the deep.

The dolphin is a fine-looking fish. Its shape is symmetry itself, and
has furnished a valuable hint for the model of fast-sailing vessels. It
is usually from two to three feet in length, and is sometimes met
with of nearly twice that size, and weighing seventy-five or a hundred
pounds. 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. He was always busy when not
asleep; and, what was of more importance, and frequently an annoyance
to the ship's company, he dearly loved to see other people busy.
He regarded idleness as the parent of evil, and always acted on the
uncharitable principle that if steady employment is not provided for a
ship's company they will be constantly contriving mischief.

Unfortunately for the crew of the Clarissa, Mr. Fairfield had great
influence with the captain, having sailed with him the previous voyage,
and proved himself a good and faithful officer. He, therefore, had no
difficulty in carrying into operation his favorite scheme of KEEPING ALL
HANDS AT WORK. A large quantity of "old junk" was put on board in Salem,
and on the passage to Brazi