The average form and the one which best suits our idea of a fish, is the Black Bass, or other fishes of similar pattern. To know the advantages of these forms one must study the fishes in their native element. The peculiar forms which many species take are the most noticeable in those found in the tropics. The struggle for existence there is the most severe, and it seems as if each species had labored to take on some peculiar form which would assist most in its preservation. In this respect color also plays an important factor. It is in the tropics and among the many species of corals that we find the most highly-colored fishes.

Many fishes have the power to change their color, and this they can do in a very short time. The flounders are a peculiar family, the young when born are symmetrical. Early in life they take on the habit of their parents and lie on one side, the eye on the underside disdains to look downwards and so begins to move toward the other side. The bones of the head suit themselves to this change and soon our flounder has both eyes on the same side of the head. The upper side is colored much to resemble sand, and the tinder side becomes nearly white. The flounder protects himself by covering his body, except the eyes, with sand. Flounders live on sandy bottoms, some in shallow water, while others are found in deepest parts of the ocean. If flounders are placed in an aquarium and arranged so the light can fall on the under side of their bodies, this, too, becomes dark, much like the other side.

It is interesting to study the habits of fishes in a small aquarium, and to especially notice their ability to change color, and how rapidly they do it. So many persons seem to be saturated with the idea that an aquarium must have in it one or more gold fish. This seems to me to be a mistake when our streams contain so many species suitable for the aquarium which are far more handsome than the gold fish, and which, if you give them half a chance, will teach you something of interest.

Mr. Ford, of Berwyn, Illinois, has a small aquarium, in his house, in which he keeps from fifteen to twenty six species of native fishes. Among these are several species of Darters, the most beautifully colored and the most interesting of all our freshwater forms. Then there are Minnows, Suckers, Catfishes, Sunfishes, the Pike, Mud Minnow, Top Minnow, and so on. To one who would know fishes, any one of these species is more desirable than gold fish. The study of fishes in an aquarium, such as the one possessed by Mr. Ford, is extremely interesting. They will teach you much about their habits, besides giving you many lessons showing their ability to change color and adapt themselves to their surroundings.

The Blind Fishes, which inhabit caves in this country, are very interesting. They have lost their color, if they ever had any, being white. In many the eyes have become so degenerated as to be entirely of no service when the fish is in the light. The head is furnished with tactile organs, which enables them to feel their way in the dark. In fact, they are well adapted for the life they lead. Dr. Eigenmann tells us that Blind Fishes were not accidentally swept into caves or driven there by their enemies, "but entered them deliberately and avoided coming out into the light." In other words they preferred "darkness rather than light." Having simplified eyes and highly developed sense organs, they were able to live in the dark. The many ages they have lived in the caves has better fitted them for their existence in total darkness. The Blind Fishes were not always blind, but have become so because of their own preferences.

The readers are, if they will only study fishes, sure to find them extremely interesting. There are a wonderful variety of fishes, each well adapted for the life it leads. You will find them in the brooks, creeks, rivers and lakes or ocean, wherever you happen to be, and you are sure to be highly repaid for all the study or attention you may give them.