FLYING-FISH. 379 



that there are found in the Chinese sea scaly fishes, 

 of a saffron colour, which live in the water through- 

 out the winter, but at the arrival of spring, having 

 cast off their scales, assume feathers and wings, 

 and unfolding their wings fly to the mountains, 

 where they remain throughout the summer and au- 

 tumn, after which they return to their old form, and 

 again sink into the water. And although you, most 

 learned father, in your work on China, do not 

 obscurely hint that you believe this, nevertheless I 

 am of opinion that you are not sincere in your 

 belief, and that you have introduced it for no other 

 purpose than to afford a noble instance of your lofty 

 mind, and profound erudition, by investigating and 

 explaining the reasons of this reciprocal transmuta- 

 tion, which may be true, although at variance with 

 the general laws of nature *." 



# Experimenta circa varias Res Naturales, p. 150. 



FINIS. 



Printed by WILLIAM CLOWES, Duke Street, Lambeth. 



