this a most remarkable instance of gratitude in a fish for a benefit received, and as it always came at his whistle, _it proved also what he had previously, with other naturalists, disbelieved, that fishes are sensible to sound_. (?) On hunting among the rock-pools by the sea-shore, several peculiar little fishes are frequently to be found, and although some of them cannot be considered suitable for the aquarium, still, for the reader's information, it may be as well that I devote a brief space to a description of the peculiarities of each. By far the most interesting of all the finny occupants of the rock-pool, is, to my taste, the Smooth Blenny, or, as it is variously termed, Shanny, or Tansy. It is also more abundant than many other species, and may therefore be readily captured during summer. The Blenny varies from two to five inches in length. The back is ornamented with exquisite markings, but the most characteristic features are the peculiar bluntness of the head, and the brilliant crimson dot both on and immediately beneath the eyes. Although easily tamed, the Blenny, in his native haunts, appears to be the most timid of animals, darting with the rapidity of lightning to the shelter of some stone or overhanging weeds at the remotest indication of approaching footsteps, or the faintest shadow of a human form being cast on the water. When desirous to procure a specimen, it is best to choose as small a pool as you can for your hunt. Drop in your net at one end, and as the Shanny precipitately retreats to the other, give him chase. Having arrived at the extremity of his domain, he will endeavour to hide among the weeds, but if you hold your net across the pool with one hand, and with the other lift up a stone or beat the bushes, the little fellow will become greatly excited, and darting out, of course, unwillingly, falls into the snare prepared for him. Having gained your prize, do not handle it, but placing your finger under the net, tilt it over the mouth of the bottle, and allow the Blenny to fall as gently as possible into the water. You need be under no uneasiness after introducing him to the aquarium about the nature of his diet. He is far from being epicurean in his tastes. I supply mine according to my whim at the moment, with whatever is at hand, a bit of fowl, roast beef, or the like. The only caution I adopt when giving animal food to the Blenny is to remove all traces of fat. I mince their food into minute particles, and having sufficiently moistened it, I place a morsel upon a hair pencil. This attention to their comforts the Blennies soon learn to appreciate, and will, after a while, display at meal times the sagacity of larger animals.