140 OX KAY. 



proceeding the following verses of Oppian contain the popular 

 belief, referred to also by Pliny, B. 9, C. 70: 



Enwrapt in softer slime the Sea Cow dwells, 



Who every sea-bred kind in breadth excels. 



To twice six cubits stretched, their flatted sides 



Press down the lab'ring waves and smooth the tides. 



Unarmed their body, though with monstrous size 



And bulky form they strike the wond'ring eyes. 



Borne on the struggling floods that broad-backed Ray 



Unwieldy lolls, and takes up all the way. 



Few are their teeth, unfit for martial toil, 



Thin set, not made to seize the doubtful spoil. 



But schemes well laid they resolute pursue, 



And by superior fraud ev'n man subdue. 



They mark when daring mortals plunge below, 

 Where pearls are hid and coral branches grow; 

 Then hover o'er the place and float at ease, 

 Stretch on the waves and shade the covered seas ; 

 With patient hope unmov'd their station keep, 

 Till from the secret chambers of the deep 

 Laden with spoils the diver mounts again, 

 Nor can the surface reach with all his pain. 

 By wonted arts he tries himself to raise, 

 But o'er his head th' unwelcome pressure stays. 



Kept back from looked-for day, the mortal grieves, 



In vain the pressing lid his shoulder heaves; 



His weaker thrust the stubborn weight withstands, 



And backward sinks him down to lowest sands, 



If he swims forward, and the surface leaves, 



The subtle fish the vain attempt perceives, 



Still hangs aloof, and o'er his pensive head 



The shades unwish'd their gloomy coverts spread, 



Till wearied arms their toilsome work refuse, 



But faintly strike, and catch the yielding ooze. 



Such is the toil when venturous divers meet 

 The floating roof, and push the pressing weight. 

 Stretched on the watery plain unmoved it lies, 

 And open air and lightsome day denies, 

 Till swallow'd waves an easy passage find, 

 And in its latest breath life mingles with the wind. 

 Thus, proud of her success, the spreading Bay 

 By stratagem obtains the noblest prey. 



Into what species this family of fishes may be divided 

 appears even now to be uncertain, and British naturalists not 

 only differ from each other, but from themselves, in those 

 descriptions and accounts which seem necessary to enable us 

 to form definite opinions on the subject. Of the few examples 

 which have been taken in the British seas there is little cer- 

 tainty, since they have not generally come into the hands of 

 competent observers; and some of the engraved figures appear 



