LOCAL JOTTINGS. 139 



and unlike the Loach easily becomes the prey of the school-boy. T have 

 never known it or the Loach eaten. Mr. Yarrell^ in one of his works, of 

 which I unfortunately forget the title, gives an entertaining explanation of the 

 origin of the names by which this curious fish is commonly known. It lurks 

 also under stones, and feeds on aquatic insects, etc. 



The Sticklehach, or Thornhaclc, (Gasterosteus aculeatus.) — This curious little 

 fish abounds here, but is of very small size — not more than an inch and a half 

 in length. It is of a green colour, with belly white, but sometimes streaked 

 with crimson. There are three sharp spines on the back, which it can raise 

 at will. It is very voracious. 



I am not aware if either the Roach, Perch, or Gudgeon be found in this 

 river, but I have never seen any of them within the distance I have men- 

 tioned, and taken as the field of my observation. 



There are a few other little residents in and near our stream, a notice of 

 which should be appended as a finale to my observations on this river. These are 



The Leech, (Hirudo.) — Thi.s well-known creature is found rather abun- 

 dantly in and near the main river, and is of a darker colour than many I 

 have seen in rivers in ITamjishire and elsewhere. They do not, however, attain 

 to a large size. 



The Fivfj, (Rana temporaria.) — Immense numbers of these little reptiles are 

 seen in early summer in the river and water meadows near this town of all sizes, 

 and generally very bright in colour. Toads are comparatively very scarce in this 

 neighbourhood. I have often been puzzled to find out how these little gentry, 

 the Frogs, could get into a wine-cellar of mine. I used frequently to have 

 them taken out and every nook and cranny cleaned and scraped most thor- 

 oughly, and yet to my surprise and annoyance more constantly appeared. I 

 have never been able to account satisfactorily for this to myself, especially as 

 the temperature is always about equal, and the cellar not very damp. 



The Water-Newt, (Triton cristatus ) — This beautiful little reptile is seen 

 here occasionally, and I have already mentioned the subject at page 142 of 

 the first volume of ^^The Naturalist," and ought therein to have alluded to 

 this species of reptile. It is found in stagnant waters, and feeds on insects. 



The Water-Bat, (Arvicola ampliibia.) — The banks in many parts of the 

 stream are, much to the annoyance of the agriculturists, undermined with the 

 burrows of these industrious little animals. It is perfectly harmless, and feeds 

 entirely on roots and vegetables; although from its being so much like the 

 Common Rat, it is looked upon as a carnivorous animal, and much persecuted. 

 It swims and dives remarkably well, and is very timid, seldom being seen, 

 \inless carefully watched for. It is difficult to discover the entrance to their 

 burrows, as it is generally close to the water's edge. 



There are some pretty species of Fresh-water Shell-fish found here, of 

 which I propose speaking in a future article. 



April 2nd., 18ij2. 



