1418 Fishes. 



in it, that I cannot forbear mentioning it. The usual mode of taking 

 the mullets is by enclosing them in a seine and then drawing them on 

 shore. As soon, however, as they find themselves enclosed, they seem 

 confused and wander from one part of the net to another to discover a 

 means of escape. Order, however, as if by mutual consent is very 

 soon established, and the largest of the schull generally takes the lead 

 in every subsequent undertaking. Thus guided, every portion of the 

 net is carefully examined, and if a hole is found, through it they all 

 make their escape. If unsuccessful in this, the foot of the net is at- 

 tempted to be lifted, but the trial always fails, and many are meshed 

 in the attempt. Baffled at all points, they retire to the centre of the 

 space enclosed by the net, and after a short time the leader rises 

 swiftly to the corks, and followed by all the others, throw itself over 

 into the water beyond, and thus they effect their escape. It is an ex- 

 ceedingly interesting sight to see them thus make a series of efforts 

 for a given object, adopting them in succession as if by reason. The 

 fishermen are now in the habit of scattering straw along the inner 

 margin of the buoys, the fish deceived by this, throw themselves over 

 the edge of the straw, but alas ! again fall w r ithin the enclosure ; and 

 having once failed they never renew the attempt. 



Sand-smelt, Atherina presbyter. Common during summer, and is 

 frequently caught from the pier-head by anglers. It spawns in 

 June, July, and early in August. 



Gattoruginous Blenny, Blennius gattorugine. This is a common 

 fish, inhabiting deep water on rocky ground. It varies in length, 

 from two to seven inches : it is frequently caught in the crab-pots : 

 it is voracious, feeding principally on small crustaceans : it varies in 

 colour according to the ground it occupies ; but it is in general of a 

 deep-brown. 



Montagu's Blenny, B. Montagui. To be found in crevices of the 

 rocks between tide-marks or under stones, where it remains dry for 

 several hours during the day, solitary. It is active, and frequently 

 observed peeping from a crevice where it has taken shelter till the re- 

 turn of the tide. On being observed it actively withdraws itself out 

 of sight. Spawns in August, and deposits its ova over the surface 

 of the cavity on the under surface of the stone beneath which it has 

 taken shelter. 



Shanny, Blennius pholis. Common everywhere in pools between 

 tide-marks. It appears to be a favourite habit with it to be at the 

 rim of the water, rapidly retreating on the least alarm. Yet it is by no 

 means a timid fish ; on the contrary, it is either very bold or very stu- 



