THE FEROCIOUS SWORDFISS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2686, 6 September 1905, Page 65

THE FEROCIOUS SWORDFISS.

(New York Tribune.)

Swordfish generally appear in the neighbourhood of Sandy Hook early in June, and continue along the coast as far east as Martha's Vineyard and Nantuoket Shoals, some having been caught as far 'north as Cape Sable, until about the middle of September, when the first cold wind causes them to disappear, not to be seen again until the next year. They are also found occasionally off the South Atlantic coast, and as far sowtih as the island of Jamaica-, also on the Pacific coast at Santa Barbara Islands.

The swordfish follows the schools of menhaden, mackerel, bonito, and bluefish, upon which they feed. In feeding they rise beneath the school, striking to the right and left with bhedr swords, until they have killed a number, which., they then proceed' to> devour at their leisure.

When angered, the swordfish, owing to its great strength and terrible weapon, is able and anxious to inflict se-ricnus damage xipon its persecutors. Many instances have been reported where it has attacked vessels and boats. In 1871 the English ship Queensberry was struck by a swordfish, the sword penetrating to a depth of 30in, causing a. leak, which made necessary the discharge of the cargo. One of the Gloucester fishing schooners, while on a trip to Georges Banks in 1875, was attacked by a swordfish in the night-time. He assailed the vessel with great foroe, and succeeded in putting his sword through one of the planks Some 2ft, and, after making fearful struggles to extricate himself, broke the sword off, leaving ifc hard and fast in the plank, and made a speedy departure. Even with the Gword in the vessel it leaked badly, requiring pretty lively pumping to keep her free.

The brig P. M. Tinker in 1876 was struck by a swordfish. The sword nenetrated the copper sheating, a 4in bir-oh plank, and through the- timbers about 6in — in all about lOin. The crew had to pump steadily until port was reached.

In September, 1903, the Gloucester fishing schooner Emily Oooney had an exciting encounter with a swordfish. While going thron&h the South Channel three swordfish were ec-pied, and the vessel ran down among them, and one \w& 'harpooned. Immediately another monster fish appeared. At first he made off at a tangent from the craft, and then, as •if angered, turned, and with a terrific rush made direct for the vessel. Diving about 3ft below the surface, he struck the craft with such force that the sword perae-traited the 2ain oak plank into the ceiling, and lft of the blade was broken off. The blow was felt all over the vessel. One of the crew below had just moved from where he was sitting, and a moment later tho sword was driven directly through the spot where he cat. Tha vessel began to leak and the captain .decided bo run for port. When put upon the marine railways it was found that the plank pierced by the sword had been badly shattered.

Through the kindly interest of Herr Wessely. the famous London violin teacher, Master Victor Harris has been allotted a two years' scholarship of th© Royal Academy of Music, 'London. Mrs Harris is trying to make arrangements to yend her son to England by the White Star liner Athenio noxt mo-nth. c