J79 2* on the generation ofjijhet, Sg 



HINTS RESPECTING THE GENERATION 



OF CERTAIN KINDS OF FISHES. 



TR-espectfiilly addrefsed to the readers of the Bee in Ltdia, 

 for farther elucidation. 



JFew objects can be more interesting to man than the 

 history of nature ; and in that department, one of the 

 most curious of its branches is that which .respects the 

 generation of animals, and the circumstances that 

 tend to accelerate the growth, or fhorten the natural 

 period of existence of animated beings. 



That there are many modes of generation which 

 are unknown to us, and which differ very much from 

 that with which we are best acquainted, I have no 

 sort of doubt, as well as of Ihortening or protracting 

 the usual existence of animate beings. The procrea- 

 tion of polypi, of earth worms, and of some kinds of 

 serpents, are examples of the former ; and the preser- 

 vation of snails alive for many years, di;ring which 

 time their vital powers have been entirely suspend- 

 ed, affords a striking example of the latter. 



But an anomalous case respecting the generation ' 

 of certain kinds of fifhes, which has been reported to 

 me by various persons who have been in India, has 

 appeared to me so contrary to the ordinary course of 

 nature, that, without disputing the facts, I choose to 

 suspend my belief in them, till I fhall have such au- 

 thority as fliall remove all kind of scepticisni on that 

 head. It is with that view I take this mode of ap- 

 * plying to the readers of the Bee in India, for farther 

 VOL. xi. M t 



