GK'EATER FI, "SING FISH. 
131 
flight either upwards or sideways, will offer little difficulty to 
this view of the case, when we recollect that in the most 
rapidly-flying birds the course for the most part is influenced 
by the tail, which in the fish can have no material effect in the 
air. It should not be forgotten that an hindrance to a more 
extended flight in these fishes has been supposed to arise from 
increasing dryness, and consequent stiffness of the fins, from 
the heat of the air as it exists in the climates where these 
fishes are chiefly met with. But examination shews that such 
is not the case; for such of them as have fallen on board of 
ships in the warmest and driest regions, are found to have 
maintained the softness and flexibility of the membrane of their 
fins for a longer time than is occupied by their utmost flight. 
A more probable cause why contact with the water is sought 
after a lengthened flight, or in the midst of it, is the need of 
renewing the moisture of the gills for the purpose of breathing; 
while another effort at escape is forced upon the persecuted 
animal, by the appearance of some eager foe that may have 
watched its progress through the air, and is waiting to receive 
it into its jaws. Nor does the air itself afford a certain refuge 
from its enemies; for there it is watched for by the albatross 
and frigate bird, with several others ; the formidable beaks 
of which are employed usually in the descending curve of the 
fish’s flight. It is usual in merchant-ships to spread canvass, 
with outriggers over the side, at night to receive such fish as 
may spring from the water, and strike against the ship. In 
the morning it is the duty of the boys to examine this trap, 
and sometimes a considerable number are thus obtained as a 
welcome dish for the table. Amusement is also afforded by 
making a not very exact likeness of this fish, but with expanded 
wings; and this is hung from the bowsprit, so as that in the 
motion of the ship it may at times be dipped for a moment 
below the surface; and to seize it in its descent the eager 
Bonitoes rush forward to their own destruction. 
Within a definite range the species of this family are great 
wanderers, but, according to Risso, the Greater Flying Fish 
pursues in the Mediterranean a regular migration; in the course 
of which they arrive in schools in the neighbourhood of Nice, 
in May, in their progress eastward, and continue for about a 
month; Dr. Gulia also recognises it at Malta. It does not 
