One of the properties for which the dolphin is celebrated is that of changing its color when dying.

By many this is considered fabulous; but it is strictly true.

After the fish is captured, and while struggling in the scuppers, the changes constantly taking place in its color are truly remarkable.

The hues which predominate are blue, green, and yellow, with their various combinations: but when the fish is dead, the beauty of its external appearance, caused by the brilliancy of its hues, no longer exists.

Falconer, the sailor poet, in his interesting poem of "The Shipwreck," thus describes this singular phenomenon: "But while his heart the fatal javelin thrills, And flitting life escapes in sanguine rills, What radiant changes strike the astonished sight! What glowing hues of mingled shade and light! Not equal beauties gild the lucid west, With parting beams all o'er profusely drest; Not lovelier colors paint the vernal dawn, When orient dews impearl the enamelled lawn, Than from his sides in bright suffusion flow, That now with gold empyreal seem to glow; Now in pellucid sapphires meet the view, And emulate the soft, celestial hue; Now beam a flaming crimson in the eye, And now assume the purple's deeper dye." The second mate of the Clarissa, Mr.Fairfield, was a veteran sailor, and a very active and industrious man.