44 
SECOND BOOK. 
all kinds of fishes, and some fins are soft, while 
others are stiff and prickly.” 
3. “ How beautifully they glide along,” said 
William, as he and his brother watched the pretty 
fishes turning from side to side, or darting now 
and then through the water. 
“ Their boat-like form seems the very best for 
passing through the water,” said Mr. Johnson. 
“ But fishes differ in shape very much according to 
the life they lead.” 
4. “ Yes,” said Arthur, “ the eel is long and 
round.” 
“ And the sole is a flat fish,” added William. 
“ Quite true,” said Mr. Johnson. “ The eel makes 
its way through the mud in the rivers and lagoons, 
and the sole searches for food along the bottom of 
the sea. 
5. “For this kind of life its flat shape is very 
suitable, as it can lie close to the bottom, with one 
side uppermost, and, as you know, it has both 
eyes on this side. The upper side has a colour 
resembling the bottom of the sea, so that the fish 
is not easily seen by its enemies.” 
6 . “ What do you mean by its enemies?” inquired 
Arthur. 
“ I mean the other fishes that would prey upon 
it. You must understand that many fishes are 
flesh-eaters, and feed upon each other. Fish also 
eat insects, worms, or the eggs of other fishes.” 
