26 
its pectoral and ventral fins expanded to their full stretch, 
but without the slightest perceptible motion; the original 
impulse enabling it to prolong its flight to the distance of 
two or three hundred yards. Sometimes it grazes the crest 
ofa wave, gives two or three strokes with its tail, and flies 
off again with renewed vigour. Flights of this length are, 
however, but rarely taken, and but by individuals of full 
growth; the ordinary flight, when a shoal of them dart up 
together, seldom exceeding a few yards. With regard to 
the assertion, that the Flying-fish is exposed to the talons of 
aquatic birds, I have only to observe, that it is rather unusual 
with aquatic birds to be furnished with talons; but if there 
are any so provided, I will venture to say that they are not to 
be found in the latitudes frequented by the Flying-jish. 
* For some days before we made the land, we were warned 
by a manifest change in the sea, of our approach towards the 
head of the Bay of Bengal. From the deep indigo-blue of 
the ocean, it passed imperceptibly into a dark olive-green. 
Even in Balasore Road, where we lay for a night at anchor, 
its colour was the same until about an hour before we weighed 
anchor next morning, for the purpose of crossing the sand- 
heads, when we observed it suddenly change to that of burnt 
brick, approaching in a rapid current from Point Palmyras, 
and before our anchor was up, the whole Bay, as far as we 
could see, was of the same colour. This phenomenon was 
caused by freshes in the River Kannaka descending with the 
ebb-tide, and diffusing themselves over the Bay. 
* We were but a few hours under weigh, when we fell in 
_ with a pilot-schooner, from which a pilot was sent on board 
. to take charge of the ship. "There are twelve of these vessels 
under the orders of the Marine Board in Calcutta, several of 
which constantly ply off the sand-heads, for the purpose of 
furnishing ships with pilots to conduct them through the 
intricate navigation of the Hoogly. They are about 150 tons 
burden, and each of them is commanded by a branch pilot, 
having under him two masters, four mates, and as many 
volunteers. The rate of pilotage from the sea to Calcutta is 
from 100 rupees for a vessel of nine feet draught, to 600 for 
