"The relation of this uncommon action of this cunning fish, raised the Governor's curiosity; though it came well attested, yet he was determined, if possible, to be convinced of the truth by ocular demonstration. For that purpose he ordered a large wide tub to be filled with sea-water, then had some of these fish caught, and put into it, which was changed every other day. In a while they seemed reconciled to their confinement; then he determined to try the experiment.
"A slender stick, with a fly pinned on at its end, was placed in such a direction on the side of the vessel as the fish could strike it. It was with inexpressible delight that he daily saw these fish exercising their skill in shooting at the fly with an amazing velocity, and never missed their mark."[1]
As this beautiful little trait of instinctive skill has been often noticed, we have thought that our readers might like to have the very words in which it was originally communicated to the world, and have, therefore, cited the Memoir of Dr. Schlosser. It has since been witnessed by M. Reinwardt, who repeated the facts to M. Valenciennes. According to this naturalist, the Chinese inhabitants of Java are fond of keeping these little fishes in vessels of glass and porcelain for their amusement; frequently suspending an insect by a thread, or fastening it to a stick above the margins.
We think it not improbable that several other species of this Family, especially those in which the muzzle is produced, would be found to possess, and to make use of a similar instinct, if
- ↑ Phil. Trans. 1764, vol. liv. p. 89.
