BRIEF NOTES ON FISHES. 415 



nows are found, there are sure to be a host of similar- 

 looking fish, but which, in consequence of some extra 

 wrinkle in their skins, are called by another and longer 

 scientific name. This need not concern us, however, as 

 they are all little minnows, the most diminutive of the 

 whole family of cyprinoids. 



In every little water-way throughout the meadows, 

 as well as in the two creeks and the river, these three lit- 

 tle species of minnows are at all times extremely abun- 

 dant. They are the first to appear in open water when 

 the ice is disappearing, and they are the last to leave 

 their summer haunts when the ice binds every ditch and 

 brook in crystal fetters. Perhaps it is nearer the truth 

 to say that they are " on the go " the year through, as I 

 have recorded them as abundant at various times during 

 the three winter months. 



While the social habits of these three small fishes 

 none ever measuring two inches in length clearly in- 

 dicate that they possess some rudiments of intelligence, 

 it is not easy to determine in what way they enjoy exist- 

 ence, if the term " enjoyment " is applicable to them. 

 I have watched schools of them for hours, and find that 

 their sole efforts are directed toward escaping dangers. 

 The three species, collectively, have more enemies than 

 any other creatures in the same neighborhood. No mam- 

 mal, bird, reptile, or amphibian, nor any species of fish, is 

 beset with half so many enemies. There is not a preda- 

 tory fish in the same waters that does not largely de- 

 pend upon them for food ; the young of larger cyprinoids 

 being, of course, available yearly but for a brief period. 

 Even the frogs seize them as eagerly as they do strug- 

 gling grasshoppers or chance insects ; the snakes and 

 turtles chase them eagerly, or take them by surprise, as 

 opportunity offers. If a receding tide leaves them in 



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