The Washington times., 1901-12-22
DO FISH SLEEP.
The Question Answered Affirmative
Iy by "a Commission Expert.

ly by "a Commission Expert.
Do fish sleep?
This question has been puzzling tht
scientists of fish lore at the United State,
Fish Commission for the past week auf
some of them are not yet absolutely Ger.
tain whether fish indulge in sIumber oil
| are sufferers OF somnambulism.
Several local disciples OF Isaak Walter
had discussion in the lobby OF an up
| town hotel on this phase OF the life OF
the iinny tribe and being unable to decide
the matter to the satisfaction of all pres
ent an appeal was made to the Fish
Commission TO aid them in their difficulty
When the disputed question was placed
before these scientists there was a long
painful pause. and hurried. questioning
glances were exchanged between them.
After great deal OF hesitation n lively
discussion ensucd at the end OF which
these wise men were no nearer solution
of the question than the propounders of
1t. Whether fish INDUCED in peaceful
slumber the same as human beings and
animals was problem that had not been
given careful consideration by these ex-
Perts of watery inhabitants.
Several opinions were expressed and
many theories advanced, but arguments
failed to prove them. One of the learned
men upon the inpVIlse OF the moment de :
clared that FISH did not sleep because
they did not close their eyes. 4 colleague
called the attention of his brother scien-
tist to the fact that fish had no eyelids.
consequently It was impossible for them
TO conceal their organ OF sight. This ex-
Ploded the last theory. and for the time
being the scientists acknowledged defeat.
but manfully asserted that careful study
would be made, and felt confident that
correct solution would result.
Before practical test was made. an
absent member Of the Commissions staff
returned from business trip and rescued
the experts from the dilemma.
He declared that fish slept. and forth-s
with presented his argument. He stated
that the first consideration was the mean
ing of The word sleep. That had to be
definitely determined. His version was
that in all living creatures there was
more or less activity. mentally and bod
ily. which necessitated rest. and to secure
proper rest sleep was indispensable. Fish
we're active. and during a great part of
their lives were moving about, which re-
quired OF them certain amount of rest
from physical exertion.
As regards mental repose. this expert
was not in position to express a de-
cided opinion. If there was any mental
exhaustion among the fnny tribe 1t might
be confined to their efforts in resisting
the temptation of swallowing the bait
offered them by The inevitable angler.
He secuted tie idea that fish did not
Sleep because they did not close their
eyes, even did they possess eyelids for
that purpose. In support of this state
ment he argued that human beings have
been known TO sleep without dropping the
eyelids. And among animals it was not
an uncommon occurrence for them to
sleep with eyes wide open. The gentle
man who had advanced this theory con-
ceded the superior wisdom of his brother
upon This question.
Continuing, the latter said that he had
observed fish in an aquarium which gave
every evidence that they were indulging
in sleep. They would remain for long
time at the bottom Of tank. resting in
an upright position upon their tail which,
while not comfortable attitude. was not
unlike certain human beings. Other forms
OF repose we're lying on their sides, and
also resting their bodies upon the moss
and shrubbery in the tank.
The habits OF the catfish bullhead and
5uniish were mentioned as another Illus
tration of sleeping fish. During the win
ter season these specie go to the bottom
Of the water and founder about until
they become cncased in mud and there
remain during the cold period. This was
certainly the sleep INDUCED in by them
and IT. was a natural inference that other
specimens of fish were compelled to obtain
rest in the nature of sleep Of whatever
character it might be- Il
This was the general verdict. said the
Of iclthyoiogisis who had given
his phase of fish life a careful study.