FLYING FISH. 
18 / 
assume the property of a bird, appears very unnatu- 
ral. But this seeming contradiction in the dispen- 
sation of Providence will completely vanish, when 
we consider that this extraordinary action is merely 
an apology for flying, and can only be supported 
while the pectoral fins are wet. These fins are ex- 
tremely long, and capable of considerable motion 
backwards and forward. They are composed of 
ribs connected together by a transparent membrane, 
and by the assistance of these they are enabled to 
spring into the air ; but the moment the moisture 
is evaporated from their surface, the fish are again 
obliged to return to their own element. The large 
air-bladder with which this fish is provided, greatly 
contributes to diminish its specific gravity, and con- 
sequently tends to support it in, its aerial excursions. 
From the observations of Captain Tobin, who care- 
fully watched the motions of the flying-fish about 
Otaheitee, it appears that the lower half of the tail, 
which is by far the longest, is of great use to them 
in their flight. This gentleman frequently saw the 
dolphins and bonitos in pursuit of them, when 
they* had disposed the lower part of their tail in 
such a manner as to supply their wings with mois- 
ture, and thus support them above the surface. He 
never saw one exceed the distance of a hundred 
yards in its flight, without being obliged to dip for a 
fresh supply. The persecution which this species 
suffers from the fish of prey, induced Mr. Pennant 
to suppose that they lead a most miserable life. 
