GENERAL REMARKS ON FISH. 47 



may be attributed to the sea -weed which comes northward 

 with the Gulf Stream ; floating on its surface, and amongst, 

 and in it, are found small Crustacea, minute Mollusca, gelati- 

 nous animals, and the small fry, which many species follow to 

 feed upon. 



It was supposed at one time that Shad and Herring, which 

 enter our rivers for the purpose of spawning, migrated from 

 the south, where it was thought they hibernated. Such sup- 

 position was based upon the fact that these fish are found at 

 an earlier period of the season in the bays and rivers of a 

 more southern latitude on our coast. But it is now thought, 

 with much greater show of reason, that they enter those waters 

 earlier only because the season for spawning there, precedes 

 that of our more northern rivers, and that these fish, as well 

 as Salmon, do not wander any considerable distance from 

 the mouths of rivers and bays from which they migrated the 

 preceding summer or autumn. 



We should not omit, in these general remarks, to mention 

 the peculiar powers given to some fish of existing for a time 

 out of their natural element, and retaining their vitality when 

 animation is apparently suspended ; and also the wonderful 

 vitality of the impregnated spawn. 



It is well known by many of our city anglers, that the little 

 Roach, which is taken in winter, and thrown upon the ice or 

 snow, even if it is entirely frozen, will become quite lively 

 if placed in hydrant water • of ordinary temperature ; this is 

 also said to be the case with the Trout, which, if transported 

 in winter when frozen, will swim about, if placed in spring 

 water. It is said, however, that fish , once frozen, lose their 

 sight; the delicate organization of the eye being destroyed by 

 its liquids having been congealed ; if this be a fact, it may 

 prevent their breeding, on being transferred to other wateTs, 

 in such condition. 



