OF THE DOLPHIN. 77 



his subsistence at sea, and brought a share of his 

 success in fishing daily to his friends. The pa- 

 rents had given the same name to the dolphin and 

 their son. When the boy sat upon a projecting 

 rock, and called his friend, the dolphin immediately 

 hastened towards him, testifying his pleasure by 

 his frolicsome movements. This connection be- 

 tween the boy and dolphin, occasioned a great 

 deal of rumour, and was very profitable to the 

 parents.* 



The younger Pliny, however, exceeds all these 

 wonders, by the following recital. A scholar, named 

 Hippus, in the time of Augustus, who attended a 

 class at Puzzoli, was in the habit of going daily 

 along the shores, of Baia, and about mid-day, of 

 stopping and throwing pieces of bread into the water 

 to a dolphin. If the youth called the dolphin at 

 any time, he would immediately come, and after 

 eating his bread, would offer his back for the use 

 of his friend who would mount thereon, and he 

 would swim with him to Puzzoli, and afterwards 

 carry him back in the same manner. This friendly 

 intercourse was maintained for several years; but 



* There is nothing improbable in the dolphin's obedience 

 to a certain call from one accustomed to supply it with food. 

 Animals of very inferior rank to the dolphin, may be taught 

 as much. The improbability, is in the gratitude of the ani- 

 mal, evinced by the offer of part of his fish. 



