THE SEA-HORSE AND ITS YOUNG. 233 
the numerical proportion of the sexes? Does the male 
incubate the ova of more than one female at a time? _ 
Allusion has been made to the Stickleback. It was to 
the two-spined species ( Gasterosteus biaculeatus), This 
species breeds in the months of March, April, and May. 
Much depends upon the season. Generally the whole 
matter is over by the last week in April. My experience, 
from the examination of many gravid specimens, indicates 
that the Sea-horse breeds in August and September. 
Fig. 2, though drawn without the proper aid from the 
microscope, is intended to exhibit some of the fetal 
phenomena, and represents the premature Fig. 2. 
young, which I have supposed to be twelve & ATE 
days old from the commencement of incu- Py, 
bation. Fig. 3 is one of the same magnified, and pre- 
sents the following particulars worthy of note. First, 
the tail is round, instead of quadrangular ; 
second, the dorsal fin is set farther back 
than in the adult ; third, the pectoral fins 
are also farther back on the nape than in 
the adult (though not to the same extent, £ 
yet facts two and three I have seen in ¥ 
foetuses much older) ; fourth, the extreme 
shortness and great width of the muzzle. 
The Sea-horse, when taken fresh from his native home, 
though almost laughably grotesque, is a very pretty crea- 
ture. Its general color is ashen gray; at first glance, an 
exceedingly sober suit. But if examined more closely, it 
will be found thickly studded with tiny spangles of me- 
tallic silver. Add to this its rich armature of daintily 
carved plates, like a coat of mail, its body always pertly 
erect, and, bent forward, it looks like the steed of a 
Knight-errant in quest of adventure; and those pretty, 
AMERICAN NAT., VOL. I. 30 
