66 
MINNOW. 
what belongs to fishes in general; for, contrary to what takes 
place in creatures that are higher in the scale of nature, almost 
all fishes breed long before they have reached their full extent 
of growth. Yet among Minnows there are found more males 
than females, and the season of spawning, which is in the 
midd .■ of summer, appears to be short for each individual; 
although an observation of Aristotle, which appears to be 
confirmed by the experience of others, is sufficient to shew that 
the younger fishes may have produced a progeny sufficient to 
provide a second growth before the expiration of the same 
season. As the colder weather approaches they certainly cease 
to breed. 
The spawn is deposited in sandy ground, and in a very 
short time the young escape from the egg; but at this early 
stage of existence, as enemies are numerous, they are said to 
seek concealment from danger by burying themselves in the 
sand. As it is known also that they are not usually to be 
discovered in the colder months of the year, it is to be supposed 
that at this season some similar mode of concealment or shelter 
is again resorted to. 
Naturally the Minnow is a timid fish; as it may well be 
where every inhabitant of the stream is a dangerous enemy. 
But it may be rendered tame without difficulty, and in a tank 
it will take food from the hand, and even attend on the 
motions of a friend. In the river it readily seizes a bait, and 
will even hold it so fast with the jaws as to suffer itself to 
be thus lifted out of the water. And when not disturbed it is 
amusing to see them assemble in order to devour some dead 
animal substance, which may even chance to be the body of 
one of their own species. They arrange themselves in the form 
of a ring, w'hich has been compared to that formed by the 
petals of a flower, with their heads lower than the level of 
their bodies; and in this situation no one jostles another. But 
however peaceable among themselves, the circle must not be 
broken into by a stranger; for on the approach of such the 
most powerful of the company will quit his station to drive 
him away; while his place is kept vacant by his companions 
until his return to the feast. 
The Minnow seldom exceeds three inches in length; the 
shape solid and robust, but lengthened in proportion to the 
