How so small a creature can bear up so long under such a state of apparent excitement appears marvellous. His assiduity is most extraordinary. By night he rests beside the nest, and by day, if he can possibly hinder it, he allows nothing to approach. When there are other members of the Stickleback family in the aquarium, numerous combats are sure to ensue, for as the young and transparent offspring of one fish are deemed a great dainty by the non-parental body, the latter invariably endeavour to satisfy their cannibal propensities at the harrowing expense of their neighbours.
When the spawn are hatched, fresh care devolves upon the parent, in order to keep them within the nursery, and protect them from the greedy mouths of the larger fish, always on the look-out for tit-bits. Should one of the little fishlings stray beyond the prescribed bounds, the watchful parent darts after it, and in an instant his jaws close over the wanderer apparently for ever, but in fact only for a time, for swimming quickly back the old fish puffs out the straggler into its nest lively and uninjured.
[CHAPTER XXV.]
On the Formation of an Aquarium, &c.
'And so I end this little book, hoping, even praying that it may encourage a few
more labourers to go forth into a vineyard which those who have toiled in it know
to be full of ever fresh health, and wonder, and simple joy, and the presence and
the glory of Him whose name is Love.'—C. Kingsley.
