86 



THE ANGLER-NATURALIST. 



a halfpenny a bushel the fish in this case being used as 

 manure. They are also used for the same purpose near the 

 River Welland, in which, about once in eight years, they 

 are caught by the cart-load. Mr. S alter assures us that both 

 Sticklebacks and Sprats make excellent food for poultry, 

 which are very fond of them, and fatten amazingly ; and 

 Taylor says that with their prickles cut off they are a good 

 bait for Perch. 



Characteristics of the Rough-tailed Stickleback. Length seldom ex- 

 ceeding 2| inches. Upper and lower jaws armed with bands of small 

 teeth ; none on vomer, bones of palate, or tongue. Spines on back 

 capable of being raised or depressed at pleasure. Sides defended for 

 about three-fourths of their height by twenty-six flat, strap-shaped 

 plates, of which fifteen are before the vent. A series of plates along 

 ridge of back ; spines rising from three largest. 



Fin-rays: D. III.+9: P. 10: V. 1+1: A. 1+8: C. 12. 



THE HALF-AHMED STICKLEBACK 



(Gasterosteus semi-armatus *) 

 is distinguished from the last-named species by the want 



* semi-armatus, half-armed, Lat. 



