FISHES. 



273 



water, which never fails striking the fly into the sea, when 

 it soon becomes its prey. 



" The relation of this uncommon action of this cunning 

 fish raised the Governor's curiosity: though it came well 

 attested, yet he was determine J., if possible, to be con- 

 vinced of the truth by ocular demonstration. For that 

 purpose he ordered a large wide tub to be filled with sea- 

 water; then had some of these fish caught and put into 

 it, which was changed every other day. In a while they 

 seemed reconciled to their confinement; then he deter- 

 mined to try the experiment. 



" A slender stick, with a fly pinned on at its end, was 

 placed in such a direction on the side of the vessel as the 

 fish could strike it. It was with inexpressible delight 

 that he daily saw these fish exercising their skill in shoot- 

 ing at the fly with an amazing velocity, and never missed 

 their mark."* 



* "Phil. Trans." for 1764, vol. liy., p. 89. 



