THE THEEE-SPINED STICKLEBACK. 



213 



Most of tliem build nests quite elaborately — which the male defends with great spirit. They 

 inhabit the fresh waters and arms of the sea in Northern Europe and America. 



The Nine-spined Stickleback (Gasterosteus pungitius) is a form equally known in the 

 northern parts of Europe and America, found in both fresh and salt water. Eight other species 

 are known in American waters. The following account of European species discloses the habits 

 of nest-building, and other habits that apply equally to American forms. 



? The Theee-spined Stickleback, a very common fish, is also known under the names of 

 Tittlebat, Peicklefisii, and Shaeplin. 



THREE-SFIXED STICKLEBACK AND FIFTEEN-SPIXED STICKLEBACK. WITH NEST.— Gashrosteus acultatus 



and Gasterosteus spinaehia. (Natural Size.) 



It is a most bold and lively little fish, hardly knowing fear, pugnacious to an absurd 

 degree, and remarkably interesting in its habits. Even more voracious than the perch, it 

 renders great service to mankind in keeping within due bounds the many aquatic and terrestrial 

 insects, which, although performing their indispensable duties in the world, are so extremely 

 prolific, that they would render the country uninhabitable were they allowed to increase with- 

 out some check. 



So voracious and fearless indeed is this little creature that it always forms the earliest game 

 of the juvenile angler, who need not trouble himself in the least about the temper of his hooks, 

 the fineness of his tackle, or the delicate balance of his float. Any one can catch a Stickle- 

 back without rod, float, or even hook. All that is needful is to repair to the nearest streamlet, 

 armed with a yard or two of thread and a walking-stick. Thin twine will answer very well 

 instead of the thread, and even the stick is not absolutely needed. Having proceeded thus 



