153 



DOLPHIN OP THE ANCIENTS. 



CoryphcBTia hippuris. 



PLATE XXIV. 



Although we have applied the name of Dolphin of 

 the Ancients to this species, it is probable that that 

 described by the poets may have been different. 

 Some very closely allied species, and possessed of 

 even more brilliancy of tints, being met with in the 

 seas whence they were most likely to procure or 

 see the celebrated fish. This may be of trifling 

 consequence in a scientific point; and we intro- 

 duce the figure as the supposed fish to which the 

 " dolphin" was applied. 



The name Coryphmna^ from «o§y<pj}, top, was 

 applied to this species, as indicating the crest it 

 bears on the cranium. It is an active voracious 

 animal, and greedily pursues the flying-fish, which 

 constitutes its favourite food. It is about five feet 

 long, as elegant in form as brilliant in the colours. 

 It is the most brilliant inhabitant of the sea, 

 more particularly when it is eager in the pursuit of 

 its prey at the surface, and the undulations of its 

 large dorsal fin throw off the reflexions of its vivid 



