POLLACK. 81 



the surface, in pursuit of the younger fishes which are frisking 

 in unsuspecting security near the shore, when the sea itself 

 appears to be asleep. It is then that schools of the smaller 

 Launce, and other fishes newly born, which swim near the 

 surface, are broken in upon by repeated plunges, which 

 disturb the quiet to a considerable distance; and as the 

 affrighted companies again collect together, again and again 

 there is a plunge, until the pursuers are glutted, or the 

 pursued have reached a place of safety. 



It appears that even young Pollacks are persevering perse- 

 cutors of fishes which are smaller or more helpless than 

 themselves, of which the folloAving incident, communicated by 

 Mr. Peach, is an amusing instance: — A small Whiting was 

 observed to have taken shelter within the hollow of a medusa, 

 ( Cijanca aurita,) a circumstance of common occurrence Avith 

 very young fishes of several kinds; but in doing this the 

 action was observed by a young Pollack of about five inches 

 in length, which immediately began an attack. The little 

 Whiting easily evaded these attacks by dodging round its 

 friend; but the pursuer was soon joined by another of its 

 own kind, and both of them united in the same work. For 

 a time both of them were bafiied; but an unlucky movement 

 drove the pursued one from its shelter, and a severe chase 

 immediately took place. Several additional Pollacks joined in 

 this chase like a pack of hounds, and in terror the Whiting 

 rushed to the surface. The pursuit was doubtful; but at last 

 the hunted one became exhausted, and lay as if dead, so as to 

 be drifted along with the tide. After a time, however, animation 

 was recovered, and the little Whiting again found refuge 

 within the cavity of the medusa. This movement, however, 

 was presently discerned - by the congregated Pollacks, which 

 allowed it little respite. They soon drove it into open water, 

 and after a short chase it fell a victim to their violence, and 

 this too without their proceeding to feed on the carcase. So 

 eager were these Pollacks in the pursuit, that when stones 

 were thrown to drive them away they shewed no alarm, 

 although at other times a single stone would have struck 

 them with terror. 



Dr. Fleming says they are sometimes caught by employing 

 a white feather as a bait — we must suppose at the surface; 

 VOL. III. M 



