THE MIND OF FISHES. 53 



article at the time, would nevertheless resent such unsanc- 

 tioned appropriation, so the blenny would leave his play, 

 attack the invader, and, having driven him from the crevice, 

 ensconce himself therein, and with almost a toss of the 

 head survey the assembled company with an expression 

 of countenance which said plainly " This belongs to me." 

 What an immense gulf there is between such spon- 

 taneous and erratic fancy and the forces associated with 

 atoms and molecules ! It was the blennies who manifested 

 that appreciation of feminine beauty to which I have 

 alluded. They were generally indifferent to the presence 

 of spectators. On the occasion in question I had the 

 honour of conducting a number of young ladies, pupils 

 from one of our principal schools, round the exhibition. 

 It is necessary to say that the young ladies were merging 

 into womanhood and were exceedingly good-looking. 

 No sooner had we arrived before the blenny tank than 

 one of the fish, happening to turn his head, caught sight 

 of the unusual spectacle and instantly rushed to the front. 

 Other blennies, attracted by his sudden movement, turned 

 round, and followed, and speedily every blenny in the 

 tank (there were some hundreds in all), was pressing his 

 nose against the glass, and a row of gleaming eyes was 

 seen, expressing such intense and unmistakeable admira- 

 tion and amazement that some of my fair companions 

 actually blushed. 



A remarkable indication of intelligence was given by 

 a large skate, a fish belonging to a species usually 

 betraying little activity. This fish, as you are aware, is 

 of the shark tribe, and has the 'mouth situated on the 



