the Residence of certain Fishes. 215 



tlucing the Botargo so well known in the market. This is a valu- 

 ble fact in the question under consideration ; as it proves that, in 

 the matter of spawning, fishes are not tied down to those fixed 

 and necessary habits which has been commonly supposed. 



As the case of the naturalization of the grey mullet is particularly 

 interesting, and is at the same time unknown, except to the few in- 

 dividuals who caused the experiment to be made at random, it de- 

 serves a more particular description ; since it offers, together with 

 the instance of the cod in Shetland, another of those facts which 

 have come within my own knowledge. 



This experiment is, at the same time, perfect, as much so as that 

 of the plaice in East Friesland ; and it holds out therefore a tempt- 

 ing prospect of, success in other cases where no trials, either from 

 accident or design, have yet been made. 



About ten years ago a number of the grey mullet, about the size 

 of the finger, were placed in a pond of three acres in area, in 

 Guernsey; the water being perfectly fresh. They have since in- 

 creased in size, as well as in numbers ; although, from the small 

 extent of this pond, it is evident that their ultimate increase cannot 

 be very considerable. Fish of four pounds in weight have since 

 been taken from this pond, so that in this respect as well as in their 

 propagation, the experiment is complete and perfectly satisfactory. 

 It is remarked that they are much fatter than those taken in sea- 

 water in their natural state, but that the flavour is not so good. 



From this pond a number of small fish were afterwards taken 

 for the purpose of stocking a smaller one. These continued to 

 grow and thrive for about three years ; when unfortunately, the oc- 

 currence of a severe frost, during which the water was closed up 

 many days, destroyed them. 



In this case it is evident that nothing is wanting to the establish- 

 ment of the fact in question with regard to the grey mullet : and it 

 may safely therefore be named as one of the fish which may with- 

 out difficulty be naturalized to fresh water, and made use of to in- 

 crease the accessible variety of our food or luxury, in places where 

 fresh waters abound, and which are far removed from the sea. 



This experiment is fully confirmed by the practice of the 



