42 VARIETIES OF STICKLEBACK. 



the early part of November, and continues until the ice 

 begins to form. At nightfall, and when the spot where the 

 fish are congregated has been ascertained, which of a calm 

 evening at sunset is known by the surface of the water being 

 ruffled as if from rain, two fishermen repair to the spot in a 

 boat, at one end of which is a Bloss, or torch of wood; 

 and whilst one man keeps the boat stationary, by means of an 

 oar or a pole driven into the ground, the other scoops up the 

 fish with a hoop-net, and at times in such abundance, that 

 several boat-loads may be obtained in the course of a single 

 night. 



In addition to the two mentioned species of Gasterosteus, 

 Swedish naturalists speak of more than one form of the three- 

 spined stickleback, but these they consider as mere varieties ; 

 whereas English ichthyologists deem them to be distinct 

 species. 



The Four-spined Stickleback (G. spinulosus, Jenn. and 

 Yarr.) is also believed to inhabit the Scandinavian waters. 



