THE GOLDEN CARP. 189 



The sense of hearing in these fish is remarkably acute, and the 

 Chinese are in the constant habit by means of a whistle of calling 

 them to receive their food ; and it is well known that Sir Joseph 

 Banks was in the habit of collecting together some of these he 

 kept, by ringing a bell. A sudden noise alarms them exceedingly : 

 as a proof of which a friend of mine a very short time since near- 

 ly lost several that jumped out in alarm from a glass bowl and fell 

 on the floor, on hearing a door slam loudly in another part of the 

 house ; and there they doubtless would have perished, had not my 

 friend's sister, a very pretty and interesting young lady, 

 kindly stepped forward to their aid and restored them to their 

 proper element, where I believe they are still performing their 

 endless rounds. Gold and silver fish are also much frightened at 

 thunder, exhibiting great alarm and uneasiness whilst the storm 

 continues, which in general does them much mischief, and some- 

 times even causes them to perish. 



