142 MEDITERRANEAN FLYING-FISH. 



they are again obliged to commit themselves to 

 their own element. The species at present to be 

 described is chiefly observed in the Mediterranean 

 and Atlantic seas, where, according to an ingenious 

 naturalist, " it leads a most miserable life: in its 

 own element it is perpetually harassed by the 

 Dorado and other fish of prey ; and if it endeavours 

 to avoid them by having recourse to the air, it 

 either meets its fate from the Gull and the Alba- 

 tross, or is forced down again into the mouth of 

 the inhabitants of the water, which keep pace with 

 its aerial excursion." This however ought to be 

 considered as an exaggerated representation of the 

 creature's state of existence, since, by the admir- 

 able balance ordained by Nature, the weaker ani- 

 mals have powers of escape in exact proportion to 

 their danger*. 



It should be observed that this power of flight 

 or temporary skimming through the air to a con- 



* To this purpose I may quote the observation of an ingenious 

 gentleman- (Capt. G. Tobin) who has had frequent opportunities 

 of observing the habits of the Flying-Fish^, and who thus ex- 

 presses himself in a note annexed to a drawing of this species 

 observed about the coasts of Otaheitee. The lower half of the 

 tail, in the Flying-Fish^ is full twice the length of the upper : 

 the use of it has always appeared evident to me. I have by the 

 hour watched the Dolphins and Bonitos in pursuit of them^ when, 

 without wholly immersing themselves, which would have proved 

 fatal to them, they have disposed in their progressive motion the> 

 lower part of the tail in such a manner as to supply their wings 

 with moisture, so as to support them above the surface. I never 

 saw one exceed the distafice of an hundred yards in its flight, 

 without being obliged to dip for a fresh supply." 



