494 A LONG CALM AT SEA. 



The usual length of the Dolphins caught ui the Gulf of Mexico is 

 about three feet, and I saw none that exceeded four feet two inches. The 

 weight of one of the latter size was only eighteen pounds ; for this fish is 

 extremely narrow in proportion to its length, although rather deep in its 

 form. When just caught, the upper fin, which reaches from the forehead 

 to within a short distance of the tail, is of a fine dark blue. The upper part 

 of the body in its whole length is azure, and the lower parts are of a gol- 

 den hue, mottled irregularly with deep blue spots. It seems that they at 

 times enter very shallow water, as in the course of my last voyage along 

 the Florida coast, some were caught in a seine, along with their kinsman 

 the " Cavalier,'" of which I shall speak elsewhere. 



The flesh of the Dolphin is rather firm, very white, and lies in flakes 

 when cooked. The first caught are generally eaten with great pleasure, 

 but when served many days in succession, they become insipid. It is not, 

 as an article of food, equal to the Balacouda, which is perhaps as good as 

 any fish caught in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. 



