The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1889-12-14
PECULIAR FISH.
Different Species Capable of Fly
ing, Walking and Climbing.
Some which Leave Their Native
Element to Lay Their Eggs.

into the water of the Gulf Stream,
suddenly saw creature OF some sort
with wings. 1t came, apparently, ou'
of the ocean and Immediately took
compliment attitude in mid-air. 1t was
a fish beyond dispute and ! accounted
for its conduct from the fact tat
huge fish of a much larger kingdom
dartcd to the surface of the water IN
eager pursuit of this frightened creature.
At first thought the tiny fish was safe
from the chase, but in less than two
minutes it dropped back into the sea.
Hardly had it touched the water when
it again bounded in another direction,
and it was soon evident that it was
again followed. When this aggravated
pursucr came to the surfaco l saw 1t
was n enc other than a huge dolphin.
watched the sport very attentively for
some time, but as our steamer was los
ing sight of it l saw an albatross com
ing toward the fleeing fish. The acute
eye of the bird had espiei the tiny fish
and Ia come to rob tho dolphin of its
pley.
The lite creature was not aware of
lis double danger, and by its frantic
movements kept sailing along, endeavor-
ing TO escape its tiany enemy. Death
beset it in all directions. when at last
the albatross was upon it, and the fish
conscious of only the danger behind,
fell right into the claws of the bird.
"Naturalists claim that the fish does
not fly, but simply leaps from the water
and sails along on its membraneous
wings. l cannot believe this, for
have seen the fish on many occasions
leave the water and fly along further
than 1t could possibly do if 1t did not
fly. And, too, have seen them flap
their winglikc fins, change their course,
and fly against a strong wind. This
evidence, it seems to me, is far more
reliable than that of hundreds of natur-
alists. A man may not be sharp sight
ed enough to see the flying fish flap its
wings; nevertheless, have often seen it
done, and nothing can change my
mind"
That keen observer, Grant Allen,
forcibly declares that the flying fish does
actually fly. Of the flying fish there are
at least twenty species and in appear
ance greatly resembles the herring. with
large, bat-like wings. They will not
leave the water unless threatened by
an enemy. Their speed is not rapid,
although they can easily keep ahead of
a steamer going at the rate of twelve
knots an hour.
We are told there are fish that walk,
which are more numerous and more
variable. Many of them leave the water
from choice rather than necessity. One
kind in particular leaves its native ele-
ment in search Of leaves and twigs wit
which to build a nest. 1t lays its eggs
and watches with great care until they
are Matched. There is another when on
seeing there is danger of its pond dry
ing up and leaving it to die takes in a
supply of water and cmbarks on a tour
of inspection. In body they start
through forest with as much boidness
as body of men. Their bodies are
covered with sharp spine', so they are
not desirable eating for the animals of
the forest. and consequently are allowed
to pass unmolested. Some unmistaka-
BILE instinct tells them where to find
water, and their march always results il
reaching a much larger body than tn a
which they have Just left.
There is abundant proof to convinc;
the most sceptical that fish can actual
| ly run. There is a species in SOuti
America tina: have large and promlncn
eyes, which they have the power o
! rolling back and forth at will. As yoI
thrust you hand down toward one i
turns its grea. eye with a rather comicl
expression, and just as you are about t.
pick it up away it runs out of you
reach. Bat unless disturbed they marcl
slowly along until a pond is reached
when they jump in and stay.
1 Anathnr ;-,toro-t;ror Lind Of EIh