120 History of Nature. [BooK IX. 



Times they take great Delight in leaping, yet none endea- 

 vour to get forth by that Means, except where the Nets 

 lie under them ; but no sooner are they out, than a Contest 

 begins before the Bulwark ; and so the Capture being 

 accomplished, the Dolphins tear to Pieces those they have 

 killed. But conscious to themselves that their Labour hath 

 earned a richer Reward than what belongs to one Day, they 

 conceal themselves until the next; and are not contented 

 with Fish only, but wait to receive Crumbs of Bread soaked 

 in Wine. Mutianus maketh mention of some Things of a 

 similar Kind of Fishing in the Bay of Jassus ; but they differ 

 in this, that the Dolphins come of their own accord, without 

 calling, take their Part of the Prize from the Fishermen's 

 Hands; and every Boat hath a Dolphin attending upon it as 

 a Companion, although it is by Night, and with Torchlight. 

 Also Dolphins have a public Society among themselves; 

 for a King of Caria having taken a Dolphin, and kept him con- 

 fined in the Harbour, a great Multitude of the others resorted 

 thither, and by Signs of Mourning, evident to be understood, 

 craved Mercy for the Prisoner : until the King had given 

 Command to set him at Liberty. Also the little ones are 

 always accompanied with some larger one, as a Keeper. 

 And they have been seen to carry one of their Companions 

 when he is dead, that he might not be torn by Beasts. 



CHAPTER IX. 

 Of Tursiones. 



The Creatures which are called Tursiones, are much like 

 the Dolphins; but they differ in having a more gloomy As- 

 pect : for they are not so playful ; but especially in having 

 Snouts like little Dogs when they snarl. 



CHAPTER X. 

 Of Sea- Tortoises, and how they are taken. 



THERE are Tortoises in the Indian Sea so great that the 

 Natives cover the Cottages in which they dwell with the Shell 



