188 



THE LEPIDOS1KEK 



stmcted that the wet soil cannot injure them, and the external nostrils being merely two 

 shallow blind sacs. After it has arrived at a suitable depth, it curls itself round, with 

 its tail wrapped partly over the head, not unlike the peculiar attitude assumed by fried 

 whitings, except that its flexible spine enables it to squeeze the two sides closer together 

 than can be accomplished in that fish, and in that position awaits the coming rains. It 

 will lie in a torpid condition for a very considerable space of time, depending entirely on 

 the advent of rain for the re-assumption of vitality. 



After it has curled itself up and resigned itself to the exigencies of its condition, a 

 large amount of a slimy substance is secreted from the body, which has the effect of 

 making the walls of its cell very smooth, and probably aids in binding the muddy particles 

 together. When the rains fall, the moisture penetrates rapidly through the fissures of the 

 earth, cracked in all directions by the constant heat, reaches the cell of the Lepidosiren, 

 dissolves its walls, and restores the inhabitant to life and energy. 



Several specimens have been brought to Europe, most of which I have had oppor- 

 tunities of seeing while alive, as well as of examining parts of their structure after death. 



LBPIDOSIBEN. Protoplerus 



While retained in an ordinary aquarium, it passes much of its time in an apparently 

 semi-torpid condition at the bottom of the tank, generally seeking the darkest corner and 

 squeezing itself along one of the perpendicular angles of the case. It was found, how- 

 ever, that whenever the surface of the water was disturbed, the creature woke up, as it 

 were, and rose to see what was the matter. In this way it could be induced to come at a 

 signal to take the food on which it lived. 



Farther investigations and experiments on a larger scale, such as were carried out at 

 the Crystal Palace, afforded a considerable insight into the habits of this singular creature. 

 I have much pleasure in acknowledging the kind assistance given to me by the directors 

 of that institution, and the facilities wnich they have afforded me in my inquiries, and 

 especially in returning thanks to Mr. F.Wilson, of the Zoological department, who was in 

 charge of the various specimens of this creature, and who took a most kindly interest in 

 furnishing information respecting the habits of his former charges. 



Several batches of these animals have been kept alive at the Crystal Palace, all of which 

 have died, some after a life of only a few weeks, and others after surviving for three years. 

 It will, however, be useless to follow the fortunes of each separate individual, and we will 

 therefore only examine the general habits which seem to be common to all. 



The Lepidosirens, or Mud-fish as they are popularly called, were sent while still in 

 their muddy nests, or " cocoons," according to the technical term, and, in one instance, 



