NATIVES OF YORKSHIRE. 
287 
usually of the lesser Fad, and those being attached to large twisted masses of 
the same kind, almost render it in appearance a pensile, and wholly a natant, 
nest, wherein the two kinds of spawn are deposited, while the male fish is 
generally to be observed swimming around it, chiefly across the aperture, and 
truly evinces no little parental affection and courage, slowly retiring when 
molested or alarmed, and presently returning to his station like a trusty centinel. 
As illustrating the causes of disease in marine animals, and, probably also 
in consequence, that of the occasional unwholesome nature of those animals for 
food, I would state, that the Common Oyster will sometimes, when it seems 
sickly, flaccid in substance, and greenish and discoloured in appearance, exhibit 
proofs of being impregnated with iodine, usually under the form of hydriodate 
of soda. Can this arise from the Oyster having eaten largely of certain marine 
plants containing considerable quantities of iodine, and thus producing an 
unhealthy condition of the fluids, similar to. that which takes place in man 
from the excessive use of mercury or iodine ? 
The Gasterosteus spinachia has been constituted, by Dr. Fleming, a distinct 
genus, under the term of Spinackia^ and with some reason, for it is very like 
its congeners the Sticklebacks, there being no features of family likeness, except 
those of voraciousness and pugnacity. In appearance, indeed, it more resem:- 
bles, though very different in structure, a Syngnathus^ in those mailed sides and 
that long and tubular snout. 
Nereis Noctiluca is hardly more than the tenth of an inch long, and of the 
thickness of a strong bristle; it occurs plentifully, particularly late in autumn, 
among the Sea-weeds, especially the lesser AlgcBy spangling the leaves, when 
spread/open, with countless sparks of a rich and brilliant blue fire. The 
luminosity of this well-known though minute Molusca, is unquestionably de¬ 
pendent mpon the iWill of the animal, which, when disturbed or pursued, can 
instfehtaneously^extinguish its lamp, an^ pjresqntlyRekindle,it,^and that even 
if fit'be removed to a sheet of dry paper,; where^ however, it speedily dies; but 
among the Algce, especially if repeatedly moistened with Sea-water, this marine, 
glow-worm may be kept alive several days. For a very minute description of 
this singular little creature, I would refer your readers to the monograph of 
Adler in the third volume of the Amceniiates Academicce. 
Scarboroughy May 20, 1837. y 
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