NESTS OF FIFTEEN-SPINED STICKLEBACK. 249 



Sticklebacks in Prussia are used for feeding ducks and 

 pigs. I do not see why they should not be utilised in 

 this country. 



The Fifteen- spined Stickleback — Cornwall; Bismore, 

 Orkney {Gasterosteus spinacliia ; German : Dornjisch) 

 — will at once be recognised by its many spines, pro- 

 longed tail, and elongated snout, the under jaw pro- 

 jecting. The nest was first noticed by Mr. Couch, on 

 the Cornish coast, 1842, and has since been observed 

 by other naturalists. It is composed of pendant sea- 

 weeds, bound together by a silk-like thread into pear- 

 shaped masses, in the centre of which the spawn is 

 deposited. One of these nests was visited every day for 

 three weeks by Mr. Couch, and the old fish was in- 

 variably found guarding it. When any part of the nest 

 was removed, the creatm^e immediately set about re- 

 pairing the damage, by drawing together the sides of 

 the opening, so as again to conceal the eggs, which had 

 been exposed to view. As great force was necessary to 

 effect this, the fish would thrust its snout into the nest, 

 as far as the eyes, and then jerk backwards, till its 

 object was effected. While thus engaged, it would 

 suffer itself to be taken in the hand, but repelled any 

 attack made on the nest. 



In Land and Water, No. 39, October 20, 1866, is an 

 engraving of the nest of this stickleback, which was 

 found on the coast of Northumberland, and was kindly 

 forwarded to me by Mr. Robert Embleton, of Chathill. 

 It consists of fronds of sea-weed, fastened together by 

 means of threads ; how the fish managed to secrete 

 these threads, and subsequently to bind up the weeds 

 with them, is beyond my comprehension. The nest 

 itself can be seen in my museum. 



I am very much indebted to our fi'iend Mr. Eeid, of 



