86 COMPARISONS OF STRUCTUEE IN ANIMALS. 



of a line-of-battle ship, which is considered 

 as high as twenty feet and upwards. 



" But it must not be supposed they have 

 the power of elevating themselves in the air, 

 after having left their native element ; for, on 

 watching them, I have often seen them fall 

 much below the elevation at which they first 

 rose from the water; but never, in any one in- 

 stance, could I observe them raise themselves 

 from the height at which they first sprang ; and 

 I regard the elevation they take to depend on 

 the power of the first spring or leap they 

 make on leaving their native element. 



" The flight of these fish has been compared 

 to that of birds, so as to deceive the observer. 

 I cannot, however, perceive any comparison, 

 one being an elegant, fearless, and independent 

 motion, Avhilst that of the fish is hurried, stiff, 

 and awkward, more like that of a creature 

 requiring support for a short period ; and then 

 its repeated flights are merely another term for 

 leaps. The fish make a rustling noise, very 

 audible when they are near the ship, dart for- 

 Avards, or sometimes take a curve to bring 

 themselves before the wind, and, when fatigued, 

 fall suddenly into the water. It is not un- 

 common to see them, when, pursued, drop ex- 



