24 MARVELS OF FISH LIFE 



water around them, their ghost-like forms are almost 

 lost in the expanse beyond. The cloud effect in the 

 water is due to shimmering lights, which reached to the 

 bottom of the pond, for while this photograph was 

 being taken the sun was shining and a breeze was 

 rippling the surface of the water. 



To show how completely a silver -bodied fish reflects 

 colour, put a dace, roach or rudd in a basin, and hold 

 near it strips of coloured paper. Not only will the body 

 of the fish show these colours, but they will appear even 

 more brilliant on it than on the strips of paper when 

 under the water. 



Silvery fish are only inconspicuous so long as they 

 swim on an absolutely level keel. If they turn ever so 

 little on their sides, light from above is reflected, and 

 a gleam is seen in the dark water. Watch the live bait 

 of a pike angler ; though the captive may be three or 

 four feet below the surface, you will see flashes of light 

 as the fish twists and turns in his endeavours to get free. 



I have heard anglers say that the pike is attracted 

 by the bait because the pike sees it is in trouble, but 

 I am sure the real explanation is to be found in these 

 gleams of light which arouse the greed of the pike. 

 The more lively the bait, the more the flashes of light, 

 the more likelihood of a run from a pike ; but a dull 

 captive bait seldom excites attack, for, leisurely swim- 

 ming round on a level keel, he is as inconspicuous as the 

 free fish around him. 



Again, in these gleams of light, I think we have an 



