286 ZOOLOGY. 



and the broad transparent pectoral fins, which, on this 

 occasion, serve at least as a parachute, and which, being 

 situated close to the back, place the centre of suspen- 

 sion higher than the centre of gravity. It is also 

 curious to notice, how well the specific gravity of the 

 fish can be regulated, in correspondence with the ele- 

 ment through which it may move : the swim-bladder, 

 when perfectly distended, occupies nearly the entire 

 cavity of the abdomen, and contains a large volume of 

 air ; and, in addition to this, there is a membrane in 

 the mouth which can be inflated through the gills; 

 these two reservoirs of air affording good substitutes 

 for the air-cells so freely distributed within the bones 

 of birds; and having the additional advantage of being 

 voluntary in their function. The pectoral fins, though 

 so large when expanded, can be folded into an exceed- 

 ingly slender, neat, and compact form; but whether 

 they are employed, in swimming, in the closed or ex- 

 panded state, I have been unable to determine. 



Under some circumstances of excitement, these fish 

 wiU leap over the bulwarks of a ship, and be killed 

 by the violence with which they strike against the deck 

 or spars. This usually occurs at night, or early in the 

 morning ; and a light, displayed from the chains of a 

 vessel on a dark night, will bring many of them on 

 board in the same manner. Their flesh is the bonne 

 bouche of voyagers : it bears some resemblance to that 

 of the herring. Although the flying-fish excites so 

 much commiseration for its persecuted state, it is itself 

 predaceous, feeding chiefly on smaller fishes. 



