FISHES NOT BIRDS. 75 



young, and even watch over and defend their 

 ova. Pennant informs us, that the river bull-head 

 (Coitus gobio) deposits its spawn in a hole in the 

 gravel, and quits it with reluctance ; and Mr. Yar- 

 rell was told by an accurate observer, that the 

 species in question " evinces a sort of parental 

 affection for its ova, as a bird for its nest, return- 

 ing quickly to the spot, and being unwilling to 

 quit it when disturbed." He alludes also to the 

 belief, that the male of the lump-sucker (Cyclopterus 

 lumpus) keeps watch over the ova guarding them 

 from every ordinary foe with the utmost courage, 

 and if driven from the spot by man, continually 

 " looking back," (does he twist his neck ?) and re- 

 turning ere long to his loved deposit.* 



But the prevailing attributes and domestic 

 economy of fishes may be described as exactly the 

 reverse of those of birds. These gay and airy crea- 

 tures possess the power of surveying distinctly, at a 

 glance, an immeasurable extent of horizon ; their 

 acute perception of sound appreciates all intona- 

 tions, and their glad voices are exquisitely skilled 

 in their production. Though their bills are hard, 

 and their bodies closely covered by down and 

 feathers, they are by no means deficient in the 

 sense of touch. They enjoy all the delights of 

 conjugal and parental affection, and perform their 

 incumbent duties with devotedness and courage. 

 They cherish and defend their offspring, and will 

 sometimes even die in that defence ; and of all the 



* BRITISH FISHES, vol. i. Introduction, xxiv. 



