30 CATECHISM OF 



finding this impossible, it attempts to strike its ad- 

 versary with its tail, but the sword fish, as active as 

 its opponent is strong, easily avoids the blow ; 

 then bounding into the air, it falls upon its enemy, 

 and inflicts such terrible wounds that the sea is 

 soon dyed with blood. In vain the enormous ani- 

 mal attempts to reach its invader, and strikes the 

 water with its tail with astonishing force." 

 Q. In what estimation is this fish held ? 

 A. The Xiphias is much esteemed by the Sici- 

 lians, in whose seas it is chiefly found ; and the 

 method of taking it is the same as in the days of 

 Strabo*. 



Q. Describe the method of taking it. 

 A. A man ascends a projecting cliff, and as 

 soon as he descries the fish, gives notice to another 

 stationed in a boat below. This man ascends the 

 mast, and as soon as he sees the sword fish, di- 

 rects the rowers towards it ; when the boat is 

 within reach, he descends ; with a long spear he 

 strikes the fish, and after having suffered it to 

 weary itself, takes it into the boat. 



* Strabo was a celebrated Roman geographer. 



