142 
SKIPPER. 
they usually keep in the open sea, where they are continually 
in motion, in doing which they are exposed to the fate, as in 
some degree they exhibit the habits of the Flying Fish, for 
which it is probable they have been mistaken by observers 
who have had no more than a general knowledge of the 
habits of these species. They are followed and persecuted by the 
Porpoise, and the more swift and energetic Tunny and Bonito, 
which appear to devour many of them; and in their eagerness 
to escape multitudes are seen to mount to the surface, to * 
which the particular construction of the pectoral fin is well 
fitted to guide them, and there they crowd on each other as 
they press forward. Under the impulse of terror they spring 
to the height of several feet — leap over each other in singular 
confusion, and then again sink out of sight. But the pursuers 
again shew themselves, and they mount again, and rush along 4 
the surface for more than a hundred feet in a continued ' 
effort, without the body for a moment being lost sight of, 
and, as it would appear, by the instant but repeated touch 
on the water of the pectoral fins, and those wliich lie along 
the under part of the body. 
It is this rapid and straightforward action which has procured 
for this fish the name of Sea Mouse, and which is so well 
described by the Greek writers Ojjpian and Lilian, as practised 
by a fish they have called Hierax or Hirax, the (Sea) Hawk, 
that I have come to the conclusion of its being the species 
formerly understood by that name. Referring to the creatures | 
of the ocean that are able to fly, the Greek poet compares i 
together the Flying Cuddle Fish, Sieve, or Kteuthis, Sea | 
Swallow or Chelidon, and the Hirax, or Sea Hawk. f. 
'i 
When ravenous foes pursue they conscious rise, 
And court the kind pi-otection of the skies. 
Far on unfcathcred wings the Sieves are borne; 
Sea swallows lower fly. * # # 
But cautious Hawks, tho’ winged, will nearer keep. 
And, hovering, o’er the wavy surface sweep. 
They rinse their moisten’d wings as close they skim, 
Both elements enjoy, and, flying, swim. 
Oppian. I 
And Aidian, B. 9, C. 45, so nearly says the same thing, that it ’ 
might be supposed one of these writers had copied from the ^ 
other. The Hierax, says he, is accustomed to raise itself so 
