A NATURALIST. 69 



gratification. Along the edge of the river, where the 

 depth of water was not greater than from four feet to as 

 shallow as twelve inches, an observer would discover a 

 succession of circular spots cleared of the surrounding 

 grass, and showing a clear sandy bed. These spots, or 

 cleared spaces, we may regard as the nest of this beauti- 

 ful fish. There, balanced hi the transparent wave, at the 

 distance of six or eight inches from the bottom, the sun- 

 fish is suspended in the glittering sunshine, gently sway- 

 ing its beautiful tail and fins ; or, wheeling around in the 

 limits of its little circle, appears to be engaged in keep- 

 ing it clear of all incumbrances. Here the mother de- 

 posits her eggs or spawn, and never did hen guard her 

 callow brood with more eager vigilance, than the sun-fish 

 the little circle within which her promised offspring are 

 deposited. If another individual approach too closely to 

 her borders, with a fierce and angry air she darts against 

 it, and forces it to retreat. Should any small, and not too 

 heavy object be dropped in the nest, it is examined with 

 jealous attention, and displaced if the owner be not satis- 

 fied of its harmlessness. At the approach of man she 

 flies with great velocity into deep water, as if willing to 

 conceal that her presence was more than accidental where 

 first seen. She may, after a few minutes, be seen cau- 

 tiously venturing to return, which is at length done with 

 velocity ; then she would take a hurried turn or two 

 around, and scud back again to the shady bowers formed 

 by the river grass which grows up from the bottom to 



