3. The number of eggs received by the male 

 from an individual female probably does not ex- 

 ceed a dozen; but, as the male is known to consort 

 with several females, the total number of eggs con- 

 tained in his pouch may reach a hundred or more. 



4. It is probable that incubation lasts for several 

 weeks, although the exact period is unknown. The 

 young when hatched greatly resemble the adults 

 in general appearance. 



5. A month or more ensues before the offspring 

 finally escape from the pouch. In the pouch they 

 are sustained and nourished by a secretion formed 

 by the membranous lining of the interior. 



6. Although frequently found in the extremely 

 shallow waters of bays and open shores, the hippo- 

 campid is inclined to inhabit the deeper areas. 



7. Its presence in the very shallow waters is prob- 

 ably due to the promptings of hunger; were it not 

 for its mode and limited powers of progression, 

 which prevent those rapid migrations which are 

 possible to other deep-water fishes, it is unlikely 

 that the sea-horse would ever be found near the 

 shore or at the surface except at night-time. 



8. Inability to adjust itself to the conditions con- 

 tinuously prevailing in the absence of pressures 



[295] 



