Nest-Building Fishes. 



159 



bedecked with buds, while the roof is a mat of white lilies 

 floating upon the surface. Here the eggs are deposited, the 

 male and female alternately watching them. 



While the Sun-fish is always recognized as the most peace- 

 ful of the finny tribe, and only chasing in wanton playfulness 

 its neighbors, it is otherwise when the passions are wrought 

 to a high pitch of excitement through the play of amatory 

 influences in the spring-time. Let a stranger, a bewhiskered 



NEST OF COMMON SUN-FISH. 

 Male and Female Defending It from Attack of Cat-fish. 



cat-fish, approach the bower, and war is at once declared. 

 The little creatures snap at the intruder with anger and defi- 

 ance. Their sharp dorsal fins stand erect, the pectorals vibrate 

 with repressed emotion, while the violent movements of 

 their powerful tails evince a readiness and determination to 

 stand by their home at all hazards. Indeed, so vigorous is 

 their charge, that even large fishes are forced to retreat, and, 



