66 MINNOW. 



■what belongs to fishes in general; for, contrary to what takes 

 place in creatures that are higher in the scale of nature, almost 

 all fishes breed long before they have reached their full extent 

 of -growth. Yet among Minnows there are found more males 

 than females, and the season of spawning, which is in the 

 middle of summer, appears to be short for each individual; 

 although an observation of Aristotle, which appears to be 

 confirmed by the experience of others, is sufficient to shew that 

 the younger fishes may have produced a progeny sufficient to 

 provide a second growth before the expiration of the same 

 season. As the colder weather approaches they certainly cease 

 to breed. 



The spawn is deposited in sandy ground, and in a very 

 short time the young escape from the egg; but at this early 

 stage of existence, as enemies are numerous, they are said to 

 seek concealment from danger by burying themselves in the 

 sand. As it is known also that they are not usually to be 

 discovered in the colder months of the year, it is to be supposed 

 that at this season some similar mode of concealment or shelter 

 is again resorted to. 



Naturally the Minnow is a timid fish: as it may well be 

 where every inhabitant of the stream is a dangerous enemy. 

 But it may be rendered tame without difficulty, and in a tank 

 it will take food from the hand, and even attend on the 

 motions of a friend. In the river it readily seizes a bait, and 

 will even hold it so fast with the jaws as to suffer itself to 

 be thus lifted out of the water. And when not disturbed it is 

 amusing: to see them assemble in order to devour some dead 

 animal substance, which may even chance to be the body of 

 one of their own species. They arrange themselves in the form 

 of a ring, which has been compared to that formed by the 

 petals of a flower, with their heads lower than the level of 

 their bodies; and in this situation no one jostles another. But 

 however peaceable among themselves, the circle must not be 

 broken into by a stranger; for on the approach of such the 

 most powerful of the company will qviit his station to drive 

 him away; while his place is kept vacant by his companions 

 until his return to the feast. 



The Minnow seldom exceeds three inches in length; the 

 shape solid and robust, but lengthened in proportion to the 



