OCEAN FISH AND OCEAN FISHING 57 



their almost white stomachs and flanks of a hght 

 shade of black are plainly seen, but the pelagic 

 kind vary considerably in colour and markings. 



Being gregarious cetacea, they delight to hunt 

 in schools. When near the surface of the water, 

 the tail flukes and the back with its dorsal fin can 

 be seen. Then they dart a little way down, and in 

 coming up to breathe make a puffing noise, which 

 Frank Buckland compares to the deep sigh of 

 some ardent sweetheart. 



A large school of porpoises in rough weather 

 charging down upon a sailing-ship in mighty 

 battalions is an impressive sight. Once the sea 

 around us was covered for miles with them, and 

 they gambolled about our ship, swiftly passing and 

 repassing her bows, as though encouraging her 

 progress. 



Then began the fun. Porpoises are harpooned 

 from the bowsprit — for they will take no bait — so 

 the first requisite is a keen-edged whaling harpoon 

 of iron, tough yet pliable, that will bend double 

 and not break. This should be ready for im- 

 mediate use, as porpoises are erratic and sometimes 

 sheer off at short notice. Unfortunately, though 

 there are generally a couple of these irons on board 

 ship, they are usually stowed away amongst the 

 boatswain's stores, and at the critical moment have 



