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 determined, 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. liv., p. 89. 
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