222 



jfQung of the Cuculus inornatus, having the speckled breast and 

 greyish-coloured back of the immature age of that species. It had 

 been brought up in fine condition by the old birds, which appeared, 

 judging by their actions, very proud, and apparently took the greatest 

 care, of their parasitical charge, doubtless regarding its size with great 

 satisfaction as an improved breed of Little Warblers. 



4. On the Fish called Glyphisodon biocellatus. 

 By Dr. George Bennett, F.Z.S. 



(Pisces, PL IX.) 



The following notes on the Glyphisodon biocellatus, together with 

 an accurate drawing from life, were given to me by Mr. G. F. Angas 

 for the purpose of being brought before the Zoological Society. 

 This interesting and elegant little fish we at first supposed to be a 

 new species ; but on my arrival in England I found it was the G. 

 biocellatus of Cuvier. As, however, the description of that eminent 

 naturalist has evidently been m_ade from specimens preserved in 

 spirits, his account, as far as regards colour, cannot be entirely de- 

 pended upon ; and, as the drawing gives the accuracy of colour and 

 the brilliant hues of the fish when seen alive and swimming about 

 the aquarium, it will form an interesting addition to our more accu- 

 rate knowledge of Australian fishes. Although the fish itself is not 

 at present readily captured even at Sydney, yet I hope that before 

 long it may be brought to Europe, to adorn the aquaria of this 

 country. 



Glyphisodon biocellatus, Cuv. (PI. IX. fig. 1.) 



" This brilliant and elegant little fish is found in the pools amongst 

 rocks at low spring tides, both on the outer coast and in several locali- 

 ties inside the harbour of Port Jackson. The first time I met with 

 it was amongst the rocks in a pool at Coodgee Bay, about four miles 

 from Sydney. The extreme brilliancy of the colours, gold and azure, 

 as the little creatures dart in and out amongst the cavities of the 

 rocks, reminds one of jewels flashing in the sunlight. They are re- 

 markably shy, and on the slightest noise or the shadow of a person 

 approaching the pool, they dart in and conceal themselves under the 

 ledges and in the holes of the rocks ; hence they are very difficult to 

 catch. They generally make their appearance on the coast about 

 November, and remain till May ; during the winter months I have 

 looked for them in vain. The usual size varies from 1 to 2 inches in 

 length. The one figured is of the largest dimensions that has come 

 under my notice ; so that it is probable that 4 inches is the largest 

 size they acquire. 



" In the aquarium they are most exquisite objects. Last summer 

 I only succeeded with every care in keeping them alive in a well- 

 established tank for a week or ten days. At the present moment 



