POKl^OIS K. — P/tocana communis. 



Most familiar of all tln' l)()lj)liin tribe is the well-kiumii Poui-oisi,, or 

 Sea Hog, an animal ^^lu^•l^ may be seen on any of our coasts, tumblin*( about 

 on the waves, and cxeentinf; various fj^ambols in the exuberance of its spoilive 

 feelings. 



The Poq)oise is a vcr}' gregarious animal, herding together in large shoals, and 

 sometimes swimming in " Indian file" as they shoot over the surface of the 

 sea ; just showing their black and glossy liacks above the water, and 

 keeping such excellent line that they seem to be animated liy one spirit 

 and one will. 



As might be })resumed from the fonnidable array of sharp tccfh with which 

 the jaws are studded, and which are so aiTanged that the upper and lower 

 sets interlock Mhen the animal closes its mouth, the food of the Porjwise 

 consists entirely of animal substances, and almost wholly of fish, which it 

 consumes in large quantities, much to the disgust of Imman fishermen. 

 Herrings, ])ilchards, s])rats, and other salea])lc fish, are in great favour with 

 the Porpoise, whiLi:^ pursues its finny prey to the very shores, and, diving among 

 the vast shoals in wn!ch these fish comrregatc, destroys enormous quantities of 

 them. 



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