CHAPTER VIII. 

 PISCES. 



FIELD STUDY OF FISHES. 



Difficulties. In order to study fishes in their own homes with 

 any degree of success, the student should know what are some of 

 the main difficulties. First, a difficulty that is found in studying 

 any wild animals, their shyness. The student must learn to ap- 

 proach them carefully. Second, the colors of fishes, as of many 

 other animals, is such as to render them very hard to see. Third, 

 the difficulty in seeing them is increased by the refraction of light 

 leaving the water to enter the air, and also by the reflection of light 

 from the surface, which greatly interferes with seeing what is below. 

 This is especially noticeable in trying to see fishes from a boat, in 

 which case the angle is quite oblique. Having in mind these 

 difficulties and the determination to overcome them so far as pos- 

 sible, let us proceed to study the fishes in their homes. 



Frightening Fishes. When a fish darts away at your approach, 

 endeavor to learn by what sense he first became aware of your 

 presence. Was it by sight ? If so, what can you do to overcome 

 the trouble ? Is it the color of your clothing, or of your boat ? 

 Is any given color, or group of colors, preferred for fishing boats ? 

 Which will frighten more, oars or a paddle ? Should the paddle be 

 lifted from the water, or used wholly in the water by making the 

 recover stroke with the edge of the blade cutting thru the water? 

 What part does the sunlight play in the use of oar or paddle ? Does 

 quickness of motion make any difference, the range of motion being 

 the same ? In using an anchor, which is better, a rope or a chain ? 

 Which is to be preferred, a wooden or a metal boat? Do fishes 

 hear one who talks in a boat? Do sounds made by hitting the 



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