324 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [36] 
When the fish has swallowed the hook it rises to the surface, making 
prodigious leaps and plunges. At last it is dragged to the boat, se- 
cured with a boat-hook, and beaten to death before it is hauled on board. 
Such fishing is not without danger, for the Spear-fish sometimes rushes 
upon the boat, drowning the fisherman, or wounding him with its terri- 
ble weapon. The fish becomes furious at the appearance of sharks, 
which are its natural enemies. They engage in violent combats, and 
when the Spear-fish is attached to the fisherman’s line it often receives 
frightful wounds from these adversaries. 
In Land and Water for August 31, 1872, Col. Nicholas Pike, author of 
‘“‘ Subtropical Rambles”, at that time United States consul at Mauritius, 
describes the habits of a species of Tetrapturus occurring in that viein- 
ity. He states that they have the habit of resting quietly on the surface 
in calm weather, with their dorsals expanded and acting as sails. They 
are taken in deep water with hook and line or speared when near the 
surface, like Sword-fish. When hooked or speared they make for the 
boats, taking tremendous leaps in the air, and if care is not taken they 
will jump into the boats, to the great consternation of the fishermen, 
or else pierce the boats with their bills. The fish is highly esteemed in 
the Mauritius, the flesh being of a salmon color near the vertebre ; 
lower down it is red and like coarse beef. The species attains a large 
size, one having been seen measuring 26 feet. 
26.—MOVEMENTS OF SAIL-FISHES. 
No observations have been made in this country, and recourse must 
be had to the statements of observers in the other hemisphere. 
In the life of Sir Stamford Raffles there is the following account from 
Singapore, under date of November 30, 1822: 
“The only amusing discovery we have recently made is that of a sail- 
ing fish, called by the natives Ikan layer, of about 10 or 12 feet long, 
which hoists a mainsail, and often sails in the manner of a native boat, 
and with considerabie swiftness. 1 have sent a set of the sails home, as 
they are beautifully cut and form a model for a fast-sailing boat. When 
a School of these are under sail together they are frequently mistaken 
for a fieet of native boats.” 
The fish referred to is in all likelihood Histiophorus gladius, a species 
very closely related to, if not identical, with our own. 
K.—SIZE AND RATE OF GROWTH. 
27.—MAXIMUM AND AVERAGE SIZE OF AMERICAN SWORD-FISH. 
The only individual. of which we have the exact measurements was 
taken off Seaconnet, R. I., July 23, 1874. This was 7 feet and 7 
inches long, weighing 113 pounds. Another, taken off Noman’s Land, 
July 20, 1875, and cast in plaster for the collection of the National 
Museum, weighed 120 pounds, and measured about 7 feet. Another, 
