3740 The Zoologist — October, 1873. 



There are several species of flying fish in the Pacific, and the 

 largest possesses a conspicuous oval purple spot at the base of the 

 pectorals. 



From the above observations I have come to the following con- 

 clusions : — 



1st. These fish frequently vibrate, or flutter, their pectoral fins 

 during flight. 



2nd. They gain fresh impetus by striking and ricocheting from 

 the crest of a wave. 



3rd. They are able to turn to the right or left of their original 

 course of flight. 



4th. The average distance of flight is about fifty yards, although 

 they are able, according to circumstances, to prolong it to a greater 

 distance. 



5th. They do not merely spring from the sea to avoid enemies, 

 but just as often for their own pleasure. 



6lh. While in the air they are seldom seized by birds. 



The Hawaaians catch great quantities of these fish and bring 

 them to the market for sale. They average a pound and a half 

 each, are rather dry and tasteless, but acceptable to anyone who 

 has been without fish for a length of time. 



Gervase F. Mathew. 



H.M.S. ' Repulse,' Honolulu, Sandwich Islands, 

 June 25, 1873. 



King Crab off the Dutch Coast. — I have examined a fine specimen of 

 Limulus Polyphemus, taken in July last, by the Yarmouth trawl-boats, 

 about eleven miles off the Schelling light on the Dutch coast, in about ten 

 fathoms water. Dr. Norman, of Yarmouth, tells me certainly four have 

 been taken, perhaps five, two of which are recorded in 'Land and Water' as 

 L. lougispiua. I have not seen these specimens, but doubtless they are the 

 same species as the one which I have examined. A king crab is also 

 recorded in 'Land and Water' of 26th April last, as having been taken on 

 the coast of North Wales ; an editorial note appended says it is a North 

 American species, and could not have been caught in North Wales : there 

 can be no doubt, however, as to the locality of those bi'ought in by the 

 Yarmouth fishermen. Dr. Norman informs me he has also obtained, from 

 the same source, a fine specimen of the northern stone-crab [Lithodes Maia). 

 — T. Southwell; Norwich, September 12, 1873. 



