FISHES 



145 



species as that now popular with anglers off the Yorkshire 

 coast is still conjectural. 



The Sword Fishes (Xidiidae) may attain a length of 

 1 5 feet and are regarded as the swiftest fish afloat. There 

 are well authenticated stories of this fish ramming vessels, 

 and the sword or beak, which may attain a length of over 

 a yard, being left in the ship's side. The results of such 

 an attack once led to a classic lawsuit, in which Sir Richard 

 Owen, called as a witness, stated that the fish strikes 



Sword Fish 



with the accumulated force of fifteen double-headed 

 hammers, and as dangerous in its effects as an artillery pro- 

 jectile. The sword is two-bladed, being some three 

 inches wide and one and a half inches thick, and will easily 

 pierce a two-inch plank. 



The Common Swordfish occasionally reaches our shores 

 and forms a recognised part of the Tunny fisheries catch 

 off North Africa. At such times the fish rush blindly 

 hither and thither, piercing the tunny, each other and the 

 fishing boats, yet without any apparent intent. Of the 

 thousands of Swordfish that have been opened none have 



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