GREATER FLVING FISH. 131 



flight either upwards or sideways, will offer little difficulty to 

 this view of the case, when we recollect that in the most 

 rapidly-flying birds the course for the most part is influenced 

 by the tail, which in the fish can have no material effect in the 

 air. It should not be forgotten that an hindrance to a more 

 extended flight in these fishes has been supposed to arise from 

 increasing dryness, and consequent stiffness of the fins, from 

 the heat of the air as it exists in the climates where these 

 fishes are chiefly met with. But examination shews that such 

 is not the case; for such of them as have fallen on board of 

 ships in the warmest and driest regions, are found to have 

 maintained the softness and flexibility of the membrane of their 

 fins for a longer time than is occupied by their utmost flight. 



A more probable cause why contact with the water is sought 

 after a lengthened flight, or in the midst of it, is the need of 

 renewing the moisture of the gills for the purpose of breathing; 

 while another effort at escape is forced upon the persecuted 

 animal, by the appearance of some eager foe that may have 

 watched its progress through the air, and is waiting to receive 

 it into its jaws. Nor does the air itself afford a certain refuge 

 from its enemies; for there it is watched for by the albatross 

 and frigate bird, with several others; the formidable beaks 

 of which are employed usually in the descending curve of the 

 fish's flight. It is usual in merchant-ships to spread canvass, 

 with outriggers over the side, at night to receive such fish as 

 may spring from the water, and strike against the ship. In 

 the morning it is the duty of the boys to examine this trap, 

 and sometimes a considerable number are thus obtained as a 

 welcome dish for the table. Amusement is also afforded by 

 making a not very exact likeness of this fish, but with expanded 

 wings; and this is hung from the bowsprit, so as that in the 

 motion of the ship it may at times be dipped for a moment 

 below the surface; and to seize it in its descent the eager 

 Bonitoes rush forward to their own destruction. 



Within a definite range the species of this family are great 

 wanderers, but, according to Risso, the Greater Flying Fish 

 pursues in the Mediterranean a regular migration; in the course 

 of which they arrive in schools in the neighbourhood of Nice, 

 in May, in their progress eastward, and continue for about a 

 month; Dr. Gulia also recognises it at Malta. It does not 



