AI'PEXDIX. . 299 



II. 



Ohservations on the Ilahits of the Salmon Famih/. Bij W. Hekrv, 

 EsQR. Inspector General of Hospitals.^ 



The physical structure of fishes, so beautifully adapted to the 

 nature of the element in ■which they live, has been the subject of 

 especial notice and admiration amongst natiu-alists and philo- 

 sophers, ancient and modern. The wedged-shaped head — the 

 gradual and well proportioned enlargement of the Ijody — the 

 .skilful machinery of the fins — the mailed and glossy skin — the 

 ballasting air-bladder, and the rudder-tail, evince the wisdom, 

 as the magnitude of the le^'iathans of the ocean show the power, 

 of their Creator. But the use of the delicate painting with 

 which the skins of many fishes are so richly adorned is not 

 so apparent ; and on a superficial view, it would almost seem 

 to be a waste of bright colours lavished amidst the dim twilight 

 of the deep. Yet -we may Ije well assured from all analogy, that 

 even this rich tinting of tlie mute tribes inhabiting the waters has 

 not been bestowed on them without an object : and farther even, 

 that it may serve pru-poses of the greatest importance in the 

 economy of nature. 



The tiny lamp of the glow-worm and the fire-fly is delicately 

 beautiful ; but it is also believed to be of great value as a minute 

 beacon, governing and directing the movements of the male in- 

 sect towards the female. Thus it is not improbable that the 



* Dr. Henry was one of the best fishermen in Canada, and a very 

 intelligent man ; he wrote much and well. — J. E. A. 



