344 SYNGNATHID.E. 



and few subjects of the deep have displayed, in prison, more 

 sport or more intelligence.'" 



" When swimming about, they maintain a vertical posi- 

 tion ; but the tail is ready to grasp whatever meets it in the 

 water, quickly entwines in any direction round the weeds, 

 and, when fixed, the animal intently watches the surrounding 

 objects, and darts at its prey with great dexterity." 



c< When both approach each other, they often twist their 

 tails together, and struggle to separate or attach themselves 

 to the weeds ; this is done by the under part of their cheeks 

 or chin, which is also used for raising the body when a new 

 spot is wanted for the tail to entwine afresh. The eyes move 

 independently of each other, as in the chamelion ; this, with 

 the brilliant changeable iridiscence about the head, and its 

 blue bands, forcibly remind the observer of that animal." 



The vignette in illustration of the habits here described 

 was copied from a drawing by Mr. Lukis, most obligingly 

 lent me for this purpose. 



By the kindness of William Walcott, Esq. I learn that 

 a gentleman of the Island of Jersey, an attentive observer of 

 nature, remembers having more than once seen specimens of 

 Hippocampus curled up in oyster-shells. About four years 

 since, a specimen was shown at Southampton, which lived 

 more than a fortnight in a glass globe. This was said to have 

 been obtained on the French coast near Granville, and was 

 brought to Southampton by one of the sailors of a steam- 

 packet ; I have also heard of one that lived three weeks in 

 confinement at Harwich, the undulating motion of which 

 when swimming was performed with great ease, and was very 

 interesting to observe. 



The species of Hippocampus in their sexual peculiarities, 

 as far as they have been investigated, appear to coincide with 

 those of the SyngnatJii. I had the pleasure of looking over, 



