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Show 1867.] MR. F. DAY ON INDIAN FISHES. 281 5. On the Fishes of the Neilgherry Hills and Rivers around their Bases. By Surgeon F R A N C I S D A Y , F.Z.S., F.L.S. During the period Sir William Denison, K.C.B., F.Z.S., was Governor of Madras, the absence from the waters of the Neilgherry Hills of all but an insignificant species of fish, Paradanio neilgher-riensis, sp. nov., attracted attention. It was universally considered desirable that fish should be introduced into the Ootacamund Lake, which is H mile in length and 7600 feet above the level of the sea, as well as into the Pykara River, which is only about 1500 feet lower down. The presence of the finny tribes, it was surmised, would be very acceptable in this magnificent sanitarium, both as affording sport for anglers and food for convalescents and the general public. To carry out this design, I was instructed early in 1866 to convey Trout-ova in ice overland from England to Madras. This experiment having failed from various causes, more especially the high temperature of the water on the hills, some substitute appeared necessary ; and as on examination I found the fauna to be almost entirely tropical, I suggested and obtained leave to remain four months longer for the purpose of attempting the introduction of fishes from the plains. Unfortunately about one month before the allotted time had expired, when the best mode of carriage had been discovered, after the species unadapted for transit had been ascertained, and others successfully introduced, m y services were required for temporary regimental duty at Kurnool, and there was no one available to complete the experiment. It appears advisable to record what has been accomplished, or at some future date naturalists visiting these hills may be at a loss to explain the presence of Eels, Ophiocephalidee, and other fishes of the plains at the summit of such an elevated plateau, and erroneous deductions as to their geographical distribution might be the consequence. An account of this experiment, or the obstacles which had to be surmounted, upon endeavours at first unsuccessful but finally overcome, would be too long for recording here. So I will merely observe that most of the Siluroids died of cold whilst being carried up the ghawts, as the water in the earthern chatties in which they were being conveyed became cooled by evaporation or the direct action of the cold cutting winds which at night time sweep those mountainous roads ; the Cyprinidce and Ophiocephalidee when large knocked themselves about so much during their transit that they either perished whilst "en route," or a few days after reaching their destination ; that finally a stock-pond had to be instituted halfway, where the fish could rest before being carried into Ootacamund, whilst only the young of the various species were taken, and that several varieties appear to have been successfully introduced. It is to be regretted that the experiment was not completed, to do which two dozen more of each of the four following species ought to |
