DELPHINIDiE 41 



is more blunt. In point of color it is greenish black on its upper 

 surface, lightened on the sides with broad longitudinal stripes of 

 white, gray and dull black, which- in most examples run into each 

 other, but bdlow it is a pearly or snowy white. The posterior 

 edge of the dorsal fin is tipped with dull white or gray, and some- 

 times the flanks are marked in the same manner. 



"We have observed that this species has a wider range, con- 

 gregates in larger numbers, and exhibits more activity than any 

 other member of the dolphin family. They are seen, in numbers 

 from a dozen up to many hundreds, tumbling over the surface 

 of the sea, or making arching leaps, plunging again on the same 

 curve, or darting high and falling sidewise upon the water with 

 a spiteful splash, accompanied by a report that may be heard some 

 distance. When a brisk breeze is blowing they frequently pla}' 

 c bout the bow of a ship going at her utmost speed, darting across 

 the cutwater and shooting ahead, or circling around the vessel, 

 apparently sporting at ease. 



"The Striped Porpoises are often seen in considerable num- 

 bers about the large bays and lagoons along this coast, that 

 have no fresh water running into them. They abound more 

 alo;:g the coasts where small fish are found than in midocean, ai 

 they principally prey upon the smaller fmny tribes ; and to obtain 

 them shoot swiftly through the water, seizing the object of their 

 pursuit with the slightest effort. Occasionally a large number oi 

 them will get into- a school of fish, frightening them so that they 

 will dart around in all directions, and finally get so bewildered 

 as to loose nearly all control over their movements. At such 

 times the Striped Porpoise is manifestly the 'sea swine', filling 

 itself to repletion." (Scammon). 



Genus Delphinus Linneus. (Dolphin.) 

 Dorsal and pectoral fins long, rather narrow, curved ; a dis- 

 tinct depression across the head in front of forehead; rostrum 

 nearly twice as longi as cranium, narrow; teeth 47 to 65, narrow , 

 small ; vertebrae 73 to 76. 



