Chap. 8.J DOLPHINS. 371 



phin lives thirty years ; a fact that has been ascertained from 

 cutting marks 61 on the tail, by way of experiment. It con- 

 ceals itself for thirty days, at about the rising of the Dog-star, 

 and hides itself so effectually, that it is not known whither it 

 goes ; a thing that is more surprising still, if it is unable to 

 respire under water. Dolphins are in the habit of darting 

 upon the shore, for some reason or other, it is not known 6 - 

 what. They do not die the moment that they touch the dry 

 land, but will die much more speedily if the vent-hole is closed. 

 The tongue, contrary to the nature of aquatic animals in 

 general, is moveable, being short and broad, not much unlike 

 that of the pig. Instead of a voice, they emit a moaning 

 sound 63 similar to that made by a human being ; the back is 

 arched, and the nose turned up. Tor this reason 61 it is that 

 they all recognize in a most surprising manner the name of 

 Simo, and prefer to be called by that rather than by any other. 



CHAP. 8. HUMAN BEINGS WHO HAVE BEEN BELOVED BY DOLPHINS. 



The dolphin is an animal not only friendly to man, but a 

 lover of music as well ; he is charmed by melodious concerts, 65 



61 Fishermen having notched the tail of the animal when young, and re- 

 cognized it by these marks thirty years afterwards. 



62 " Ineerta de causa." Pintianus, following the similar account given 

 by Aristotle, Hist. Anirn. B. ix. c. 48, takes the words to mean " temere," 

 " hap-hazard," "without any motive whatever." Ajasson says that it is 

 their eager pursuit of small fishes which sometimes betrays them into leaping 

 on shore, and occasionally, the pain caused by attacks of parasitical sea- 

 insects and other animals. 



63 Aristotle, Hist. Anim. B. iv. c. 49, says that the dolphin makes this 

 noise when it comes to the air. 



64 He would seem to imply that the dolphin knows that it is " simus," 

 or " flat-nosed," for which reason it is particularly fond of being called 

 " Simo," or " flat-nose," a piece of good taste and intelligence remarkable 

 even in a dolphin. Hardouin undertakes to explain their remarkable liking 

 for this name on other grounds, and says that when a song was sung, they 

 were charmed by the pronunciation of the word "Simo " every now and 

 then, the last syllable being drawn out at great length. Ajasson suggests 

 that the only reason for which this name delighted them, was probably the 

 sibilant or hissing sound made when it is frequently repeated. 



65 " Symphoniae cantu." Hardouin is of opinion that this means the 

 music of the "symphonia," that being some kind of musical instrument. 

 But, as Ajasson remarks, the meaning is much more likely to be, " singing 

 in concert," where there are several performers, and each takes his own 

 part in the symphony. It might, however, possibly mean singing and 



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