FKOM THALES TO LAMARCK 



15 



the most 40 cm. It is distinguished from its relative by the 

 extraordinary development of its pectoral fins, the posterior 

 section of which broadens into a fan and is supported by cartila- 

 ginous fin-rays which are nearly 30 cm. long. Every passenger 

 through the Mediterranean may in clear weather sometimes see 

 great shoals of these fishes suddenly emerge from the water, 

 rise to a height of about 18 ft. and traverse fairly quickly a 



FIG. 2. ABOVE, HADDOCK (Gadus <zglefinus)\ BELOW, TUB-FISHES (Trigld hirundo). 



distance of more than 300 ft. They then descend and disappear 

 under the water to rise again in another place. Sometimes 

 these fishes miss their direction and fall on the deck of the 

 ship which happens to cross their course. 



This curious mode of locomotion cannot be properly described 

 as flying, for it is rather a rising and gliding like that of a paper 

 kite. By means of a vigorous jump these fishes propel themselves 



