“A FISH OUT OF WATER”

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 104, 26 January 1935, Page 23

“A FISH OUT OF WATER”

This is a very favourite expression, because nothing as uncomfortable as a fish out of water can be imagined, land when the fish are kept out of water for any length of time they die. Why is this so Curiously enough, because they need air like all other animals. But they cannot make use of it unless it is dissolved in water. Fish breathe by means of their gills which in human beings take the place of lungs. In the gills tiny blood ves-. gels are so arranged that, coming directly into contact with water pumped in and out by special movements of the gills, they can absorb straight into the blood the oxygen contained in the water. If you keep fish in an aquarium end do not aerate the water regularly they die in the airless water, just as ghey do in the waterless air.

“Autumn Gold,” Masterton: Ugh, indeed! I can sympathise. An intelligent little chap, and rather a darling. “Uranus,” Feilding: More than I can do, anyway. Last time I dived off a raft I banged my head hard —silly of me not to know that it was low tide.

“Lobelia,” Hukanui: “Excelsior Elf” is going away to Christchurch; it’s very sad and we will all miss her tremendously. Of course you may. Soon? Not quite your best, the illustration, I think.

Jean Greig, Masterton: Your notice is in safely, Jean, and lots of luck to it. The pen name is taken, though. “Russet Apple,” Greytown: It seemed a very long short time to me. But then every day was such a busy, lovely one.

“Wirihana,” Featherston: Nice to hear from you again. There will be lots of news to tell me on the next rainy day. Dell Adsett, Feilding: It wasn’t a change of name but a change of persorf. I am back from my holiday, so it’s “Kiwi” again now. I like the story very much indeed.