FLYING PISHES. 309 



The mode by which the Flying Fish propels itself 

 through the air is this. By means of the backward 

 and forward movements of the tail, it springs com- 

 pletely out of the water, just as the salmon does when 

 it makes its leap. Simultaneously, it spreads its wing- 

 like fins, and is borne upon their wide surface to a 

 considerable distance. See Cut 14. 



When alarmed, it has been known to pass over a 

 space of two hundred and fifty yard^, and to remain 

 in the air for half a minute. The average length of 

 flight appears to be about one hundred and fifty 

 yards. The fish dashes into the air with such force 

 that its wings produce a distinctly audible ru filing 

 sound. 



Accounts are very conflicting concerniog the move- 

 ment of the wings. It is certain that they possess 

 some power of directing their course in the air, as is 

 their function in the water. But whether or not the 

 wings are moved like those of birds seems to be an 

 open question, witnesses differing diametrically in 

 their accounts. I never saw the Flying Fish alive, 

 but I should very much doubt whether its flight is 

 more than that of the flying dragon i.e., a mere sus- 

 tentation in the air until the force of the spring is 

 exhausted. 



The Flying Fishes are sociable, a solitary one being 

 seldom seen ; and when a number of them are seen 

 starting into the air at once, they present a very pretty 

 sight, their broad, white, transparent wings gleaming 

 in the sun in beautiful contrast with their blue bodies. 



The force with which these fishes can drive them- 

 selves out of the water is so great, that they not 



