Quadrupeds, fyc. 



913 



Notice of the capture of the common Dolphin (Delphinus Dclphis) 

 on the Cornish coast. By R. Q. Couch, Esq., M.R.C.S * 





Common Dolphin {Delphinus Delphis.) 



Since the last meeting of the Society, a fine specimen of the com- 

 mon dolphin [Delphinus Delphis) has been caught at Hayle. It came 

 in over the Hayle bar at high water, and remained there till the 

 return of the tide forced it to try to effect its escape. In this it could 

 not, however, succeed, from the shallowness of the water. At this 

 time it was seen by the fishermen, and other persons near the spot ; 

 and efforts were made to secure it. During the chase it became 

 furious, and it was only bv being tired, that a wound could be inflicted 

 on the posterior part of the body. From this flowed a large quantity 

 of blood, the creature became exhausted, and was finally secured. 

 It has been purchased, and is now deposited in our Museum. In the 

 stuffing the shape and colour have been very well retained. It is seven 

 feet eight inches in length, and three feet ten inches in its greatest 

 circumference. The body is slender, and gradually tapering towards 

 the tail. The head is prolonged into a slender, slightly compressed, 

 cylindrical snout. At six inches from the termination of the snout 

 the forehead suddenly rises, enlarges, and gently slopes posteriorly 

 The gape is eleven inches and three quarters in length. The teeth 

 are {%-#, perfectly white, conical, and arching outwards. The dor- 

 sal fin is near the centre of the back, being three feet one inch from 

 the tip of the snout, and three feet four inches and a half to the 



* Read before the Natural History Society, Penzance, February 4tli, 1845. 

 iii 3D 



