Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 4 (1846).djvu/252

1418 in it, that I cannot forbear mentioning it. The usual mode of taking the mullets is by enclosing them in a seine and then drawing them on shore. As soon, however, as they find themselves enclosed, they seem confused and wander from one part of the net to another to discover a means of escape. Order, however, as if by mutual consent is very soon established, and the largest of the schull generally takes the lead in every subsequent undertaking. Thus guided, every portion of the net is carefully examined, and if a hole is found, through it they all make their escape. If unsuccessful in this, the foot of the net is at- tempted to be lifted, but the trial always fails, and many are meshed in the attempt. Baffled at all points, they retire to the centre of the space enclosed by the net, and after a short time the leader rises swiftly to the corks, and follow^ed by all the others, throw itself over into the water beyond, and thus they effect their escape. It is an ex- ceedingly interesting sight to see them thus make a series of efforts for a given object, adopting them in succession as if by reason. The fishermen are now in the habit of scattering straw along the inner margin of the buoys, the fish deceived by this, throw themselves over the edge of the straw, but alas! again fall within the enclosure ; and having once failed they never renew the attempt.

Sand- smelt, Atherina presbyter. Common during summer, and is frequently caught from the pier-hedd by anglers. It spawns in June, July, and early in August.

Gattoruginous Blenny, Blennius gattorugine. This is a common fish, inhabiting deep water on rocky ground. It varies in length, from two to seven inches : it is frequently caught in the crab-pots : it is voracious, feeding principally on small crustaceans : it varies in colour according to the ground it occupies ; but it is in general of a deep-brown.

Montagu's Blenny, B. Montagui. To be found in crevices of the rocks between tide-marks or under stones, where it remains dry for several hours during the day, solitary. It is active, and frequently observed peeping from a crevice where it has taken shelter till the re- turn of the tide. On being observed it actively withdraws itself out of sight. Spawns in August, and deposits its ova over the surface of the cavity on the under surface of the stone beneath which it has taken shelter.

Shanny, Blennius pholis. Common everywhere in pools between tide-marks. It appears to be a favourite habit with it to be at the rim of the water, rapidly retreating on the least alarm. Yet it is by no means a timid fish ; on the contrary, it is either very bold or very stu-