Chap. 8.J 
DOLPHINS. 
371 
phin lives thirty years ; a fact that has been ascertained from 
cutting marks on the tail, by way of experiment. It con- 
ceals itself for thirty days, at about the rising of the Dog-star, 
and hides itself so effectually, that it is not known whither it 
goes ; a thing that is more surprising still, if it is unable to 
respire under water. Dolphins are in the habit of darting 
upon the shore, for some reason or other, it is not known 
what. They do not die the moment that they touch the dry 
land, but will die much more speedily if the vent-hole is closed. 
The tongue, contrary to the nature of aquatic animals in 
general, is moveable, being short and broad, not much unlike 
that of the pig. Instead of a voice, they emit a moaning 
sound similar to that made by a human being; the back is 
arched, and the nose turned up. For this reason^* it is that 
they all recognize in a most surprising manner the name of 
Simo, and prefer to be called by that rather than by any other. 
CHAP. 8. HUMAN BEINGS WHO HAVE BEEN BELOVED BY DOLPHINS. 
The dolphin is an animal not only friendly to man, but a 
lover of music as well ; he is charmed by melodious concerts,^^ 
6^ Fishermen having notched the tail of the animal when young, and re- 
cognized it by these marks thirty years afterwards. 
•'^ " Incerta de causa." Pintianus, following the similar account given 
by Aristotle, Hist. Anim. B. ix. c. 48, takes the words to mean " temere," 
"hap-hazard," ''without any motive whatever." Ajasson says that it is 
their eager pursuit of small fishes which sometimes betrays them into leaping 
on shore, and occasionally, the pain caused by attacks of parasitical sea- 
insects and other animals. 
Aristotle, Hist. Anim. B. iv. c. 49, says that the dolphin makes this 
noise when it comes to the air. 
He would seem to imply that the dolphin knows that it is " simus," 
or " flat-nosed," for which reason it is particularly fond of being called 
" Simo," or " flat-nose," a piece of good taste and intelligence remarkable 
even in a dolphin. Hardouin undertakes to explain their remarkable liking 
for this name on other grounds, and says that when a song was sung, they 
were charmed by the pronunciation of the word " Simo " every now and 
then, the last syllable being drawn out at great length. Ajasson suggests 
that the only reason for which this name delighted them, was probably the 
sibilant or hissing sound made when it is frequently repeated. 
6^ " Symphoniae cantu.'' Hardouin is of opinion that this means the 
music of the " symphonia," that being some kind of musical instrument. 
But, as Ajasson remarks, the meaning is much more likely to be, "singing 
in concert," where there are several performers, and each takes his own 
part in the symphony. It might, however, possibly ruean singing and 
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