at Bury St. Edmunds, by Mr. Hodson (see p. 140.) and by others there. I twice sent thence eggs of this variety, in the one instance packed in bran, in the other in sawdust, closely secured in a box, by stage coach, to Waterbeach, near Cambridge. The hens in reserve for sitting on them sat upon them to the hazarding of their lives, and in neither case was one egg hatched. The eggs, when sent, were fresh; and we attributed their abortion to injury possibly occasioned to their contents by the shaking incident to the mode of conveying them. Subsequently a male and female were transported thither in a basket, and thus the object desired was effected.-J. D.

REPTILES. Of the Chameleon (Lacérta Chameleon L.) (Vol. II. p. 469., Vol. III. p. 188. 232.) a painting or coloured drawing (perhaps not well executed) is placed, as a sign, in the window of Franklyn, silk dyer, 46. Spital Square, Spitalfields: it is a significant symbol of the changes which a dyer can effect in the colour of the objects of his art. —J. D.

Of the Natterjack Toad (Bùfo Rubèta Flem.) (p. 185. 457.) I have found several specimens on Tooting Common, Surrey. - Edward Blyth. Tooting, Surrey, Sept. 23. 1833.

Natterjack.Sir, In reply to an enquiry which I saw in your Magazine, some months back, about the natterjack, I may observe, that it is the common toad of this neighbourhood, being found in our gardens, by roadsides, in Greenwich Park, on Blackheath, &c.: in the last locality it is very abundant. Your correspondent may catch a dozen in an hour in any of the gravel pits with which the heath abounds. It breeds every year, in a shallow pond, just opposite the Blackheath entrance to Greenwich Park. I am, Sir, yours, &c.—E. N. D. Sept. 1833.

There is but one Species of Viper or Poisonous Reptile in England. It is the Coluber Bèrus Lin., or more properly the Vipera Bèrus. The red viper of Mr. Strickland (p. 399.) is the young of it. I have just received a specimen from the Rev. Mr. Bird, agreeing in every respect with Mr. Strickland's. Mr. Bell, who is by far our best reptilist, has been good enough to examine it, and confirms this statement. Mr. Strickland intends to describe any of the ophidians, he will, perhaps, be obliged to me for the information that the number of scuta varies with age, sex, and every casualty; the Linnæan species, therefore, unless clearly defined by other characters, are valueless.-E. N. D. Sept. 1833.

If

What are the Colour and Appearance of the Young of the Common Viper (Vipera vulgaris Flem.)? I have been endeavouring all this summer (1833) to procure one, and in July succeeded, as I had thought. It now appears to me that it was

an individual of the species [red viper, Coluber chersèa Lin.] described in p. 399., although it was brought to me by an old experienced viper catcher. As it was, unfortunately, in rather a putrid state, I, not suspecting that it presented more than the usual appearance of the young of the common species, after examining it in rather a cursory manner, threw it away. Its length was 9 in., and the colour and markings coincided exactly with those described of the red viper (Coluber chersea L.), by Mr. Strickland, in p. 399. It was killed in Coombe Wood, Surrey. I have been informed that

A Black Species of Viper exists in the west of England. Edward Blyth. Tooting, Surrey, Sept. 23. 1833.

On the "New species of British snake, Coluber dumfrisiénsis," described and figured in Vol. II. p. 458., about which I have (for the sake of bringing correlative things together) asked in Vol. VI. p. 401., a remark by the Rev. L. Guilding is lying by; which, till now, has been overlooked.

This is probably the young of Coluber Natrix just hatched. The scales may not assume their perfect form till the casting off of the first exuviæ.-L. Guilding. St. Vincent, May 1.

1830.

FISHES. Fishes possess an audible Voice. Sir, That fishes have a distinct voice, out of water, as stated by Mr. Thompson (Vol. III. p. 147.), there can be no doubt. Thus, the herring, when first caught by the gills, and lifted out of water, has a shrill note, somewhat like that of the mouse. The gurnard will continue to grunt like a hog for a considerable time after it is caught and lies at the bottom of the boat. In early life I used to join some of my companions in fishing out at sea, with the deep-sea line, and the latter phenomenon was a very familiar one.

If my engagements, during the summer, allow me, I may send you an account of a very interesting fish, found where the inmates are remarkably tame, in connection with the tame fish we read of in ancient story, and the question whether fish, devoid as they are of external ears, do or do not hear by means of some internal auditory organ. -J. Murray. Jan. 20.

1833.

See Vol. V. p. 311, 312., for a notice of the sounds uttered by the Trìgla Hirúndo, T. lýra, T. Cùculus, and T. Gurnárdus.

J. D.

Facts in the Habits of the Gold Fish (Cyprinus auràtus L.) and Silver Fish (C. auràtus var.). — Happening to be at Derby in the autumn of 1830, I then visited the show rooms of the Derbyshire Spa manufactory, belonging to Mr. Hall, where I noticed several glass globes in vases, containing gold and

silver fishes. Mr. Hall conducted me to a large marble basin or pond in his garden, containing a number of the same kind of fish. A fountain played into the basin; and, notwithstanding the undulation of the water, its surface was nearly covered with a green weed of a very fine texture, which Mr. Hall informed me he had often endeavoured to eradicate, but without success. He, therefore, suffered it to increase: and soon found the advantage of it; for it seemed to encourage the growth of a small vermilion-coloured worm, upon which the fish fed; and they in a short time afterwards spawned. Mr. Hall stated, that, at this period, he was most anxious to obtain information respecting the economy of this class of fish, so that he might promote the increase of their number in the best possible manner; but all his endeavours were fruitless, as he could not meet with, in any book or treatise, a satisfactory account of the subject; wherefore he resolved to commence studying them himself.

In watching the progress of the spawn, he discovered that the fishes not only fed upon the vermilion-coloured worms, but preyed upon their own young fry; which induced him to remove as many of the latter as he could catch, and place them in glass globes, with a small quantity of the beforementioned weed in each. The young fish grew rapidly, but diminished in number; when, upon investigation, it was ascertained that the larger devoured the smaller of these young broods, and those only escaped who could defend themselves against the attacks of their voracious adversaries. To remedy this, he selected others, nearly equal in size, and placed them in separate glasses: after which, the fish increased in growth and strength; and there appeared no diminution, as heretofore, in their numbers. Mr. Hall collected some of the vermilion-coloured worms from the weeds in the large marble basin, and, in my presence, threw them into each of the glass globes containing gold and silver fishes about half grown: these instantly darted at the vermilion-coloured worms, and swallowed them with avidity. Henry Stratton. Enfield, Jan. 31. 1833.

These facts are interesting. The addition of the generic and specific names, both of the "green weed of a very fine texture," and "the small vermilion-coloured worm," would increase the value: and these can, doubtless, be acquired by submitting a specimen of the plant and of the worm to persons versed in these objects. The plant is probably a species of Conférva, or of some allied genus. On the history of the introduction of the gold fish, and the variety of it, the silver fish, as also on their habits, useful information is given in

Vol. III. p. 478., in reply to a query on the subject in Vol. II. p. 102. In addition to J. T.'s (Vol. III. p. 478.) notice of the occurrence, in some individuals, of a tail differing in structure from that usual to the species, I may state, that, in the end of 1832, I saw, in an aquarium in Messrs. Loddiges's nursery, Hackney, several gold and silver fishes; and, amongst them, one (I find I have not noted the colour; but this does not matter) with a double tail-fin; that is, two fins connate, or apparently connate, at their upper edge: for these, as the fish swam, exhibited the figure of the capital V inverted. Similar instances, I have since been told, are not rare. I have heard it stated that the multiplication of gold and silver fishes is much promoted by the frequent admission of a portion of warm water into their place of residence; as had been accidentally discovered from the refuse water of a huge boiler, in use for some purpose, having been allowed to frequently pass warm into a pond in which gold and silver fishes were then kept.-J. D.

The Tunny (Scómber Thynnus L.). This Mediterranean fish is said to occur not unfrequently on the western coast of Scotland. The only specimen, however, which I have heard of was taken in the Gairloch, nearly opposite Greenock, in July, 1831. It had entered the lake in pursuit of herrings, got entangled among the nets, was sent by the fishermen to Glasgow, and is now deposited in the Andersonian Museum. This specimen exceeded the average size, being nine feet in length.-John Scouler, M. D. Glasgow, July 25. 1833.

The Bonito (Scómber Pélamys L.). This tropical fish was taken in the Frith of Clyde, in July, 1832. Dr. Fleming mentions, on the authority of Mr. Stewart, that another specimen was taken in the Forth. -- Id.

The Toothed Gilthead (Bràma Ràïi). This fish is not uncommon on the west coast of Scotland; at least I have seen several individuals from the Frith of Clyde and from the Argyleshire coast. This species appears to be very much annoyed by intestinal worms. In a specimen which I dissected, about eight or ten worms were found in the muscular texture. They were several inches in length, and of considerable size. Rudolphi says that it is rare to dissect a gilthead in which the white worm (Gymnorhynchus réptans) is not found. — Id. The Piper (Trigla lyra). — According to Dr. Pennant this fish is frequently found on the west coast of England; while Donovan says it is very rare. It is not unfrequently to be seen in the Glasgow market, and fine specimens may be procured, measuring 2 ft. 4 in. in length, and weighing 7 lbs.Id. Oct. 4. 1833.

VOL. VI.- No. 36.

M M

[See, in Vol. V. p. 312., a notice of the occasional occurrence of the Trìgla lyra, on the coast of Cornwall.]

The Streaked Gurnard (Trigla lineata Lin. and Cuv., T. adriática Fleming). This fish occurs, though rarely, on our coasts. Id. July 25. [It has been discovered on the coast of Cornwall also. See Vol. V. p. 312.]

Opah (Lampris guttatus). A specimen of this very rare fish was taken in the Clyde, at Helensburgh, several years ago. Unfortunately there was no naturalist on the spot, and it fell into the hands of a bird preserver, who daubed it over with gold and silver leaf. It has since been deposited in the Andersonian Museum along with part of the other animals which I have enumerated. - Id.

Sòlea variegata has been found at Rothsay, by Mr. Ewing. Id.

Enormous Sturgeon. - There was caught in a stake net, near Findhorn, Scotland, on Tuesday, a sturgeon, 8 ft. 6 in. long, 3 ft. in circumference, and weighing 203 lbs. It was immediately packed in ice, and sent by the Brilliant steamboat to London. (Berrow's Worcester Journal, July 18. 1833.)

The Leptocephalus Morrisii Pennant, taken at Slapton, near Dartmouth, Devonshire, on April 29. 1833. - Sir, One of our Slapton fishermen brought me, on Monday, the 29th of April, 1833, a small fish, to all appearance dead, which he had carried in his pocket wrapped in brown paper for three hours. After I had held it in my hand for about a minute, examining it, symptoms of life appeared, and then the little animal was placed in a tumbler of salt and water, where it survived its incarceration in brown paper for several hours. Its appearance was most pleasing, from its semi-transparent and silvery hue, and graceful motions: the prominent eye, with a pearly pupil and dark blue or black iris, was strikingly beautiful.

Upon examination, I found my little captive to be, if not an odd fish, at all events a rare one: the Leptocéphalus Morrisii, or Morris's, so named by Pennant, in the British Zoology, in honour of the discoverer, Mr. Morris. Mr. Pennant's figure and description are neither of them so accurate as it is to be wished they were; and therefore I shall endeavour, in this communication, to rectify them. I am no artist, and therefore cannot boast of the finish of my drawing, but I can vouch for its accuracy. (fig. 64.)

The Leptocéphalus belongs to the Linnæan order A'podes, being destitute of ventral fins. It is, moreover, an osseous fish, with the fins supported by cartilaginous articulations. The gill cover is concealed by the skin, which is protruded forward under the chin, as I have endeavoured to represent