314 MR. HANCOCK ON THE NIDIFICATION OF 



the pleasure of seeing it reconstructed. In this we were not 

 disappoimted ; the fish immediately began to form a new nest in 

 exactly the same spot, and by the following day it was more than 

 half completed. It took a mouthful at a time, and was at some 

 pains in adjusting each load, spreading the materials out, and 

 pressing them down with its mouth ; it then drew its body slowly 

 over the whole, vibrating, all the time, in the same peculiar 

 manner as when it forced its way through the nest as before 

 stated.* 



On the 13th of June, the hole at the top of the fruitful nest was 

 found to be much enlarged, so that the entire mass of spawn was 

 exposed to view ; and, on looking attentively, a few of the newly 

 hatched fry were seen flitting about the walls of the nest. The 

 assiduity of the parent was now greatly increased ; it never left 

 the spot ; by night it rested either on the nest or by its side, and 

 during day nothing was allowed to approach. It fiercely 

 seized a quill that was passed down towards the object of its so- 

 licitude, with such vigour that the shock of attack was distinctly 

 felt by the hand. Combats with its companions became more 

 frequent ; but its ire was chiefly directed against its neighbour, 

 which, like itself, was engaged in parental duties. This having 

 also a nest to defend, never shrank from the conflict, and the en- 

 counters were therefore fierce and prolonged ; but, nevertheless, 

 conducted with all due caution, and apparently with much science 

 as the gentlemen of the ring would express it. The sparring was 

 very wary, and generally lasted a few seconds before the com- 

 batants closed. The attack was usually commenced by one 

 quietly creeping up, watching its opportunity; on this the other, 

 acting on the defensive, would turn its broad side to the enemy, 

 and raising the ventral spine wait to receive the onslaught ; the 

 assailant, intimidated by this formidable demonstration, would 

 then slowly retreat, and in its turn had in the same manner to 

 defend itself. After thus advancing and retreating for a few 

 times, one, taking advantage of an unguarded moment, would 



* It is probable that it is the male fish which builds and guards the nest ; 

 and, if so, it migLl, perhaps, be shedding the milt when dragging its body over 

 and through the nest in the manner described. 



