SYNGNATHID^E. 519 



proach is sufficient to draw gold out of the deepest 

 wells into which it may have accidentally fallen \" 



The SYNGNATHID^ or " Pipe-fishes " (PL VIII. 

 figs. 19 &20), constitute a most interesting and curious 

 group, remarkable from the circumstance that their 

 jaws are united, forming a tube more or less cylin- 

 drical (vvv, together; yvd6o$, the jaw) ; they are 

 likewise called LOPHOBRANCHII (tufted branchiae), 

 and are distinguished from all other fishes by having 

 their gills, instead of being comb-shaped, as in other 

 races, divided into little rounded tufts disposed in 

 pairs along the branchial arches. The gills have like- 

 wise this further peculiarity, that, instead of being 

 protected by a moveable gill-flap, as is generally the 

 case, they are entirely enclosed beneath a large oper- 

 culum attached all round by a membrane which only 

 permits the water to escape through a small hole. 



Mr. Lukis, who had two female specimens of the 

 Sea-horse (Syngnathus Hippocampus) for some time 

 in a glass vessel, describes their actions as being 

 equally novel and amusing. " An appearance of 

 searching for a resting-place induced me/' says that 

 gentleman, <e to consult their wishes, by placing straws 

 and sea- weed in the vessel. The desired effect was 

 obtained, and gave me much to reflect upon in their 

 habits. They now exhibit many of their peculiari- 

 ties, and few objects of the deep have displayed in 

 prison more sport or more intelligence." 



When swimming about, they maintain a vertical 

 position ; but the tail is ready to grasp whatever it 

 meets in the water, quickly entwines in any direction 

 round the weeds, and, when fixed, the animal intently 



