Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1856-04-08
TEE PILOT FISH


There are few things more singular than the
connections which exist between the shark ano
the pilot fish. The shark, as is well known. i
one OF the most voracious monsters. which arr
found In the depths of the ocean. He is ALWAYS
hungry, and by means fastidious in his selee-
ton OF food. Nothing comes amiss to him-a
young dolphin or bonita. piece of salt pork
or bullock's hide; leg of a human beins-. O,
red-hot shot, are all swallowed With equal
avidity, although they may not all equally agree
with Us digestive powers. The Shark is alsr
an ugly looking rascal with his dark gray rhi-
hocefos hide, his round mouth awkwardly situ-
tea beneath his chin, and his frishtful rows OF
long sharp teeth. The pilot fish, on the other
hand, IS one of the most beautiful species of the
hnny tribe 1t is from six to twelve inches in
length and is a remarkably well proportioned
nsh' something OF dandy in his appearance
wearing at all times beautiful rnottied dress
a'niaoIe IN its department, far as has yet been
discovered, and most delicious eating. Apiclus
himself would have swallowed q well cooked
pilot fsh, with infinite gusto, especially after
having been for some weeks on short allowance
OF salt provisions Indeed there is nothing OF
an unpleasant character connected with the
appearance or habits of the pilot fish, unless his
mysterious and intimate connection with the
shark may be considered suspicious. "A man
may be known by the company he keeps" is AN
old proverb-how far it may relate to fishes, we
are unable to say
III is We'll known that sharks are frequently,
(not always attended by one or more of these
pilots. We have seen as many as six of differ
ent sizes, accompanying one of these sea mon
sters' and between the whole party there seem
ed to exist the most perfect understanding. In
deed the connection between the shark and the
pilot fish, is precisely of tie nature of the con-
neetion fabulously reported to exist between
the lion and the jackal. The pilot fish is liter
ally the shark provder-and there is abundant
reason to believe, that though sore pressed bv
hunger, the shark will never prey on his little
defenceless friend The pilot fish seems atten-
tive to the wants of his master, or protector, and
is constantly on the lookout to cater to his ap-
petite.
We recollect that once in tie tropical seas, a
large shark seen astern Of the ship. An
event OF this kind, which Temporarily disrels
the monotony attendant on a long passage. usu-
ally proves of great interest to the whole ships
company, There being no shark hook on board
bovine was Immediately prepared, and large
piece of beef attached to piece of rope, was
thrown over the stern. The shark remained at
a respectable distance, as if suspecting mischief
but IN few minutes two pilot fishes left his
side, and swan gently towards the stern of the
ship. They were evidently attracted by the
beef, which they passed round more than once,
smelling 1t, apparently eyeing it attentively-
they then returned with an increased pace to-
wards their voracious friend, and appeared to
communicate the result of their Investigation
A whispering colloquy, which continued a short
time, evidently followed-when the shark, prob
ably convinced that 6onne 6ouche was awaiting
him, hesitated no longer, but made dash at
the beef, was caught in the bowlne and not
withstanding his desperate struggles, was inglo-
riously captured !-!S2eeper's Portfolio.