SCOMBER. 301 



this with the facts, that in the early part of May, 1829, in 

 about 19° north lat. and 48° west long., I passed a large shoal 

 swimming to the northwest, and their making their first ap- 

 pearance on our coast to the southward, I am inclined to be- 

 lieve that in lieu of going to the northward on the approach of 

 winter, as generally imagined, they on the contrary quit our 

 seas for those of a more temperate clime. 



Again, is not their extreme leanness when first appearing 

 with us, a natural consequence of their long and fatiguing 

 passage ? I am wholly ignorant, whether they have been 

 seen in more southern climates, except in the instance I have 

 mentioned, but if they have not, I think it may be reasonably 

 supposed that they swim deep to avoid the havoc which would 

 otherwise be committed in their ranks by th^ fishes of prey, 

 which in those seas abound near the surface. 



How far the facts stated justify such an inference, you are 

 the best judge; they are certainly singular and novel ; — it 

 is to be lamented that in general, those who have the most 

 frequent opportunities of investigation, are apt to regard such 

 occurrences as hardly worthy of notice ; as a habit of observa- 

 tion and remark, would no doubt be the means of elucidating 

 many doubtful or disputed points. 



And now, requesting your indulgence for this long and I 

 fear tedious letter, my only excuse for which, is the motive 

 with which it was written. 



I remain, verj' respectfully, yourobt. servant. 



Jos. P. Couthouy. 



I will just add, though you are already, perhaps, aware of 

 it, that the male dolphin may be easily distinguished from the 



ved up at Wilson and Swan's Hotel, on Sunday. A delicious 

 dish it was." 



We are told, but on what authority we are totally unable to 

 divine, that the mackerel has a strong predilection for hu- 

 man flesh. In the Mediterranean, the famous article called 

 caviare is manufactured from the roes. 



