40 FISHING IN AMERICAN WATERS. 



the swim-bladder, the air contained in which is probably af- 

 fected by sound; and De Blainville expresses his astonish- 

 ment at the magnitude of their nerves of hearing. 



It is superfluous to multiply examples of fishes coming 

 when called by a whistle or a bell. I have frequently called 

 them to me by whistling for them at various fountains and 

 ponds in France, where the chief of the Fisheries Commis- 

 sion, M. Coste, is stated not only to contend that all fishes 

 hear, but that some of them talk ! From all the evidence 

 pro and co/?, I am convinced that fishes possess the sense of 

 hearing. 



