STICKLEBACK. 101 



STICKLEBACK. 



THE Stickleback is an almost universal inha- 

 bitant of rivers, ponds, and marshes, and when in 

 its full perfection of colour is highly beautiful ; the 

 back being of a fine olive green, the sides silvery, 

 and the fins and belly of a bright red ; the colours 

 fade in a great degree as the season advances. The 

 general length of this minute species is about two 

 inches ; on each side and on the back are placed 

 several strong jagged spines, from whence it derives 

 its name of Stickleback. 



It is a fish of an extremely active and vigorous 

 nature, swimming rapidly, and preying upon the 

 smaller kind of water-insects and worms, as well as 

 on the spawn of other fishes; and is, from this 

 circumstance, considered highly prejudicial to fish- 

 ponds ; its only use is to be trolled with for Trout, 

 previously cutting off the spines. 



