18 NATURAL HISTORY. 



the southern seas, and sometimes, but very rarely, in the 

 Mediterranean. When pursued by rapacious fishes, such 

 as the bonita and others, they spring into the air, and 

 are able to maintains flight of the distance of a gunshot, 

 when the fins become dry, and they fall back into the sea 

 and occasionally on the deck of ships. The flesh is lean 

 and hard, but palatable. 



The River Gudgeon (cottus gobio) has a -wedge-shaped 

 body, covered with scales ; the head broad, not unlike 

 that of a frog, and a large mouth provided with two 

 small cirri or prickles. The gudgeons do not exceed 

 four inches in length, live in company with the ground- 

 ling in spring waters or mountain streams, darting from 

 place to place with uncommon vigor. They feed upon 

 aquatic plants and spawn, are generally taken with the 

 hand, and considered good eating. 



The Sea Gudgeon resembles the above, but is larger, 

 being one foot and a half in length, and, with ahead 

 covered with bony knobs and prickles, are of a hideous 

 appearance. Many consider the stings of the prickles as 

 poisonous. It is not valued as an article of food, as its 

 flesh is bad. 



The Stickleback (gasterostus aculeatus), scarcely three 

 inches long, is of a silvery whiteness, with yellow fins ; 

 on the dorsal fin are three spines, on each of the abdom- 

 inal two. It is found in all brooks and ponds, is abund- 

 ant in Europe. The female hides her eggs in the sand, 

 aiid watches over them. These fish live on spawn and 

 water insects, but are seldom preyed upon by rapacious 

 fishes on account of their spines. They are so numerous 

 in North Germany that the farmers use them as compost, 

 the only manner in which they can be made serviceable. 



