96 FOURTEENTH TO THE 



a profusion of symbolical devices. This work gives a very 

 lively description of fishing, of the nature of the rivers 

 and their scenery in Italy, of the different kinds of bait 

 used for fish of various sorts, and of their instincts, 

 migrations, and habits. It is in this publication, as far 

 as our knowledge extends, that we first meet with the 

 statement that the trout (trota) pair in the months of July 

 and August, and that the conjugal union seems to be 

 cemented by a powerful sympathy and affection. This 

 writer likewise states the fact, well ascertained by modern 

 observers, that there is a regular kind of domestic govern- 

 ment maintained among this class of fish, the largest 

 apparently assuming supreme and despotic authority. We 

 have ourselves witnessed in British rivers numerous ex- 

 emplifications of this finny legislation. We have seen, 

 say two or three dozen trout, all arranged wedge fashion : 

 the largest at the thin or sharp end of the wedge ; and the 

 smaller, in strict proportion to their dimensions, placed in 

 the rear of the column. Should food be cautiously thrown 

 in among the group when in this position, the largest fish 

 always takes it, and the other members of tbe company 

 never go a single inch out of the regular ranks. The 

 Italian author just named mentions the fact, hut is some- 

 what at a loss to divine what is the end or final course of 

 this singular movement. We confess we can offer no 

 satisfactory solution of the matter. 



In 1576 M. Andrea Calmo published, at Venice, Le 



