Some Ocean Aeronauts 349 



tated the fish into the air; and I have seen a 

 fish chased by a tuna repeat this several times 

 until it disappeared from view, undoubtedly 

 soaring over an eighth of a mile. 



The wind, its direction and strength, were 

 important factors in the flight. When it was 

 blowing the fish would move ahead against it, 

 the wind lifting it up, gravity, the string of the 

 kite, pulling the fish down and on, the fish really 

 sliding over the current of wind caused by its 

 rapid movement. When it wished to turn its 

 direction, or possibly by accident, the straight 

 line became deflected, and in a bend of singular 

 grace the fish bore away, and from directly be- 

 hind could be seen the so-called wing on the 

 lee side depressed, the other elevated, just as in 

 the case of a bird in soaring. 



As to the power of the fish over its movements, 

 its ability to turn at will, there was a wide range 

 for conjecture, and I am inclined to the belief 

 that the power in this respect is very limited. 

 I frequently saw a fish rise twenty feet from 

 the steamer and dash against her side, falling 

 dead or stunned into the water. Again I have 

 seen them rise and upon seeing the black form 

 of the vessel, dive head first, by a convulsive 

 somersault-like movement, before they had pro- 

 gressed two feet. In this instance the fish evi- 

 dently saw the ship and avoided her. Again the 

 fish seemed to have no power over its motions, 



