CYPRINID^. 179 



cape from a pursuing enemy. Within the tropics 

 they are numerous ; on this coast inward-bound 

 vessels frequently find them on deck in the night. 

 Sea-birds prey upon the flying fish, and the dolphin, 

 it is reported, when it rises from its natural 

 element, to escape the jaws of the pursuing adver- 

 sary, keeps onward, well knowing that it will 

 soon strike the water again. This is the hirando 

 of the ancients. 



FAMILY IV. CYPRINID^. 



The family of carps, is distinguished by not pos- 

 sessing an adipose fin ; by a small mouth and 

 weak jaws, — destitute of teeth. The pharyngeal 

 bones perform the office of teeth. The branchial 

 rays are few ; the body scaly ; the intestines 

 short, and without caecums. They have^'a swim- 

 ming bladder divided into two sacks, somewhat 

 like an hour-glass, and live in fresh w^ater, being 

 harmless, inoffensive, and quiet inhabitants. 



In the United States we have not yet discover- 

 ed the true carp of Europe, which is so extensive- 

 ly bred in pleasure grounds. Usually it grows to 

 twelve and eighteen inches, but in the stagnant 

 waters of Persia still larger. It is generally sup- 

 posed to have been carried to England about 

 1514. The quantity of roes extruded by the fe- 



