OCEAN ANGLING. 289 



of fish is a subject of gratification to the whole of a ship's 

 company, and more particularly to those who have never be- 

 fore tempted their precious souls and bodies on the ocean 

 wave. 



14 And now approaching near the lofty stern, 

 A shoal of sportive dolphins they discern. 

 From burnish'd scales they beam refulgent rays, 

 Till all the glowing ocean seems to blaze 

 Soon to the sport of death the crew repair, 

 Dart the long lance, or spread the baited snare." 



The ocean is supposed to have as many tenants as the 

 earth or the air. But few of the descriptions are much 

 known by any particular names, and very few described by 

 naturalists. The Dolphin, whose fame has been said and 

 sung by poet and philosopher, is worth a sea voyage 

 for the pleasure of his capture, and the satisfaction of " be- 

 ing in at his death." Their usual size is from 2 to 5 ft. in 

 length. The variableness and beauty of his rainbow 

 colorings, as he shuffles off his mortal coil, is a sub- 

 ject indescribable by pen or pencil. He is not a hand- 

 some fish as he is lifted up and exposed to the view of those 

 who make his acquaintance for the first time ; on the con- 

 trary, his proportions and appearance as to beauty are ra- 

 ther ordinary, and not until a change comes o'er the spirit of 

 his dream, and he flaps his tail upon the white deck of the 

 vessel, and, gasping, dies, is his beauty acknowledged. 



" What radiant changes strike the astonish'd sight ! 

 What glowing hues of mingled shade and light ! 

 Not equal beauty gilds the glowing west, 

 With parting beams all o'er profusely drest ; 

 Nor lovelier colors paint the vernal dawn, 

 When orient dews impearl th' enamell'd lawn, 

 Than from his sides in bright suffusion flow, 

 That now with gold imperial seem to glow ; 



