THE SALMON. 



279 



assumed by the Flying-fish as it speeds its course through the air while attempting to avoid 

 its deadly i'oe beneath. 



Before proceeding to our next example of the finny tribes, we must briefly notice a 

 curious fish which seems to be a kind of balance to the sword-fish already mentioned, the 

 "sword" in this instance belonging to the lower instead of the upper jaw, and being formed 

 by a prolongation of its bones. It is known by the scientific name of Hermiram/pTius argenteus, 

 and is found near the surface of the water in the Pacific Ocean. Its color is uniform silvery- 

 white, and its average length is only four inches. 





FLYLNU-FISH. -Exocoet'tis volitans. 



The odd-looking Gar-fish is known by a vast variety of names, such as Sea Pike, 

 Mackeeel Guide, Sea-needle, Long-nose, Gore-bill, Hornfish, and Greenbone, the 

 last-mentioned title being given to it because, when it is boiled, its bones are of a bright green 

 hue. The name of Mackerel Guide is owing to the fact that its spawning season exactly pre- 

 cedes that of the mackerel, and the other names explain themselves. 



The fierce and voracious Pike has well earned its titles of Fresh-water Shark and River 

 Pirate, for though perhaps not one whit more destructive to animal life than the roach, gud- 

 geon, and other harmless fish, the prey which it devours are of a larger size, and its means of 

 destruction are so conspicuous and powerful, that its name has long been a by-word for 

 pitiless rapacity. 



SALMON, TROUT, CARP, ETC. 



The Salmon is undoubtedly the king of river-fish ; not so much for its dimensions, which 

 are exceeded by one or two giant members of the finny tribe, but for the silvery sheen of its 

 glittering scales, its wonderful dash and activity, affording magnificent sport to the angler, the 

 interesting nature of its life from the p^f<; to full maturity, and last, but not least, for the 

 exquisite flavor and nutritive character of its flesh. 



