the fish is apparently very anxious for tlie safetv of its nest and spawn. Some individuals were watched by Messrs. Duncan and Turnbnll for weeks, and it was observed that tne same fish was .always in at- tendance upon its own nest. During the time of hope and expectation they become fearless, and will