778 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



a furtlier insight into the life and the liabits of fishes. In former tinses 

 fishes were considered mute, impassive, and possessed of but little intel- 

 ligence ; nowadays we know that in these respects they can claim to 

 rank as equals with many inhabitants of terra Jirma. A case in view 

 is the Cydopterus lumpus. This fish* shows a decided attachment 

 to its young, and is often seen with numerous little ones, of which 

 it takes the best possible care. It is found chiefly near England's 



Fig. \.— Cydopterus lumpi/x. the Lumppish, with its Young. 



shores, and along the coast of Maine in America. The Cydopterus has 

 a peculiar form ; its body displays many spots, swellings, and lumps 

 which are partially arranged in regular order. It is, generally speak- 

 ing, not a dangerous creature, never doing harm to any of its fel- 

 low-fish. It is defenseless and harmless, and on account of its un- 

 wieldy shape moves awkwardly and comparatively slowly. The only 

 weapon this animal really possesses is its extreme ugliness, its uncouth 

 form, which frightens its enemies and not infrequently scares them 

 away. The young of the Cydopterus follow their mother as little 

 chicks are wont to follow a hen ; they play and frolic about her, and 

 are as obedient as little chicks are to the call of their mother. In case 

 any strange object drifts nigh, or an enemy approaches, the whole 



