THE SALMON. 
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assumed by the Flying-fish as it speeds its course through the air while attempting to avoid 
its deadly foe beneath. 
Before proceeding to our next example of the finny tribes, we must briefly notice a 
curious fish which seems to be a kind of balance to the sword-fish already mentioned, the 
“sword” in this instance belonging to the lower instead of the upper jaw, and being formed 
by a prolongation of its bones. It is known by the scientific name of Hemiramphus argenteus, 
and is found near the surface of the water in the Pacific Ocean. Its color is uniform silvery- 
white, and its average length is only four inches. 
FLYING-FISH .— Exocoetus volitans. 
The odd-looking Gar-fish is known by a vast variety of names, such as Sea Pike, 
Mackerel Guide, Sea-needle, Long-nose, Gore-bill, Hoenfish, and Greenbone, the 
last-mentioned title being given to it because, when it is boiled, its bones are of a bright green 
hue. The name of Mackerel Guide is owing to the fact that its spawning season exactly pre- 
cedes that of the mackerel, and the other names explain themselves. 
The fierce and voracious Pike has well earned its titles of Fresh-water Shark and River 
Pirate, for though perhaps not one whit more destructive to animal life than the roach, gud- 
geon, and other harmless fish, the prey which it devours are of a larger size, and its means of 
destruction are so conspicuous and powerful, that its name has long been a by-word for 
pitiless rapacity. 
SALMON, TROUT, CARP, ETC. 
The Salmon is undoubtedly the king of river-fish ; not so much for its dimensions, which 
are exceeded by one or two giant members of the finny tribe, but for the silvery sheen of its 
glittering scales, its wonderful dash and activity, affording magnificent sport to the angler, the 
interesting nature of its life from the egg to full maturity, and last, but not least, for the 
exquisite flavor and nutritive character of its flesh. 
