The porpoise measures from six to nine feet in length, and may be found in all parts of the ocean, and even in the mouths of large rivers. It keeps in large shoals, and if one of the company receives a wound from the harpoon, the rest fall upon him and devour him. Formerly, it was esteemed a fish of such rarity, as to be introduced as royal fare; but in this degenerate age, its savoury qualities are generally over-looked, unless by sailors, who sometimes make a portion of it into a sea-pie. [63] Some naturalists are of opinion that a fresh row of teeth is added every year. I have counted five rows in a shark’s mouth. [64] We went by way of America, and consequently our time from England was long. [65] A shoal running across the harbour of St John’s from north to south. [66] Shark, in ichthyology, a species of squalus. [67] Labat thinks the reason some of the West Indian fish are poisonous is on account of their feeding upon the “galley-fish,” a genus of the Zoophyte tribe. CHAPTER LI. Zoology: Orb-fish—Echinus, known to the ancients—Hippocampus— Trumpet-fish—Toad-fish—Sea-blubber, and galley-fish—Sea-polypus —Cat-fish—Crabs, oysters, &c.—Turtle—Land-crab—Soldier-crab— Lizards—Guana—Wood-slave—Scorpions—Centipede—Snakes—Tarantula— Cockroach—Caterpillars and butterflies—Ants—Bats—Aquatic birds— Land birds—Humming bird—Anecdote. Among the _curiosities_ found about the shores of Antigua, are, first, the orb-fish, sea-porcupine, or _orbus-major,_ as it is severally called. This fish varies from seven inches, to two feet in length; it has no scales, but is armed with sharp spines, measuring from one to three inches in length, which it can erect at pleasure—the longest of these spines are placed behind the eyes, the shortest beneath the body. The mouth is shaped like a frog; the eyes are round and prominent, and behind them rises two strong, circular-shaped fins, which it uses with great agility when swimming. The anal and posterior fins are large and curved; and the tail strong and well adapted for making way through the waters. In the middle of the stomach is a bladder filled with air, by the aid of which it can inflate itself at pleasure, until it presents the figure of a complete sphere. The meat of the orbus is said to be excellent, with exception of the head, which is always thrown away; it is dressed in the same manner as turtle. When alive, it is a dangerous and formidable enemy in its native element, as it is not blessed with a very amiable temper. And when stuffed, it is an object of great curiosity, and well worthy of a place in a museum. The _echinus,_ or sea-urchin, is another species of the class and order _vermes, mollusca_. It does not attain the size of the orbus major, being seldom found more than five inches in length, but it is covered with sharp prickles, and can equally inflate itself when angry. The flesh is eaten with oil, vinegar, and pepper; and in flavour resembles the