324 WHITMAN AND EYCLESHYMER. [ VoL. XTi: 
We inferred that two females sometimes deposit in the same 
nest. This view is corroborated by the fact that in this case 
the number of eggs was about double the average number 
deposited by a single fish. 
The eggs were scattered over an area about 50 cm. in diam- 
eter, the greater portion being deposited upon the grass lining 
the sides of the nest.* 
Dr. Ayers has kindly given us the following observations on 
the breeding habits of Amia, which supplement the foregoing 
statements : 
«The nest of Amia is built after pairing, and during the pre- 
liminary steps to egg-laying. The nest is not a premeditated 
structure, but merely the result of the movements of the fish 
in and about the place selected for spawning during the period 
of sexual excitement, which ends in the emission of eggs and 
sperm. How long the movements continue I am unable to say 
positively, but from many observations I conclude that they 
usually last from two to three hours. The nest-forming process 
generally begins at early dawn, and the eggs are cast about sun- 
rise. I have observed some cases, however, in which the eggs 
were deposited in the afternoon. 
«« Amia usually selects grassy beds on which to deposit its 
eggs. At the time of spawning, the dead grass of the previous 
season is readily swept loose by the powerful swimming move- 
ments of the excited pair, thus leaving the peaty stem and root 
surface for the eggs to fall upon. All loose bits of stems and 
leaves are swept out of the nest, and with them most of the 
spores of fungi and algae which were in the area. 
“In May, 1892, a nest was found at 3.30 P.M. one day, in 
* In collecting the eggs we found it most convenient to clip off the blades of 
grass or rootlets bearing them. They can thus be easily carried alive to the labo- 
ratory, or placed at once in preserving fluids. In cutting the grass and rootlets, 
one may avoid the discomfort of immersing his arm by using long-handled shears. 
These may be improvised by making shears of two pieces of board about 1 m. 
long. The short ends of these are then inserted into the handles of ordinary 
shears and fastened by winding with wire; the blades will thus be nearly at right 
angles to the wooden handles. It may not be superfluous to add that we have 
found it convenient to mark nests by means of stakes, to the upper ends of which 
were attached pieces of cloth of different colors. The value of such a guide will 
be apparent to those who have attempted to revisit nests. 

