324 SEASIDE DIVINITY. 



apparatus in the eyes of fishes is an equal evidence 

 to the same effect. 



If we now turn our attention to the instincts 

 of fishes we shall perceive much that is calculated 

 to point out the same divine wisdom and fore- 

 sight which is manifested in their organisation. 

 Without entering upon any discussion as to the 

 nature of that marvellous power which we call 

 instinct, we shall merely at present refer generally 

 to one of the most striking instances of its exer- 

 cise on the creatures we are now considering, that 

 by which fishes are directed in the process of 

 reproduction. In order to the vivifying of their 

 eggs or spawn certain conditions are indispensable, 

 which could not be attained in deep water, such 

 as a certain degree of exposure to light, warmth, 

 and the influence of the atmosphere. To ac- 

 complish this end, there is an instinct implanted 

 precisely adapted to the object in view. Directed 

 by this unerring impulse, fishes at the breeding 

 season betake themselves to such stations as are 

 best suited to the continuance of their species. 

 The herring, for example, frequents the com- 

 paratively shallow waters of the coast, and the 

 salmon enters the rivers from the sea and proceeds 

 to the shallow parts of the streams, where the con- 

 ditions necessary to the fruitfulness of its spawn 

 can be obtained. This instinct, displayed as it is 

 in a great variety of forms, must be regarded as 

 arising from no perception on the part of the 

 animals exercising it, as to the importance of the 

 act they perform ; it is accompanied by no know- 



