C 4.26 ] 
it is fcarce to be conceived what Damage theft 
|ittle Fifh do, and how greatly detrimental they are to 
the Increaft of all the Fifh in general amongft whom 
they inhabit. For it is with the utmoft Induftry, 
Sagacity, and Greedinefs, that they feek out and de- 
ftroy the Spawn of all Sorts of Fifh 5 and moreover 
all the young Fry, that come in their Way, are pur- 
fued by them with the utmoft Eagernefs, and fwal- 
lowed down without Diftin&ion, provided they are 
not too large. 
And in Proof of what I here affert, I muft aflure 
you* that the Banfticle before- mention'd in my glafs 
Jar, did, on the 4th of May la ft, devour, in five 
Hours Time, 74 young Dace, which were about a 
Quarter of an Inch long, and the Thicknefs of an 
Horft-Hair. Two Days after it fwailowed 62, and 
would, I am perfuaded, have eat as many every Day, 
could I have procured them for it. 
Could Gentlemen, who take Pleafure in Fifh- 
ponds, intirely prevent thefe Deftroyers from getting 
into them, I am convinced their Produce would be 
much greater than it commonly is : And though it 
may not be poflible to keep them out intirely, it 
is mod certainly advifeable to be very diligent in 
the deftroying of them: And whenever, by Netting, 
or other means, any of them are got out of the 
Water, never throw them in again, on a Suppo- 
fition of their being harmlefs. 
Nature has furnifhed this little Fifh with a kind 
of Breaft-plate or Armour, to be its Defence againft 
any outward Injury: She has likewife bellowed up- 
on it feveral offenfive Weapons or Spines, placed 
upon its Sides and Back, which it immediately 
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