Fish Life. 41 



is capable of being discliarged and of leaving the 

 body again neutral. 



In addition to the great emotional disturbance, 

 the tremendous activit)' of the reproductive season 

 causes marvellous changes of structure to take 

 place, changing the form in various ways, and often 

 causing the skin to glow with brilliant colors. 



These changes continue until the reproductive 

 elements are fully ripe and ready to be eliminated. 



When this time comes, the female fish instinc- 

 tively seeks a spot suitable for the development of 

 her offspring, and in depositing her burden of eggs 

 also becomes free from accompanying emotional 

 and physical phenomena. 



The eggs once laid, the characteristic vitality of 

 the breeding season subsides. 



This period of intense activity is over. The fire 

 is quenched, calm and a greater stability reign 

 through the cells of the body. 



The male is even more affected by the repro- 

 ductive activity; overwhelmed by the force of the 

 vital action that so possesses his whole being, he 

 too finally discharges the battery by freeing him- 

 self from the presence of the intensely vital sperm- 

 cells. 



Powerfully attracted by the female, he accom- 

 panies her to the breeding place, and when she has 

 laid the eggs, affected by some subtle instinct of 

 love and desire for life, he pours upon their waiting, 

 uncertain life the fertilizing fluid which is to stimu- 



