CYPRINID^E. 179 



cape from a pursuing enemy. Within the tropics 

 they are numerous ; on this coast inward-bound 

 vessels frequently find them on deck in the night. 

 Sea-birds prey upon the flying fish, and the dolphin, 

 it is reported, when it rises from its natural 

 element, to escape the jaws of the pursuing adver- 

 sary, keeps onward, well knowing that it will 

 soon strike the water again. This is the hirando 

 of the ancients. 



FAMILY IV. CYPRINIDJE. 



The family of carps, is distinguished by not pos- 

 sessing an adipose fin ; by a small mouth and 

 weak jaws, — destitute of teeth. The pharyngeal 

 bones perform the office of teeth. The branchial 

 rays are few ; the body scaly ; the intestines 

 short, and without caecums. They have" a swim- 

 ming bladder divided into two sacks, somewhat 

 like an hour-glass, and live in fresh water, being 

 harmless, inoffensive, and quiet inhabitants. 



In the United States we have not yet discover- 

 ed the true carp of Europe, which is so extensive- 

 ly bred in pleasure grounds. Usually it grows to 

 twelve and eighteen inches, but in the stagnant 

 waters of Persia still larger. It is generally sup- 

 posed to have been carried to England about 

 1514. The quantity of roes extruded by the fe- 



