THE MIND OF FISHES. 5 1 



with the quickness of thought deal a fierce blow at an 

 approaching rival with the same nipper. I submit that 

 such promptitude of application to totally different pur- 

 poses indicates precision of idea, freedom from confusion, 

 and clearness of head. I have seen a novel problem also 

 presented to a fish which I have been unable to solve, but 

 which the fish has solved and in a marvellously ingenious 

 manner. I have also seen fish apparently struck with 

 admiration of human feminine beauty, and if there be any 

 truth in the story that the "heavy, dull, degenerate mind" 

 of Cymon was quickened by contemplating the charms of 

 Iphigenia, does not the presence of similar appreciation 

 in the fish suggest similar responsiveness to educational 

 influences .'* 



" From women's eyes this doctrine I derive : 

 They sparkle still the right Promethean fire ; 

 They are the books, the arts, the academes." 



The blenny is one of the most remarkable of organized 

 creatures and is always attractive from its playfulness. My 

 predecessor at the Aquarium, Mr. Saville Kent, records 

 some interesting anecdotes of this fish, which, he justly 

 observes, fully redeem the character of intelligence implied 

 by its looks. Mr. Kent describes the ingenuity and 

 faithfulness with which the male fish defended the spawn, 

 on a ledge specially selected, from the greed of the other 

 blennies in the tank. Moreover : — 



"While the female was depositing her spawn, an operation which 

 extended over several days, her brave little knight was seen on several 

 occasions to descend to the bottom of the tank, and hurriedly snatching up 

 food dropped there for the public good, return aloft, and place it at the 

 disposal of his lady-love." 



