68 AMPHIBIANS AND FISHES. 



water, besides a forest of aquatic plants to decarbonise 

 and oxygenate it. This estimation is perhaps too high, 

 but there can be no question of the large quantity of 

 water required, especially in tanks where there is not a 

 constant change by circulation. The pike may be fed 

 with minnows or small roach, which will swim about 

 until captured. This generally takes place in the 

 early morning, for pike love to bask in the mid-day 

 light, and are then so oblivious of external things that 

 one of the modes of capturing them is by passing a 

 running noose of copper wire over their heads whilst 

 they are thus meditating. Much has been said re- 

 specting the acclimatisation of the Silurus in this 

 country, and the general establishment of aquaria 

 might tend to settle the question of its practicability. 

 This fish is tolerably common in Germany, Norway, 

 and Sweden, where it grows to a large size. Many ich- 

 thyologists have believed that it could be introduced 

 with advantage into many of our rivers and lakes, 

 where it might be cultivated as an additional staple 

 of human food. Its flesh is said to be of excellent 

 flavour when properly cooked. As the long barbules 

 near the mouth indicate, it is a bottom feeder. It is 

 stated to attain the weight of fifty-six pounds in 

 four years, in waters where food is abundant. The 

 longest of the barbules seem to be put to the same use 

 as the dorsal spines are with its marine representa- 

 tive the angler, or fishing frog (Lophius piscatorius). 

 Yarrell, who wrongly gives the silurus a place among 



