296 PEESH-WATER AQUAEIA. 



It is said to lay its eggs, during Marcli and April, loosely 

 in the water. Though, they are very small, they can be seen 

 by the naked eye. They are covered very thickly with 

 " sharp spines." These spines, which can, of course, only be 

 seen by the help of a microscope, are for the purpose, it is 

 supposed, of causing the eggs to adhere to any solid substance 

 against which they may fall, and also to act as some slight 

 protection from the attacks of smaU aquatic animals. 



