SHORT-NOSED HIPPOCAMPUS. 



Cuvier, " This was taken on the coast of Hampshire, and 

 given me by the late Mr. Brander." 



L. W. Dillwyn, Esq. obtained a specimen of Hippocam- 

 pus, some years ago, in Swansea Bay ; and Messrs. C. and 

 J. Paget, in their Sketch of the Natural History of Yar- 

 mouth, state that the Hippocampus is also occasionally met 

 with there. 



But the most valuable information I have received on this 

 subject has been supplied by F. C. Lukis, Esq. of Guernsey, 

 to whom I am indebted for the loan of the male and female 

 specimens from which the figures at the head of the preced- 

 ing page were taken. 



By a comparison with M. Guerin's figure of the Hippo- 

 campus brevirostris of Cuvier's Regne Animal, I have little 

 doubt that the two fishes here figured are examples of H. 

 brevirostris ; and Mr. Lukis, in the autumn of 1835, obtained 

 two specimens of Hippocampus on the Hampshire coast, one 

 of which is stated to be identical with those here figured : 

 there can therefore be no doubt, from these various authori- 

 ties, that at least one species is found on our coast, and that 

 this species is also obtained at Guernsey and the other Chan- 

 nel islands. 



The circumstance of the same species occurring at Guern- 

 sey and on our southern coast, gives additional value to the 

 following communication. At the time of writing, June 9, 

 1835, Mr. Lukis had two female specimens of Hippocampus 

 brevirostris, then healthy and active, which had been living 

 twelve days in a glass vessel, their actions equally novel and 

 amusing. " An appearance of search for a resting-place 

 induced me," says Mr. Lukis, " to consult their wishes by 

 placing seaweed and straws in the vessel : the desired effect 

 was obtained, and has afforded me much to reflect upon in 

 their habits. They now exhibit many of their peculiarities, 



