210 



SPINY-FINNED FISHES 



fitted out with the teeth and appetite of a killer, else the 

 cetaceans would soon be exterminated. 



The Swordfish w^ell understands the offensive and defen- 

 sive value of his sword, and there are on record many well- 

 authenticated instances wherein this pugnacious creature has 

 driven its formidable weapon through the sides or bottoms 



THE SWORDFISH. 



of small boats, to the peril of the occupants. The majority 

 of such incidents have occurred to boats regularly engaged 

 in swordfishing, which is a noteworthy industry on our At- 

 lantic coast. 



Broken swords have been found in the sides and bottoms 

 of quite a number of ships. In 1871 the fishing yacht Red- 

 hot, of New Bedford, was pierced and sunk by a Swordfish 

 which had been hauled alongside to be killed. In 1875 a 

 Swordfish drove its sword through the bottom of a fishing 

 schooner off Fire Island, and stuck fast. Before the fish had 

 time to free itself by breaking off its sword the fishermen 



