CHAPTEK VI. 



In this chapter I propose to collect a few facts of a 

 miscellaneous character, from various sources, regard- 

 ing Indian fishes, their habits, breeding, etc. There 

 is not much reliable information to be had on these 

 points, as observation is from the nature of the case 

 difficult, and those who take a sufficient interest in the 

 subject to devote their time to careful and patient 

 investigation are few and far between. 



First as regards their habits ; in the cold months 

 the generality of Indian fishes seem to lead a dormant 

 and inactive existence, at least this is the case in 

 Upper India. The rivers at this time are low, and 

 the fish seem to resort to the deeper pools, where they 

 lie quiescent at the bottom, neither seeming to care to 

 move about, nor to feed ; indeed those species that are 

 naturally obliged to come to the surface to breathe at 

 other times of the year, seem at this period able to 

 exist without even a supply of fresh air. 



