BOOK IX.] History of Nature. 119 



Dolphins fish in company : for at one certain Time a very 

 great Abundance of Mullets, 1 taking the Advantage of a 

 Change of the Tide at the narrow Passages of the Pond, 

 break forth into the Sea ; and because of that Violence no 

 Nets can be spread out against them by any Means strong 

 enough to bear their huge Weight with that of the Stream of 

 Water, if Skill were not employed at the proper Time. In 

 like Manner the Mullets immediately urge on to the Deep, 

 which they do very soon, as the Channel is near ; and they 

 make all Haste to pass the only Place that is convenient for 

 spreading the Nets. The Fishermen being aware of this, 

 and all the neighbouring People (for a Multitude of People 

 come thither, knowing when the fishing Time is come ; and 

 the rather as they are eager to see the pleasant Sport), shout 

 as loud as they can from the Shore, and so call Simo to 

 partake of the Sight. The Dolphins soon hear what they 

 would have ; and the better if the North Winds blow and 

 carry the Sound : for a South Wind more slowly bears it in 

 the opposite Direction. But before one would be aware of 

 it, the Dolphins fly thither to assist in the Fishing. The 

 Squadrons of those Dolphins quickly take their Station, and 

 are presently arranged in the Place where the Battle is dis- 

 posed, to oppose themselves, and keep them from the Deep; 

 and so urge them, terrified as they are, into the Shallows. 

 Then the Fishermen enclose them with Nets, which they prop 

 up with forked Sticks ; yet notwithstanding this, the Mullets 

 are so active that they will leap over them. But these are 

 caught by the Dolphins, who, contenting themselves for 

 the present to kill only, put off the Time of feeding until 

 they have achieved the Victory. And now the Work of the 

 Battle is hot, for the Dolphins are very eager, and take Plea- 

 sure to be enclosed within the Nets; but lest this should 

 drive the Enemies to flight, they pass so gently between 

 the Boats and Nets, or the Men there swimming, that it 

 cannot be seen where they get out. And although at other 



1 See chapter xvii. The habits here ascribed to this fish, and the 

 necessity of staking up the nets when it is enclosed in it, are well known 

 at the present time. See YABRELL'S British Fishes. Wern. Club. 



