52 ANGLERS' EVENINGS. 



Mr. Kent properly cites this as an instance of " attach- 

 ment, forethought, and sagacity," quahties for which 

 few persons would be disposed to give a fish credit.* I 

 have myself seen the same fish display liveliness and 

 playful fancy resembling those of a kitten. On one 

 occasion I had some freshly caught blennies placed in a 

 tank from which other fish had been removed. They 

 immediately examined their new abode industriously, and 

 one little fellow quickly espied a crevice about half way 

 up the side of the rock-work, which was almost exactly 

 his own shape, even to the extent of two lateral recesses 

 corresponding to the pectoral fins. He examined this 

 with much interest, bending his head from side to side, 

 like a bird on a rail, and at last fitted himself into it and 

 looked around with evident pride. Ever afterwards he 

 appropriated this recess. He would retire to it from play, 

 as I have seen a tired child retire to a favourite corner. 

 One or other of his companions would sometimes in his 

 absence steal into his loved retreat, much as I have seen 

 a child take possession of another's neglected doll ; but as 

 the owner of the doll, though perhaps not wanting the 



* In connection with this subject an interesting anecdote has been com- 

 municated by the President of the Association. At Irt Side, Cumberland, 

 near the President's "Fisherman's Home," there is a fine gravel bed. and for 

 some time a number of ducks were seen "rooting about" on this and trying 

 to reach the deeper parts by diving — no doubt after salmon spawn. One 

 morning the ducks were observed in a state of great commotion, and all 

 but one flew to the bank. The one left was seen struggling in the jaws of a 

 salmon, who, says Colonel Mawson, "was no doubt defending the female 

 during the deposition of the spawn." The captive duck succeeded in 

 making her escape, but afterwards none of the birds would return to the 

 place. 



