THE PERCH FAMILY. 63 



swallowing is concerned, and that in a vivarium he has 

 often observed them take with avidity smaller members 

 both of their own and of the Ruffe species. 



In the preliminary chapters on Ichthyology I alluded to 

 instances which had at different times come under my 

 observation of clear sight in fish. I will here mention 

 one to show how very acute is this sense in the Perch, for 

 the opportunity of witnessing which I am indebted to the 

 kindness of Mr. Bartlett, the eminent Superintendent of the 

 Zoological Gardens in the Regent's Park : In the large 

 Aquarium which will be familiar to many of my readers 

 were placed two plate-glass tanks, one containing a Pike, 

 and the other half a dozen Perch. These fish took no 

 notice of our entrance ; and in order to show how supine 

 they were to everything around, Mr. Bartlett directed the 

 keeper to walk several times past their tanks as if about 

 to feed them. He did so, but failed to evoke the smallest 

 symptom of interest or recognition. Mr. Bartlett then 

 ordered him to walk away from them towards the cup- 

 board where the net with which the baits were caught 

 was kept, desiring me to observe the effect. The keeper 

 accordingly crossed the room (about 30 feet wide) in the 

 direction indicated, when instantly the stolid demeanour 

 of the fish both Pike and Perch gave way to the most 

 intense excitement. They rushed to and fro across their 

 enclosures, straining their noses against the glass, erecting 

 their fins, and exhibiting every token of agitation; and 

 when the keeper having taken the net proceeded with it 



