It is worth while to watch a flat fish making its bed : it does this in a similar manner as a 

 shrimp does the flat fish uses its fins to work up the sand so as to nearly cover it, the water 

 causing the sand after being disturbed to settle on its back, it then lies invisible ; the shrimp 

 uses its finny looking legs for a similar purpose. 



It is surprising how few people give themselves the trouble to observe any kinds of fishes, 

 insects, birds, and such like living things ; they think most of them were only created to be 

 eaten, or to be wantonly destroyed if not eatable, whilst in reality, generally, they are things 

 of real beauty a smelt or sparling no doubt is very good to eat when nicely cooked, but it is 

 quite as pretty to look at as it is good to eat ; its form is perfection, and from it you can imagine 

 its arrow-like motion through the water apparently without its slightest exertion ; how few of 

 us have observed, or would take any notice of, the almost electric-like motion of a sand-eel. 



If the residents of the Arctic regions, as the walrus, seal, bear, ptarmigan, snowy owl, fox, and 

 hare, could reason, what would they think of their lot, which seems to be cast in the very centre 

 of desolation, especially in winter? They however know no other circumstances and no doubt 

 enjoy life as other creatures do, apparently to us, better off. Nature which created them provided 

 them with instinct, which certainly they stand much in need of, and no doubt this guides them 

 as to their protection during the severest weather. I have often wondered how it is that the 

 walrus, bear, and seal, are not often overtaken, when in open water, by such a severe frost as to 

 entirely freeze them in when the ice forms suddenly and may last for months, or even years ; no 

 doubt their instinct directs them to places of safety under any circumstances, but in what 

 manner, who can tell? The foxes in the Arctic regions have the soles of their feet hairy 



K 



