358 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



this Amphibian has not been found in Ireland, except at the head of Dingle 

 Bay, all around Castlemaine Harbour. The Rev. Mr. Delap, of Valentia, 

 told me of his having noticed the Natterjack near Castlequin, about twenty 

 miles west of the place where they had previously been discovered, and 

 I procured a few specimens in a small pool close by. They were evidently 

 about to breed, and I should much like to know whether they breed in 

 England so late as this (it was about May 18th). Perhaps some reader 

 of ' The Zoologist ' would give us an accurate statement of the distribution 

 in England of this interesting Amphibian. — R. F. Scharff (Science and 

 Art Museum, Dublin). 



FISHES. 



Effect of Thunder on Trout. — It has been stated that if thunder is 

 in the air while you are fishing, the Trout will cease to rise, and I am in a 

 position to corroborate this statement. A few days ago I was fishing in 

 a small moorland burn when I heard, in the space of a few minutes, several 

 loud peals of thunder. Prior to this I had been having excellent sport ; 

 after the occurrence, for the space of twenty minutes, I failed to secure a 

 fish, until the storm had quite passed away. It is difficult to determine 

 whether they were affected by the real noise, or whether they were merely 

 conscious of a concussion or sonorous vibrations produced by the thunder- 

 clap, and transmitted through the water. Yet the former seems unlikely, 

 possessing only a very imperfect auditory apparatus, besides being void of 

 that external ear and canal leading from the internal ear to the surface, 

 which I suppose is essential for the perception of the waves of sound. May 

 I venture to suggest that the lateral line, which I suppose is now acknow- 

 ledged to be a sensory organ, "the scales along which are perforated by a 

 tube leading into a longitudinal canal up to the head, into which branches 

 of the pneumagastric nerve pass,' may be adapted to receive the vibrations 

 of the water. Leaving the means by which the sound is conducted, the 

 question arises, what is the effect on the fish themselves? Do they 

 share the same dread and timidity experienced by other animals, which 

 causes them to withdraw under one of the adjacent banks or some stone, 

 as affording a suitable mean3 of protection. I shall feel obliged if some 

 one will offer an explanation concerning the following points, viz. : — 

 (1), Whether fish are conscious of the presence of thunder, and if so by 

 what means; (2), What is the effect produced; and (8), Whether the 

 effect is general among fishes, or limited to certain species. — R. Usher 

 (Cambo, Newcastle-on-Tyne). 



MOLLUSCA. 



The Bearded Horse Mussel at Aberdeen.— Cod feed largely on small 

 Mollusca and Crustacea, hence the stomachs of these fish may be examined 

 with advantage on the chance of finding rarities. In one caught off the 



