66 INTRODUCTION. 



supported. Cuvier says the animal beats the air 

 during the leap, but we question if this is said 

 from actual evidence. Dr Abel, however, supports 

 the assertion in his voyage to China ; but Mr 

 Bennet, a later observer, is of a contrary opinion. 

 " The flight of these fish," he remarks, " has been 

 compared to that of birds, so as to deceive the 

 observer ; however, I cannot perceive any compa- 

 rison, one being an elegant, fearless, and inde- 

 pendent motion, whilst that of the fish is hurried, 

 stiff", and awkward, more like a creature requiring 

 support for a short period ; and then its repeated 

 flights are merely another term for leaps. The 

 fish make a rustling noise, very audible when 

 they are near the ship, dart forward, or sometimes 

 take a curve to bring themselves before the wind, 

 and, when fatigued, fall suddenly into the water. 

 It is not uncommon to see them, when pursued, 

 drop exhausted, rise again almost instantly, pro- 

 ceed a little farther, again dipping into the ocean, 

 so continuing for some distance until they are 

 out of sight."* With this view we are rather 

 inclined to coincide ; but however the motion is 

 performed, it is certain that they can progress 

 out of the water, according to Captain Hall, for 

 a distance of at least two hundred yards, and^ 



* Bennet's Wand. i. p. 33. 



