PILOT FISH. 109 



The supposed dislike of the Pilot Fish to a near approach 

 to land is the only circumstance in this description that is 

 doubtful; but if true in any degree, it is more probably to be 

 ascribed to the greater dilution of the salt water at a harbour 

 situated near the mouth of a river, of which it would be quickly 

 sensible. 



But that it will hold fellowship with a vessel for large distances 

 is beyond doubt; and it is to this circumstance we owe it that 

 the Pilot Fish has, not unfrequently, been a visitor to the British 

 shores. The first mention of this was in the Linnean Transac- 

 tions, vol. xiv. ; where two examples are reported as having 

 accompanied a ship from the Mediterranean into Falmouth. 

 They have even done so the full distance from Alexandria, in 

 Egypt, and some have remained to be taken in the quarantine 

 pond of that port. One at least has been taken with a line; 

 but such numbers have come under observation, that it becomes 

 unnecessary to specify particular instances. It appears however 

 that they do not often accompany a ship to the shallower or colder 

 water of the British Channel; and only a single one has been 

 found east of Plymouth. In 1818, we are informed that a 

 Pilot Fish was caught in the h;trbour of Dartmouth. 



It appears probable that when its friendly association with 

 the ship is broken this fish hastens back to its more congenial 

 climate; and in only one instance have I learnt that it has been 

 found when alone, and at a considerable distance from any 

 floating friendj or harbour. It seemed then to be bewildered, 

 ran itself close to the shore, and without much effort to escape 

 was taken with the hand. This was the largest example I have 

 had an opportunity of examining, and has afforded the figure 

 and description we shall give of this fish. 



But remarkable as is this apparently friendly companionship 

 between the Pilot Fish and his ship, there is another association 

 which appears still more remarkable; but whether it be the 

 same spoken of by ancient authors, will be regarded as uncertain. 

 The most particular account we have of it is by Oppian, b. 5, 

 who represents it as a property of a fish which he calls Hegetera, 

 and which ^lian, b. ii, c. 13, calls Hegemenous, to accompany 

 the more stupid whale as its guide, to point out the presence 

 of danger, and lead it to safety and its food. Pliny also men- 

 tions this fish under the Latin name of Musculus ; but the 



