Interesting Fish Experiment.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 82, 27 December 1884, Page 6

Interesting Fish Experiment.

A very interesting experiment was recently conducted by W, Oldham Chambers, Secretary of the National Fish Culture Association, at South Kensington, London. Taking two Prussian crabs from the tank of the aquarium, he deposited them in separate dry cans, adorning one with blue ribbon to distinguish it from the other, which was selected for the administration of spirituous liquors. After a lapse of four hours the fish were placed in water, evident signs of expiration being apparent in both cases. A small quantity of brandy arid water was then given to the crab selected for the imbibition of intoxicating liquors, through the medium of a feather, and no sooner was the fish placed in water than it was quickly restored to vigour and strength. The crab enlisted under the banner of the "Blue Ribbon League" to all appearances died half an hour after its more fortunate associate, and was then taken out of the water and thrown on the ground. About four hours later, however, the fish was picked up by Mr Chambers, who observed it by appearance to be in rigor mortis. He at once operated on the seemingly inanimate fish by opening its mouth and pouring a doao of brandy and water down its throat, and again putting it in the water, when, to his astonishment, he noticed slight signs of animation. For five minutes the unfortunate object of the experiment floated helplessly on its side, when presently, to the still greater amazement of Mr Chambers and those who watched the experiment, it gradually asserted itself in' the water, and, with considerable effort, made use of its fins, feebly at first, but afterwards energetically. Both the resuscitated fish, who show no signs of their late prostration, are now in the tanks as usual.