the Flying Fi/h. 799 
natural or ufual mode of exiftence, there feems not to be 
any particular or remarkable apparatus neceffary for a 
long fubfiftence, nothing is wanted but the power of mo- 
tion in our atmofphere, and the drying of their wings, 
appears to be the only inconvenience they are likely 
to fuffer. Hence it is, that in every other part of their 
frame and ftructure, fmall provifion is made by all- 
bountiful nature for this tranfmigration. 
In flying not only their fins and wings are much ex- 
panded, but alfo their tail; they fkim along the furface 
of the deep with great velocity, fomewhat in the manner 
of a fwallow, but in ftraight lines, and from the black- 
nefs of their backs, the whitenefs of their bellies, and 
forked expanded tails, they have much the fame ap- 
pearance 
They can fly fifty, fixty, or more yards at one ftretch, 
and repeat it a fecond or even a third time, only the 
flighted: momentary touch of the furface that can be 
conceived intervening. 
They are feldom folitary, but rife in flocks or Ihoals'H, 
In tafte they fomewhat refemble a mackerel. 
(b) Since writing the above, I find the ancients were acquainted with this 
fpecies; puny mentions it under the name of theHirundo. 
(c) We found them in greatefl quantities between the latitude of i $° and io° 
N. from 20° to 30° W. of the meridian of London ; but they abound between 
the Tropics in many other places of the vaft Atlantic, as well as in the Indian 
Ocean. 
They 
