VARYING COLOURS IN FISHES. 77 



can scarcely be doubted that this is nothing more than 

 a meagre specimen of what happens among other spe- 

 cies and famihes ; so that even cold-blooded fishes 

 yield striking examples of highly interesting instincts 

 exercised for most benevolent and beneficial purposes. 



In proceeding to offer a few remarks upon the Co- 

 lours, and more especially the Varying Colours, 

 of fishes, we are not so much influenced by the cir- 

 cumstance that new facts have recently been brought 

 under review, as by the conviction that much yet 

 remains to be done ere all the light which is de- 

 sirable in a scientific point of view, be thrown upon 

 this interesting topic. If the lovely tints, so rich 

 and varied, lavishly strewed under our feet by 

 Flora's hand, excite the admiration of the peasant, 

 and the investigations of the philosopher, sure we 

 are that the still more brilliant hues presented un- 

 der apparently less favouring circumstances by the 

 tenants of the world of waters, demand a no less 

 serious and attentive regard. 



It has been suggested that in some circumstances 

 there exists an identity between the varying tints 

 of a fish, and those which have engaged so much 

 attention in the Chamelion : and it will scarcely 

 admit of doubt, that the circulation of the blood in 

 the minute capillaries then plays a part, when 



" It dies like parting day, 



each pang imbued 



With a new colour, as it gasps away. 



The last still loveliest, till — 'tis gone, and all is gray. 



