62 FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



Although this species is not inchided by Richardson, in his 

 " Faiina/' on account of its presence on the American coast 

 not having been ascertained with certainty by those who had 

 referred to it, it is frequently met with in our waters, and is 

 becoming quite an article of commerce with us. It is generally 

 discovered by the projection of its dorsal fin above the surface 

 of the water, as it is pursuing shoals of mackerel, upon which 

 it feeds, about 15 or 20 miles from the shore of Martha's "Vine- 

 yard. The fishermen capture it by means of an instrument 

 called a '' lili/ iron," from the form of its shafts or wings, 

 which resemble the leaves of a lily. This instrument is thrown 

 like a harpoon with great force into the fish, the attempt al- 

 ways being made to wound the animal in front of the origin of 

 the dorsal fin. When wounded, it sometimes frees itself from 

 the iron by its struggles ; and has been known to dive with so 

 much force towards the bottom of the sea, as to drive its sword 

 throughout its whole extent into the sand or mud, which was 

 proved by its appearance when taken. When unmolested, it 

 not unfrequently is observed to spring several times its length 

 forwards, several feet above the surface of the water. 



The flesh of this fish when salted is eaten, and preferred 

 by many to that of several other species. The cod-fishers at No- 

 man's Land, being disappointed the last season in their usual av- 

 ocation, directed their attention to the taking of the sword fish, 

 and were quite successful in their efibrts. About 200 barrels 

 are annually taken at Martha's Vineyard, which are either sold 

 fresh, or cut into slices and pickled or salted, and kept for sale 

 in that state throughout the year. It sells for from three to 

 four cents per pound. 



From a specimen kindly sent me by Dr. Yale, which was 

 taken August 29, 1838, between Gay Head and Block Island, 

 by Mr. Warren Cleaveland, I have drawn the following de- 

 scription : 



Back and upper part of sides, of a sky-blue color ; beneath, 

 silvery gray. Surface smooth. Entire length, twelve feet 

 five inches ; depth across, from origin of anal fin, fifteen inches. 

 Length of head, from posterior edge of operculum to point of 



