236 



STICKLEBACKS. 



about in a shoal, apparently exploring their new habitation. 

 Suddenly one will take possession of the tub, or, as it will 

 sometimes happen, the bottom, and will instantly com- 

 mence an attack upon his companions ; and if any of them 

 venture to oppose his sway, a regular and most furious 

 battle ensues : they swim round and round with the great- 

 est rapidity, biting and endeavouring to pierce each other 



STICKLEBACKS AND NESTS. 



with their lateral spines, which on these occasions are pro- 

 jected. I have Avitnessed a battle of this sort, which 

 lasted several minutes before either would give way ; and 

 when one does submit, imagination can hardly conceive 



