Nest-Building Fishes. 159 
bedecked with buds, while the roof is a mat of white lilies 
floating upon the surface. Here the eggs are deposited, the 
male and female alternately watching them. 
While the Sun-fish is always recognized as the most peace- 
ful of the finny tribe, and only chasing in wanton playfulness 
its neighbors, it is otherwise when the passions are wrought 
to a high pitch of excitement through the play of amatory 
influences in the spring-time. Let a stranger, a bewhiskered 
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NEST OF COMMON SUN-FISH. 
Male and Female Defending It from Attack of Cat-fish. 
cat-fish, approach the bower, and war is at once declared. 
The little creatures snap at the intruder with anger and defi- 
ance. Their sharp dorsal fins stand erect, the pectorals vibrate 
with repressed emotion, while the violent movements of 
their powerful tails evince a readiness and determination to 
stand by their home at all hazards. Indeed, so vigorous is 
their charge, that even large fishes are forced to retreat, and, 
