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several instances have occurred of the weapon being found trans- 

 fixed through the strongest planks of oak, which had the enraged 

 animal been able to withdraw, the ship must inevitably have 

 foundered ; such may possibly have been the fate of the Aurora 

 frigate, and other vessels, whose loss has never been ascertained. 

 The saw-fish, (squalus pristis) is more common, but we met with 

 none very large, though sometimes I believe it equals the sword-fish 

 in size; and they are not unfrequently from fifteen to twenty 

 feet long. 



The most interesting scene of animated nature on the ocean, is 

 the shoals of flying-fish (exocoetus evolans) abounding in parti- 

 cular latitudes, and flying in every direction to escape from a 

 watery foe, become an easy prey to an aerial enemy. In the 

 Hindoo metempsychosis, where the bodies of the dove, the bee, 

 the ant, and other favourite animals, are assigned as the temporary 

 abode of tender, affectionate, and tranquil spirits, and lions, tigers, 

 and hyenas for those of a ferocious disposition, the body of the 

 flying-fish would be a fit receptacle for those malicious envious 

 souls, who, like the arch-fiend they imitate, are continually going 

 about seeking whom they may devour. The flying-fish are very 

 beautiful, in form and colour not unlike the grey mullet, (mugil 

 cephalus) but of a silvery hue, and more brilliant colours, varying 

 from grey to blue and purple. They are sometimes from twelve 

 to eighteen inches long, and even larger; but generally eight or 

 nine. In some the long pectoral fins are beautifully spotted; by 

 means of these wings, occasionally dipped in the sea, they con- 

 tinue their flight, mostly in a horizontal direction, a few yards above 

 the surface, for a considerable distance ; but cannot fly more than 



VOL. IV. 2 M 



