On to Coral-Land 
79 
“ The y cannot really fly, you know,” 
explained the Pilot, “ for they are not 
able to raise themselves in the air after 
their first leap, and can only sail for a 
few feet on a level. And those things 
that look like wings are simply very 
large Pectoral fins, which can support 
them for awhile in the air. And a very 
silly practice the whole thing is too. 
Those fish would be a great deal better 
off if they only kept to their own ele¬ 
ment, and stayed pretty well under 
water. As it is they are in constant 
danger, for the sea-gulls are always 
watching for them above, and the Bonito 
beneath. And that reminds me that it 
would be safer for us to dive below, for 
the Bonito is always to be met following 
the Flying-Fish, and he is not particular, 
(being always hungry) as to what kind of 
fish he dines on. His usual plan is to 
