(88 THE LEPIDOSIREN. 



structed 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 close: 

 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, depend- 

 ing 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 cc 1 '. 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 jppor 

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

 death. 



LEPIDOSIREN. Protopterua aaaectens. 



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, 

 however, 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 which 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, 



