108 Book of the Black Bass. 



panions, thougk faintly; while the striking of two stones 

 together helow the surface was heard more distinctly. 



It is well known to some, though doubted by many, that 

 fish can be tamed and taught to come to the surface of the 

 water to be fed, answering promptly to the sounds of the 

 voice, a bell, or a whistle. I have observed instances of this 

 kind, myself, and under such circumstances as rendered it 

 impossible for the fish to see the person producing the 

 sounds mentioned. 



In a recent work on " British Fresh-Water Fishes," by 

 Sir Herbert Maxwell, F. E. S., he mentions an incident in 

 support of his belief that fishes can hear sounds produced 

 in the air. One bright October day he was painting on 

 the shore of Loch Ken, in Galloway. He noticed multi- 

 tudes of small perch near the margin. Presently a shot 

 was fired nearly a mile away. He 



" The report came clearly, because of the stillness of the air, 

 but at that distance it could not be called loud; yet the shoal of 

 fry instantly darted into the deeper water. In a little while 

 they began to creep back towards the shore. Then came another 

 shot; off again went the fry; and so after every shot, repeating 

 the performance for my edification eight or nine times.'' 



I have observed fish exhibit symptoms of fright or alarm 

 at the report of fire-arms, or other loud noises, and to be 

 scared and dart away at the sound of the human voice, or 

 the barking of a dog, when the fish could not see the origi- 

 nators of the noises. 



Birds will remain quietly perched on a tree and seem to 

 take no notice of the sound of the human voice, or of loud 

 noises. It is well known to sportsmen that a covey of ruffed 

 grouse, or mountain grouse, will remain perched ope above 

 another in a tree, while the gunner may shoot them, one 

 after the other, by beginning with the lowest bird. 



