116 



originally, deeper than farther lorthward ; therefore, 

 they very naturally frequented the waters nearer the 

 primitive shore. 



But, even admitting the truth of this supposition, it 

 does not explain the cause of the detention of such 

 numbers as are found, of various kinds ; nor the means 

 that were employed to bury them in the situation, and 

 at the depth in which they, at present, are discovered ; 

 neither is it, at best, a matter of easy solution, upon 

 principles that are wholly unexceptionable. 



There are, however, certain traits in the natural his- 

 tory or character of fishes, that afford strong grounds, 

 not only for a plausible, but a rational, hypothesis ; 

 and one, that is, perhaps, as well calculated to unfold 

 the truth on this point, as that of any other. 



It is a well known fact, that fishes of almost every 

 description, are as easily disturbed, and discover as 

 much anxiety or uneasiness, and are as easily affright- 

 ed, by an unusual agitation of the element in which 

 they move, as men and animals in our common at- 

 mosphere during a gale of wind, or a hurricane. 



This is well known to sea faring men of observation, 

 and many others. During a calm, at sea, thousands 

 of fishes are often seen sporting leisurely in the lucid 

 waves ; but the moment that a strong breeze of wind 

 springs up, by which the surface of the sea is agitated, 

 the a \ disappear, and perhaps none of them are to be 

 seen ; but if there are, and particularly during a storm 

 or gale of wind, their movements are quick, and dis- 

 cover much agitation. 



