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CHAPTER XXX. 



THE INSTINCT AND SENSES OF FISH. 



The element in which fish exist naturally renders 

 them more difficult of study than flesh or fowl ; never- 

 theless observation and experiment have cleared up 

 many disputed points, and have provided theories, 

 which although perhaps not at present accepted facts, 

 are pretty generally admitted. 



Many a habit of fish seems marvellous and incom- 

 prehensible to the stranger, but intimacy and study 

 reveal the marvel in its true light, viz. a purely common- 

 sense action ; so, in attempting to elucidate matters, it 

 is well to remember this in preference to seeking a 

 more romantic theory. 



Fish pay strict attention to sustaining themselves 

 and the reproduction of their kinds ; indeed, the males 

 of some kinds, if by accident they have no opportunity 

 to fertilize strictly kindred ova, will impregnate that 

 of other kinds of their own species, should they have 

 the chance. 



