' EXCAVATIONS ON A ROCKY SHOKE.' 365 



Rockling, whose singular movements I have pre- 

 viously alluded to. Against the arch some fronds of 

 ulva are anchored, while at chosen spots specimens 

 of delicate sea- weeds are also fixed these rising up, 

 and being magnified through the sides of the vase, 

 have a pleasing effect, even to the eye of a child. 



It is a pretty sight to watch the fishes glide under 

 and around the marble arch, or throw themselves 

 upon its highest point, there to enjoy the fresh air, 

 and have a pleasant ' crack" together. This expres- 

 sion is literally correct, for the Blennies, when thus 

 situated, usually make a kind of noise not inaptly ex- 

 pressed by snapping the nail of the thumb and finger 

 together. 



The foregoing animals which constitute the entire 

 stock of one tank, are, I am proud to state, all in a 

 healthy condition, and if we may judge by appear- 

 ances, all contented and happy. It will be from no 

 fault of mine if they do not long continue thus, and 

 exhibit no signs of yearning for their native haunts 

 by the sea-shore. 



* Those gay watery grots- 

 Small excavations on a rocky shore, 

 That seem like fairy baths or mimic wells, 

 Richly embossed with choicest weed and shells, 

 As if her trinkets nature chose to hide 

 Where nought invaded but the flowing tide.' 



In another tank I have introduced as a centre ob- 

 ject a fine piece of white coral, the higher branches 

 of which rise above the surface of the water. The 



