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''•^'

THE

MARINE MAMMALS

North-western Coast of North America,

DESCRIBED AND ILLUSTRATED:

TliCKlMlCK Wrnl AN ACCOINT (IF

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY.

CHARLES M. SCAMMON,

CAITAIN V. S. KliVKNUK MARINE.

S A >• F R A X C I S C O :
JOHN H. CAR MANY AND COMPANY.

NKW YORK: C. P. I'l'TXAM'S SONS.
1874.

Entered acioniing to Act of Con^^iess, in the year eighteen h timire J and seventy -t-xvo.

By CHARLES Af. SCAAfA/O.V,

In the Office of the Lihraiian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.

•JOHS H, CARMANV &- CO., /'Kt.VJIiRS,
409 WttthtH^UH Strcctt San /•>-.? wrw*.

.i!

THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATKD TO THE MEMORY OK

LOUIS AGASSIZ.

AS A HUMllLE TRIBLTK IROM THE AUTHOR.

• '.

Pbeface

ClIAl

TER

I.
II.
III.

IV.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

Inthoduction

Chapter I.

II.

III.

IV.

" V.

VI.

" VII.

CONTENTS.

Introduction .

PART I. -CKT.VCKA,

The Californu Gray Whale

The Finback Whale

The Humpback Whale

The

pAdK

17
20

Shahp-headed Finneb Whale 4,

!)
0-2
(J(i

The Bowhead, or Great Polar Whale

The Eight Whale of the Nortf- western Coast

The '>rT i'murbottom AVhale Yy

The SPER.M Whale
The Dolphins

Seiilon I.
II.

in.

IV.
V.

VI
" VII
" VIII

IX.

XL
" A7/.
" XIH.
" XIV.
" XV.
" XVI

88
'.)3
95
98
99

The Blackfish ' j^g

The Oica, or Killer

The Whitefish, or White Whale ............ ......

The Bay Porpoise

The Striped or Common Porpoise

BainVs Dolphin

The Eight Whale Porpoise joj

The Cowfish jq.

The Whitehcatlecl or Mottlod Grampus 103

The Bottlenosed Grampus jno

The Panama Grampus jq<

The Puget Sound Grampus jqS

The San Diego Bay Grampus jQg

The Squareheuded Grampus jyg

The Bfownsided Dolphin of Santa Burbara Channel .". lOG

The Narwhal 107

PART II.-PINMPEDIA,

The Sea Elephant.

The Sea Iiion

The Banded Seal . .

Fur Seals

The Leopard Seal.
The Sea Otter ....
The Walrus

113
115
124
140
141
1(>4
1(18
170

CONTENTS.

TAUT III.-TIIK AMKRUAN WIIALIv i- ISIIKUV.

I'AIIK

ChAPTEK I. OllKlIX AM) AXCIENT MoDE OF ■\VlIALE-IISIIINO Igfi

II. The Amiumcan Wiiai.e-i'ishehy 'J02

III. Ships, OvTrrrs, axj) Manxeu of Takix(i the Whale 21G

IV. A-VEiHCAX "\VnA[,iN<i C'"M>;r.iicE 240

V. Caufop.xia Shoue-whalixu 247

VI. Life axu CHAiiACTEiussTics of Ajiepicax AVhai.emex 252

LaOOOX -WHAI.IXO 2uO

Laiioun -WHAi.iXd Incidexts 2(iu

AoAix TO THE Noi:th, ani> Ho.me 272

APPENDIX.

Catalogue of the Cetacea of the Nopth rACiFic Oceax. By W. H. Dali 281

Desciuptiox of a Skeletox of the Eight AVilvle 308

Glossary of Woiids axd PniiASEs vsed dv Wilvlemex ;{0!)

List of Htuiies axu Oltfits 31;j

ILLUSTPvATIOXS.

Platk I. riioxTisi'ii'.ci:. — AVlmlJiifj: Si'ciic ii' the Ciilifciriiiii Lii.nooiiM.

II. The Ciilil'oriiiii (Iniy 'Wlmlc, iiii.l tlio Fiiiliiu'lv Wlialo l)C't\vp(>n pnfjos 21-25

III. Eiiilirvos of ii Ciilil'oniiu Gray Wliiih; facint,' pajfu 20

IV'. Iiuliiui AVlmliii^' Iiiii)lLiiieiits I'lK'iii^,'- Pii^e 28

V. C'lilit'Dviiia (ir.'iys amoiiif the Ico faciiij,' jiULje ',\2

YI. ]'',s([iiiiiiaii\ Wlialiii,!^- Cauou ami Wlialin.i,' Iiuiilciuciits faciiiy pa^c It?

Outlines of a Niirtheni I'liiliaek ;J7

VII. Hiiniiiliaek and Sliai'iiliemled Finner 'Wliales between pn^'es 40- II

VIII. Hiunpliaek.s Loljfailin--, Uoltin^', I5reaeliino-, and Finninj,' laein^' jia^'e 44

Outlines uf a Hunipliaek VVliale 47

Aleutian Islanders' VVliale Harpoon 47

Outlines of a Huniphaek, from above 4S

IX. Appearance of a Female Humpback Huckliu'^- lier Young facing' [iii^'c 48

X. I\ve and Parasites of Biileeu VVhales facing- iiaj^e 5(i

Outline of llovs' " Hunclibiu'k" r,(j

XI. The Bowhead or (ireat Polar Wlr'.le between pages 52-53

Full-grown Baleen of Seven Species of Whales 55

XII. Bight "Whale t>f the North-western Coast between pages (IS-fi!)

XIII. Snlphurbottom Whale between pages 72 -7;t

XIV. Sp.'rm Whale between pages Tll-TT

XV. Sperm Whale in Search of Food fiicin" iia^e 80

XYI. Tiu' Blacklish I',„.i„^. j,„^,, ^^

XYJI. Orcas or Killers facing page 88

XYIII. White AVhale, (U- Whitetisli of (ho Whalers facing page 1!(!

XIX. Baird's Dolphin, Common Porpoise, and liigiit Wliale Porpoise.. .. facing [lagu 100
Approximate Outlines of Cowlish, White-headed or Mottled (iramims, Jiollle-

nosed (irampus, anil Panama (irain]ins 102

XX. Sea J'llephant, and Sea laon facin" iite'-e 1 17

Club and Lance used in the capture of the Sea Elejihant ...,". 118

Male Sen I.ion Sleeping, and Male Sea Lion Waking 12(i

Appearance of a Male Sea Lion when Roaring, and Female Sea Lions, of St.

Paul's Island j 27

XXI, Banded Seal, and Fui Seal I'.icin"- pa"(> 140

Full-aged Male Fur Seal, St. Paul's Island ". 44;)

Head of Feniide Fur Seal, from below, Iwo-tiiirds natural size 145

Head of Female Fur Seal, side view, two-thirds nutural si/e 147

Side vi(w of Fenude Fur Soul, view of I'emale Fur Seal froei below, and

attitudes of Fu]' Seals 1 ii)

Seal Spar <if the Mnkah Indians, Nee-nli Hay, W. T., iHliU, and Sja'ar Head,

full si/e, with line attached j 51)

Moving attitude of a Leopard Seal, on shore i(!4

MAIimit MAMMM.II.-'i. I II

10 JLIJ'STIIATIOA'S.

rr.ATK XXTT. Leniiiird Seal, iiiul Soa Otter facing yinf^o 1()4

Aleutian Islaiidors' Sea Otter CaiHie, iir Jhiiihiiin , with Hunters en^'aj^ed in

tlie eliase; Aleutian I^lan(le^s' Sea Otter Spear; and Spear Head, full size. 175

WalruKes 177

" XXTTI. A Wlialin.i,' Seene of 17(;;! facin.t,' pa-e 205

" XXIV. Tni[ilonients beloiiLiin;,' to a Whale-boat faein.i;' pa.n'O 225

Pieree's Harpoon Iiondi-Ianee (iun; ISonib-lance ; and Dia.Ljrani showing,' in-

isido of 15onil)-lance 227

:\rast-head AVaif 280

Dia;^rani showing- the manner of Cuttin^-in the liowhead and Itiyht Whale... 2H1

IMubher-hooli, anil Fin -eliaiu 2:i2

" XXV. Implements used in ('uttin{.j-in a AVhale 2;!l$

Head-straj) ; To^-^de ; and Tliroat-ehain Toggle 2H4

(^lttin,^'- tackle to'j-nled to the blanket - •>ieee 2:?5

Outline of a Sjierm AVliale, showinj,' the manner of ('uttin{]f-in 2;)7

Mincing Knife 2li8

Hlublier-fork ; Stirring-pole ;■ Skimmer ; ISailer; and Fire -pike 2;!1)

" XXVI. A Northern AVhaling Scene facing page 2-tl

AVIiale-boat with (ireener's (iun Afounted 2-1!)

" XXVII. AVhaling Station at Carniel Bay facing page 257

Skeleton of a /lahcKd )iiii.'ilirrltif' !i08

PKl' F ACi:.

T>i:i\(; on tlic v^K\>{ of f'alirdniiii in 18-'')2. wlicu 'lie '•.u-old-fcvor" nigcd, llio
forco of circiiinstancc's coiiipcllcd me lo tiiki' co.niiiand of a Iiriu'. Iiound on a scal-
in,u'. sc'a-t'l('iilianl, and wlndini;; voya,L;-c, ov abandon sea- life, at least teniporai'ilv.
Tiie olijects of our pur.-iiit were fmiiid in g-reat numbers, and the oiiporlunilies
for studyin,:^- tlieir habits were so ,u'ood, that I lieeame ,uTeal]y interested in eol-
leetinir facts bearin,-- updn the luitural liist(n-y of these animals. JJeferenee to the
few books devoleil to the subject soon convinced nu' that I was at woi'k in a
department in whi(di but little definite knowled-'e existed. 'I'his was 1imi(> even of
the whales, the best known of this class: ami ] was soon led to believe that, bv
diligent obsei'\atioii, I should l)e atilo to add materially to the scanty stock of infor-
mation existing in regard lo the marine niannnals of the I'acilic Coast. I was the
more encouragecl to pui'sue these investigations, bei'ause, among the great nuiidici'
of intelligent men in conunaml of whaling-ships, there was no one who had contrib-
uted anyihing of ini[iortance to the natural history of the Cetaceans; while it was
obvi(Uis that the ojiporlunitiivs ollered foi- the study of their habits, lo those prac-
tically engaged in the business of whaling, were greater than eould [lossibly be
enjoyed by persons not thus eiiiploved.

The (dii.'f object in this work is to give as correct ligiires of the dillerenl
s]iecies of marine mammals, found on lli(> I'acilli' (.'oast of Xorlh America, as could
lie oblained from a careful study of Ihein IV<un life, and nmnermis measiirenieiils
after death, made whenever praciicabl(>. it is also my aim to give as full an
uecount of the habits of these animals as pra(dieabh\ together with sindi facts in
refereiu'e lo their geograpliical distribution as have come lo my knowledge.

It is liardly necessary lo say, that any person taking up the study of marine
mammals, and especially the Cetaceans, enliM's a dilli,MiIt li.dd of research, sim<e the

I III

PREFACE.

opportunities for observing tlie luil/its of tliese aninuils umler favorable conditions
are but rare and brief. ^ly own cxperionee lias proved that close observation for
niontlis, and even years, may be required before a single new fact in regard to
their hal>its can l)e obtained. Tliis has been particularly the case with the dol-
phins, while many of the characteristic actions of whales arc so secretly performed
that years of ordinary observation may be iusuflicient for their discovery.

Tliere is little didieuUy in making satisfactoiy drawings of such smaller species
of marine manumils as can be taken u[)on the deck of a vessel, but it is extremely
difficult to delineate accurately the forms of the lai'ger Cetaceans. AVhen one of
these animals is lirst captured, but a small part of its colossal form can be seen,
as, usually, only a small iiortiuu of the miildle section of the body is al)ove the
water; and when the process of decomposition has caused the animal to rise, so
that the whole form is visilde, it is swollen and (piite distorted in shape. Again:
tliese animals cliange their api)earaiice in the most remarkable manner with every
change of position, so that it is only from repeated measurements an 1 sketches,
and as the result of many comparisons, that I have been able to produce satisfac-
tory illustrations of tliese monsters of the deep.

I take occasion hei'e to arknowledge my indebteilness to Mr. Key, of the lirm
of Ih'itlou iV Key, litliographers, who laid aside his own business, as far as possible,
in order that he might give his personal attention to the execution of nearly all
the plates representing whales and seals. Tlie remaining work of that descrii)tion
was put into the hands of Mr. Steinegger, the junior partner of the linn; his
excellent sea and landsc;i[ie baekgrouiuls speak for themselves.

riain and >iniple language has been used in description. "Where whaling terms
have lieeu employed, their delinitinus are indicated by reference marks, or may be
found in 'he glossary contained in the A|i|iendix.

1 dcM.e to tender my sineore thanks to many personal friends and others, not
only for lilei'ary, luit also fir linanrial aiil ; 'or, without tlie generous contributions
of gentlemen of the I'arilic ("oast, and San Francisco especially, this work could
not have nuule its a|ipi'aranee in its present form.

To Professor .1. 1>. Whilnry, State (;e(dogist of ("alifornia, 1 wish particularly
to acknowledge mv in(h'bledness for his encouiMgemcnt ami untiring assistance in
pre|iaring this V(dume for the press. My thanks are also due to Trofes.sor S. V.

PREFACE. 13

Baird, of the Smithsonian Institution ; Professor Cleorge Davidson, of the United
States Coast Survey; Doctor W. 0. Ayres, of San Francisco; Doctor Theodore Gill,
f)f Washington; ^h\ J. A. Allen, of Caiuhridgo ; ^fr. R. R. (_'. Stearns, of San Fran-
cisco; M\\ Albert lUerstadt, of Irvinglon, X. Y. ; Mv. W. H. Dall, of the Smith-
sonian Institution ; and to Doctor George Ilewston, of San Francisco, for s^jccial
assistance. Also, to ^\y. F. C. Sanford, of Xantucket, ^fass. ; ^lessrs. Williams and
Chapel, (.f the firm of Williams, Havens it Co., Xew London, Conn.; and Dennis
Wood, Fsq.. of Xew Iiedford, for valual)le statistics relative to the whale-fishery.

It is with pleasure that I also mention the assistance I have received from
ollieers of the Uniteil States lU'venue Marine, in making scientific C(dlei'tions for the
study of whales and seals, and in furnishing specimens for the Xational Museum at
Washington. I would particularly mention Lieutenants George W. J>ailey, W. C.
Coulson, G. K. McConnell, and i'higineers d. A. Doyle and H. Ilassel.

The account of the American Whale-fishery has been conqiiled from the most
reliable sources within reach, and I'rom the experience of many whalemen with
whom I was associated for several j'cars, while in active servii^e on the principal
whaling-grounds then frecpieiited. 1 have also attempted to give a chronological
account of the rise, progi'ess, and decline of our great national marilin\e enterprise,
the whale-ii>hery ; and to make the picture complete, a few pages have been
devoted to a deseri[ition of the every-da}' life of a whaleman, his characteristic
trails, and the incidents that make up the rcuitine of a whaling- voyage.

The "Catalogue of the Cetacea" appended to tiiis work has 1)een drawn up
with great care liy .Mr. AV. 11. Dall. who has taken i)ains to do the work as thor-
oughly as circumstances would peri'. it ; an<l as I have assisted him with my per-
scMial knowledge of those species which are of rare occui'rence on this coast, and
placed in his hands all my notes and cnllectimis, I trust that his paper will be
found of great >v distance to the pi'ofessional natui'alist. As .Mr. Dall remai'ks,
however, "Completeness is not claimed for this list. In fact, it can hartlly be
attaineil for a considerable [leriod, when the difiiculties and expense connected with
these researches are appreciated," Only two s[)ecies of Cetaceans have been added
to the list of those mentioned as not being represented by "material sufficient to
indicate their zoi'dogical [xisition ;" and these were not known to Mr, Ihdl at the
time he was pre[iaring his list.

l.>

■ .i

14 PREFACE.

Tlio volume now presented to tlio public has l)eeu ])ut togetiier from materiiils
wliieh have accuniulateil dui'in.L:- many years. At sea. wlu'U not ()ecui)ied with
oflieial duties, ."mid calms and storms. I have devoted jnyself to its pi-eparation :
and it is hoped that the pulilie may (ind in tiiese results fd' prolonged lalxir some-
thing of the profit and pleasure with whi(di the author has been rewarded while
occupied in their ccdlection and claboiatiou.

('U.\lfl.i;s M. rt(AMMO.\.

H.\N Fhanciscci. ]\[av. ISTl.

VART ].

C E T A C E A

I-'

1 ■ i-

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)

PART I.-CETACEA.

INTRODUCTION.

The order of Cotacoa, as established by naturalists, includes all species of
mammalia which have been created for inhabiting the water only; and although
their forms bear a strong resemblance to those of the ordinary piscatory tribe, still
they are animals having warm blood, breathing by means of lungs, and frequently
coming to the surface of the water to respire. In nearly all Cetaceans, the nostrils
— termed spiracles or spout- holes— are situated on the top of the head. Through
these the thick vaporous breath is ejected into the atmosphere to various altitudes,
according to the nature of the animal in this particular respect; and through the
same oriflces a fresh supply of air is received into its breathing system. Although
the Cetaceans are strictly regarded as mammals, they have no true feet; their pec-
torals being in the form of heavy, bony, and sinewy fins, while the posterior
extremity of the body terminates in a broad cartilaginous limb of semi -lunar shape,
frequently termed the caudal fin or tail, but known among whalemen as the
"flukes," the lobes of which extend horizontally.

The different species of Cetaceans arc numerous ; hence they have been divided
into groups, the most prominent of which are the Whalebone "Whales, the Cachalots
or Sperm Whales, and the Dolphins. The group of Balcenidce, or Whalebone Whales,
embraces all those which arc destitute of teeth when adult, and whose palate is
lined on each side with rows of horny plates, called whalebone or baleen, which
are fringed on their inner edges. This part of the animal's organization is pecul-
iarly adapted to the nature of its food, which consists of zoophytes, moUusks, crus-
taceans, and small fish. The group of Sperm Whales comprises those with inordi-
nately massive heads, whose upper jaw has only rudimentary teeth, or none at
all ; whoso lower jaw is narrow, rounded toward its anterior extremity, elongated
and filling the furrow in the upper one, and furnished on each side with a row
of heavy conical teeth, with which to procure and devour the enormous cuttle-fish

Mabdie Mammals.— 3.

•. • 18 MARINE MAMMALiS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

or squid upon which they prey. The group of Dolphins is made up of those com-
prised in the Linnoean genus Dclphinus, and others, whose heads preserve tlie usual
.; proportion to the body, and whose upper and lower jaws are set with sharp and

usually conical teeth. They arc the most active and rapacious of the whole order
of Cetaceans.

All Cetaceans produce their young in nearly the same manner as other mam-
mals. The male is commonly called a bull; the female a cow. The attitude of
the two sexes when having intercourse with each other has been differently repre-
sented by numerous observ jrs. Some maintain that the male covers the female ;
wliile others are positive of their lying on their sides breast to breast, or assuming
a perpendicular position. From personal observation, however, we are justified in
.' . stating that all are correct. In fact, it may i-eadily be seen that, with their united

efforts, it is easy for the animals to sustain any desired position in their native
element, during the period of coition. The time of gestation is not known ; but
from our observations we believe it is never less than nine months, and that in
some species it extends to one year. The offspring of the female is called her
calf; she nourishes it with rich milk drawn from two teats which lie on each side
of her abdomen.

All Cetaceans are destitute of the hair or fur which protects the surface of

other marine mammals, and instead thereof the dermis is covered by a smooth and

t ■ transparent scarf-skin. Under the dermis is the thick layer of fat, or "blubber,"

which infolds the whole creature, whoso flesh is dark and sinewy, resembling coarse
beef. The natural term of life in Cetaceans can only be approximately determined ;
it is probably from thirty to a hundred years. The new-born young are clothed
in fatloss blubber with a thick dermis, and over all is a delicate cuticle. The calf,
or "cub," follows the dam for several months — perhaps a year with some species —
and during that time draws its chief sustenance from the mother. As her charge
matures, its blubber thickens and becomes fat, the dermis becomes thinner but more
compact, and the cuticle strengthens and presents a lively glossiness.

Among the Bakenidce, tlie baleen with its fringes grows rapidly, and hardens as

it matures. As old age comes on, the fringes to these horny plates become de-

•} ' caj'ed and broken, and in some instances the baleen falls out. The thick blubber,

once filled with oil, becomes thin and watery, and, for want of proper sustenance,

the animal }ields to the course of Nature and dies. Among the Phjscterklm, the

teeth of the young are sharp and perfect when first developed ; but they become

► _ more or less broken and worn with age: as years advance, they cither fall out or

arc reducea to a level with the gums, and, like the Balccnklcc, being deprived of the

INTRODUCTION.

natural means of obtaining food, the animals become emaciated, and at last expire.
The same may be said of the Delphinidce or Dolphins.

All the Cetaceans propel themselves through the water by the action of their
pectorals and caudal fin, and the individual motions of the various species are simi-
lar. Usually a small portion of the animal is seen rippling along as it makes its
respiration, then, after a few moments, settling below the surface, it again appears
in the same manner. When descending to the depths below, it rises a little, as in

\>>y^:r>.

':&:!■:?

figure 1; then pitching headlong, "rounds out," as in figure 2; then "turning

flukes," as in figure 3, disappears. Thus these animals wander through the track-

less waters in their migrations ; or, when roving about at leisure on their feeding or
breeding grounds, they are eometimes seea in various attitudes, which will be
mentioned hereafter.

CHAPTER I.
THE CALIFORNIA GRAY WHALE.

Ehachiankctes olaccub. Cope. (Plate ii, fig. 1.)

The California Gray is unlike other species of baleen whales in color, being
of a mottled gray, very light in some individuals, while others, both male and
female, are nearly black. The head and jaws are cured downward from near the
spiracles to the "nib -end," or extremity of the snout, and the lateral form tapers
to a ponderous beak. Under the throat are two longitudinal folds, which are about
fifteen inches apart and six feet in length. The eye, the ball of which is at least
four inches in diameter, is situated about five inches above and six inches behind
the angle of the mouth. The ear, which appears externally like a mere slit in the
skin, two and one -half inches in length, is about eighteen inches behind the eye,
and a little above it. Tht length of the female is from forty to forty -four feet,*
the fully grown varying but little in size; its greatest circumference, twenty -eight
to thirty ""oct ; its flukes, thirty inches in depth, and ten to twelve feet broad. It
has no dorsal fin. Its pectorals are about six and one -half feet in length, and three
feet in width, tapering from near the middle toward the ends, which are quite
pointed. Usually the limbs of the animal vary but little in proportion to its size.

The following measurements give the correct proportions of several males taken
in the Bay of Monterey, California, since 1865 :

SEX, MALE. Ft- ^'

T ,, 42 00

Length

Cireumfcrenco at point of pectoral

Length of pectorals

2 10
Width of pectorals

Nib -end to pectorals

A. C\C

Pectorals to top of back

Nib-end to corner of mouth

* Forty-four feot, however, would be regard- taken that were much larger,, and yielding sixty
ed as large, although some individuals have been or seventy barrels of oil.

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' I

THE CALIFORNIA GRAY WHALE. 21

Ft. In.

Corner of mouth to top of head 2 06

Nib-end to eyo 7 OG

Spout-holes to nib-end 6 00

Length of opening of spout- holes 08

Length of flukes or tail 10 00

Breadth of flukes or tail 3 05

Thickness of each lobe of flukes 00

From fork of flukes to vent 12 00

From fork of flukes to genital slit IC 08

Length of longest baleen 18

Width of longest baleen 09

(Number of layers of baleen on each side of the mouth, 182.)

Longest fibres to fringe of baleen 05

Average thickness of blubber 07

Depth of small at junction of flukes 18

Length of the fissure between the cyoiids Ol

Four other individuals, ranging from thirty -five to forty feet, were measured,
the result of which showed corresponding proportions, or nearly so.

The animal has a succession of ridges, crosswise along the back, from opposite
the vent to the flukes. The coating of fat, or ljlubl)er, which possesses great solid-
ity and is exceedingly sinewy and tough, varies from six to ten inches in thickness,
and is of a reddish cast. The average yield of oil is twenty barrels. The baleen,
of which the longest portion is fourteen to sixteen inches, is of a light brown or
nearly wiiite, the grain very coarse, and the hair or fringe on the bone is nuich
heavier and not so even as that of the Right Whale or ilumpltack. Tlie male may
average thirty -five feet in length, but varies more in size than the female, and the
usual quantity of oil it produces may be reckoned at twenty -five barrels. Both
sexes are inl'ested with parasitical crnstaceans [Cyamns Sarmmoni), and a species of
barniicle {CnjptokjMis rhacluancdl), which collect chiefiy upon the head and fins.*

•Following is W. II. Dall's description of fm-nislied with a branchia at each side. This,
the Ciiamus Scammnui, and of the ('ryplolr/ms ix^m' it« hasc, divides into vwo cylindrical fila-

rhachicouTli (Proceedings Cal. Acad. Sci., Nov. '"'^"t«' "r"''^l^.>' "''^'''^ f"-"'" "«!'* *" ^''"- "^^

,, , ^,,_,, T,, i .. ,. If , , the base of each branchia are two ideuder acccs-

Utli, 18(12). Illustrations, ligs. 1, 5, ])lato x. ,,, , . .i , i i i i •.

* Hoiy iilamcius, not coiled, quite short, ami sitii-

OenuH C'vAMCs, Lam. ated, one before and the other behind the base

CijiiniiiK, Lam. Syst. An. b. Vert., p. IGG. of the main branchia, Hecoud pair of liaiids,

Bate & Westwood, ii, p. 80, kidney -sliapcd, with tlie carpal artlcuhilioii lialf-

Liirinuld and I'miopi'. Leach. way between tlie distal and pro.\imiil ends, and

Ci/nmuK Sfdininoni, n, sp. J Body moder- having two iioiided Uibcrclea on tin inl'eridr

ately depressed, of an egg-ovate form; segments edge, before the eaiiJiil joint. Third and fourth

slightly separated. Third and fourth segments segments somewhat punctate above ; all the uth-

MAUIXE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

The California Gray Whale is only found in north latitudes, and its migrations
have never been known to extend lower than 20° north. It frequents the coast of
California from November to May. During these months the cows enter the lagoons
on the lower coast to bring forth their young,* while the males remain outside

ers fimooth ; tbo sixth and seventh slightlj' ser-
rate on the upper anterior edge, and without
ventral spines. Color, yellowish white. Lon.
0.70, lat. 0.39 in., of largest specimen.

$ Similar to the 5 in all respects, excepting
in being a little more slender, and in wanting
the accessory appendages to the branchitc ; the
ovigcrous sacs are four in number, overlapping
each other.

Habitat, on the California Gray Whale ( Rha-
cliianrrtes glauciis of Cojie), upon the Coast of
California ; veiy numerous. I may remark hero
that these species are all so distinct from those
figured by Milne -Edwards, Gosse, and Bate &
AVoKtwood, that a comparative description has
seemed unnecessary' ; also, that the species ob-
tained on diflereut species of Cetaceans have so
far been found invariably distinct. The infer-
ence is, of coui>ie, that each Cetacean has its
peculiar parasites — a supposition which agrees
with our knowledge of the facta in many groups
of terrestrial animals.

C'njplnlrpa.< rhnchiniircli, Dall, n. s. Valves
subciiual, rostnuu radiate, not alate. Lateral
valves anteriorly alato, posteriorly radiate ; ca-
rina alate, not radiate. Each valve internally
transversely deeply grooved, and furnished ex-
ternally with six radiating laminn\ vertically
sharply grooved ; the adjacent terminal laminto
of eadi two valvo'' <'oalesciug to form one lami-
na of extrri thickness ; all the laminm bifurcated
and thickened toward the outer edges, with two
or more short sj>urs on each side, irregularly
placed between the shell -wall and the bifurca-
tion. Superior terminations of the valves (V)lunt-
ly pointed?) usually abraded, tran-iversely striate.
Scuta subijuailrate, adjacent anteriorly, and very
slightly beaked in the middle of the occludent
margin ; terga subciuadrntc, sniall, sejiarated from
the sc\ita by intervening meiul)rane ; lioth very
small in proportion to the orillcu. Membranes
very thin and delicate, raised into Humll lamelliu
between the opercular valves. All tlio calcareous
nuitter pulvenilent, and showing a strong tend-
ency to split up into luniimc, Antero-poBtorior

diameter of largo specimen, 1.G2 inch ; ditto of
oritice, 0.03 inch ; transverse diameter of orifice,
0.58 inch; lon. scuta, 0.17 inch; lat. ditto, 0.08
inch ; lon. terga. 0.07 inch ; lat. ditto, 0.07 inch.
Color of membranes, when living, sulphur yel-
\ov. ; hood, extremely protrusile.

This species is found sessile on the California
Gray Whale {Bhachianccles glaiicus, Cope). I
have obsen-ed them on specimens of that species
hauled up on the beach at Monterej' for cutting
oft' the blubber, in the bay - whaling of that
locality. The superior surface of the lateral
lamina), being covered by the black skin of the
whale, is not visible; and the animal, removed
from its nat'-'o element — protruding its bright
yellow hood in every direction, to a surprising
distance, as if gasping for breath — presented a
truly singular appearance.

* The (luestion is often raised, as to whether
the cetaceous animals have more than one young
one at a birth? but it seems evident to us that
they never have more than two, for Nature has
made no provision whereby more than that mim-
bcr could draw sustenance at the same time from
the parent animal ; and even where provision is
made for two among the marine mammalia, par-
ticularly in the ease of the seal tribe, it is rare-
ly if ever that the female produces twins. It is
true that instances have occurred where two,
three, or more cubs have been seen with one
California Gray Whale ; but this has only hap-
pened in the lagoons where there had been
great slaughter among the cows, leaving their
young ones motherlesH, so that these straggle
about, sometimes following otlier whales, some-
times clustering by themselves a half-do/en to-
gether. AVo know of one instance where a whale
which had a calf perhaps a month old was killed
close to a ship. When the mother was taken
to the ship to bo cut in, the young one followed,
and remained playing about for two weeks ; but

TUE CALIFORNIA GRAY WHALE.

along the sea- shore. The time of gestation is about one year.* Occasionally a
male is seen in the lagoons with the cows at the last of the season, and soon after
both male and female, with their young, will be seen working their way northward,
following the shore so near that they often pass through the kelp near the beach.'
It is seldom they are seen far out at sea. This habit of resorting to shoal bays
is one in which they differ strikingly from other whales. In summer they congre-
gate in the Arctic Ocean and Okhotsk Sea. It has been said that this species of
whale lias been found on the coast of China and about the shores of the ishaid
of Formosa, but the report needs confii-mation.

In October and November the California Grays appear off the coast of Oregon
and Upper California, on tlicir way back to their tropical haunts, making a quick,
low spout at long intervals ; showing themselves but very little until they roach the
smooth lagoons of the lower coast, where, if not disturbed, they gather in large
numbers.t passing and repassing into and out of the estuaries, or slowly raising
their colossal forms midway above the surftico, falling over on their sides as if by

whether it lived to como to maturity is a matter
of ooiijc'cturo.

*TLis statement is maintained upon the fol-
lowing observations: "Wo have known of five
embryos being taken from females between the
latitudes of 31° and 37° north, on the California
coast, when the animals wore returning from
their warm winter haunts to their cool summer
resorts, and in every instance they were exceed-
ingly fat, which is quite ojiposito to the cows
which have jjroduced and nurtured a calf while
in the lagoons; hence we concludo that the an-
imals propagate only once in (wo years.

fit has been estimated, approximately, by
observing men among the shore -whaling parties,
that a thousand whales piuised southward dai-
ly, from the IHth of December to the 1st of
February, for several successive seasons after
KhoH'-whaling was established, which occun-cd
111 1851. Captain Packard, who has been en-
gaged ill the liusincss for over twenty years,
thinks this a low estimate. Accepting this num-
ber without allowing for those which passed oft'
shore cut of sight from the land, or for those
which paBsed before the 10th of December and

after the 1st of February, the aggregate would
be increased to 47,000. Captain Packard also
states, that at the present time the average num-
ber seen from the stations passing daily would
not exceed forty. From our own observation
upon the coast, we are inclined to believe that
the numbers resorting annually to the coast of
California, from 18o3 to 185C, did not exceed
40,000— probably not over 30,000; and at the
present time there are many which pass otT shore
at so great a distance as to be invisible from
the lookout stations : there are probably between
100 and 200 whales going southward daily, from
the beginning to the end of the "down season"
(from December 15th to February 1st).

This estimate of the annual herd visiting the
coast is probably not large, as there is no
allowance made for those that migrate earlier
and later in the season. From what <lata we
have been able to obtain, the whole number of
California (iray Whales which have been capt-
ured or destroyed since the bay-whaling com-
menced, in 1840, would not exceed 10,800, and
the number which now periodically visit the
coast does not exceed 8,000 or 10,000.

24 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

accident, and dasliing the water into foam and spray about them. At times, in
cahn weather, they are seen lying on the water quite motionless, keeping one posi-
tion for an hour or more. At such times the sea-gulls and cormorants frequently
alight upon the huge beasts. The first season in Scammon's Lagoon, coast of Lower
California, the boats were lowered several times for them, we thinking that the
animals when in that position were dead or sleeping, but before the boats arrived
within oven shooting distance they were on the move again.

/bout the shoals at the mouth of one of the lagoons, in 18G0, we saw large
numbers of the monsters. It was at the low stage of the tide, and the shoal places
were plainly marked by the constantly foaming breakers. To our surprise we saw
many of the whales going through the surf where the depth of water was barely
suflicient to float them. Wo could discern in many places, by the white sand
that came to tlie surface, that they must be near or touching the bottom. One
in particular, lay for a half- hour in tlie breakers, playing, as seals often do in a
heavy surf: turning from side to side witli half- extended fins, and moved appar-
ently by the heavj- ground - swell which was breaking ; at times making a playful
spring witli its bonding flukes, throwing its body clear of the water, coming down
with a heavy splash, then making two or three spouts, and again settling under
water ; perhaps tlie next moment its head would appear, and with the heavy swell
tl'.e animal would roll over in a listless manner, to all appearance enjoying the sport
intonsely. We pressed close to this sportive animal, and had only thirteen feet of
water.

The liabits of the Gray have brouglit upon it many significant names, among
which tiie most prominent are, " Hard - head," " Mussel - digger," " Devil - fish,"
"Gray -back," and "Rip -sack." The first- mentioned misnomer arose from the
fact of tlie animals having a groat propensity to root the boats when coming in
contact with them, in the same manner that hogs upset their empty troughs. More-
over, thoy are known to descend to soft bottoms in search of food, or for other
puri)oses ; and, when returning to the surface, they Jiave been seen with head and
lips besmeared with the dark ooze from the depths below;* hence the name of

* To our pcrsonnl knowledge, Vmt little or no of the estuaries. Whether this was taken into

food has been found iu the ariinml'H stomach. the stomach as food some naturalists doubt, giv-

"Wo ' ivo cxaminod sovoral t"kon in the lagoons, ing as a reason that the whale, i)asBiug through

and in them we found wi, the whalers called the water mixed with this vegetable matter, on

"sodgo" or "sea-moss" ■; rt of sea-cabbage), opening its mouth would of necessity receive

which at certain seasons .i . , ns the waters in more or less of it, which would bo swallowed,

extensive patchei both iu an:l about the mouths there being no other way iu which it could be

I *»P»I»I|WI iPU! ».vJPJ»W .J li- ■■" "

■^^W^^^W^^^^Bfi^llPiW

"■«W I'W ^ff ■ ^■^

,l.

;'»

o* ^*( . Scdmmon . lii!

PlG.l. THE CALIF'ORIIIA GRAY WHALE. I RHACHIANECTES :uv

Plate U .

pa; FIG, 2. THE FINBACK I BALi;:)uPTEHAV?.i.irKRA,Copp.l

Srutc- i ,■?«,-. ..(A

m ,1 i|i.i|«ji|i

■f

!".

:i^

THE CALIFORNIA GRAY WHALE.

" Mussel - digger." "Devil- fish" is significant of the clanger incurred in the pursuit
of the animal. "Gray -back" is indicative of its color, and "Rip- sack" originated
with the manner of flensing.

As the season approaches for the whales to bring forth their young, which is
from December to March, they formerly collected at the most remote extremities of
the lagoons, and huddled together so thickly that it was difficult for a boat to cross
the waters without coming in contact with them. Repeated instances have been
known of their getting aground and lying for several hours in but two or throe
feet of water, without apparent injury from resting heavily on the sandy bottom,
until the rising tide floated them. In the Bay of Monterey they have been seen
rolling, with apparent delight, in the breakers along the beach.

In February, 1856, we found two whales aground in Alagdalena Bay. Each
had a calf playing about, there being sufficient depth for the young ones, while the
mothers were lying hard on the bottom. When attacked, the smaller of the two
old whales lay motionless, and the boat approached near enough to "set" the
hand-lance into her "life," dispatching the animal at a single dart. The other,
when approached, would raise her head and flukes above the water, supporting her-
self on a small portion of the belly, turning easily, and heading toward the boat,
which made it very difficult to capture her. It appears to be their habit to get
into the shallowest inland waters when their cubs are young. For this reason the
whaling-ships anchor at a considerable distance from where the crews go to hunt
the animals, and several vessels are often in the same lagoon.

The first streak of dawn is the signal for lowering the boats, all pulling for
the head -waters, where the whales are expected to be found. As soon as one is
seen, the officer who first discovers it sets a "waif" (a small flag) in his boat and
gives chase. Boats belonging to other vessels do not interfere, but go in search of
other whales. When pursuing, great care is taken to keep behind, and a short
distance from the animal, until it is driven to the extremity of the lagoon, or into
shoal water ; then the men in the nearest boats spring to their oars in the exciting
race, and the animal, swimming so near the bottom, has its progress impeded,
thereby giving its pursuers a decided advantage : althougli occasionally it will sud-
denly change its course, or "dodge," which frequently prolongs the chase for hours,

disposed of. Tbc quantity found in any one .ve are convinced that mussels have been found

indnKlual would not exceed a baixelful. m the maws of the California Grays; but as

From the testimony of several whaling-men yet, from our own observations, we have not

whom we regard as interested and careful ob- been able to establish the fact of what their

servers, together with our own investigations, principal sustenance consists.

Mabi»e Maumals. — 4,

2fl

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

: ,<

the boats cutting through the water at their utmost speed. At other times, when
the cub is young and weak, the movements of the mother are sympathetically
suited to the necessities of her dependent oJTspring. It is rare that the dam will
forsake her young one, when molested. When within "darting dist{\nce" (sixteen
or eighteen feet), the boat-steerer darts the harpoons, and if the whale is struck
it dashes about, lashing the water into foam, oftentimes staving the boats. As
soon as the boat is fast, the officer goes into the head,* and watches a favorable
opportunity to shoot a bomb -lance. Should this enter a vital part and explode, it
kills instantly, but it is not often this good luck occurs ; more frequently two or
three bombs are shot, which paralyze the animal to some extent, Avhen the boat is
hauled near enough to use the hand -lance. After repeated thrusts, the whale
becomes sluggish in its motions; then, going "close to," the hand-lance is set into
its "life," which completes the capture. The animal rolls over on its side, with fins
extended, and dies without a struggle. Sometimes it will circle around within a
small compass, or take a zigzag course, heaving its head and flukes above the water,
and will either roll over, "fin out," or die under water and sink to the bottom.

Thus far we have spoken principally of the females, as tbey are found in the
lagoons. Mention has been made, however, of that genera' habit, common to both
male and female, of keeping near the shore in making the passage between their
northern and southern feeding -grounds. This fact becoming known, and the bomb-
gun f coming into use, the mode of capture along the outer coast was changed.
The whaling parties first stationed themselves in their boats at the most fiivorable
points, where the thickest beds of kelp were found, and there lay in wait watching
for a good chance to shoot the whales as they passed. This was called "kelp
whaling."

The first year or two that this pursuit was practiced, many of the animals

* "Whalemen call the forward part of a whale-
boat the head, differing from merehantmcu, who
term it the bow ; still, the oar next to the for-
ward one in a whale-boat is named the bow-
oar. And, likewise, when tUo boat is hauled
close up to the whale by heaving the lina out
of the "bow-chocks," and taking it to one side
against a cleat which is placed a few feet
aft of the extreme bow, it is called "bo wing-
on."

f The bomb -gun is made of iron, stock and
all. It is three feet long, the barrel of which

is twenty -three inches in length ; diameter of
bore, one and one -eighth of an iudi ; weight,
twenty -four pounds. It shoots a bomb -lance
twenty-one and a half inches li^ug, and of a
size to fit the bore. It is jsointed at the end,
with sharpened edges, in order to cut its way
through the fibrous fat and flesh, and is guided
by three elastic feathers, which are attached
along the fuse tube, folding around it when in
the barrel. The gun is fired from the shoulder,
in the same way as a musket. For illustration,
see plate xxiii.

THE CALIFORNIA GRAY WHALE. 27

passed through or along the edge of the kolp, where the gunners chose their own
distance for a shot. This method, however, soon excited the suspicions of these
sagacious creatures. At first, the ordinary whale-boat was used, but the keen-
eyed "Devil-fish" soon found what Avould be the consequence of getting too near
the long, dark -looking object, as it lay nearly motionless, only rising and falling
with the rolling swell. A very small boat — with one man to scull and another
to shoot — was then used, instead of the whale-boat. This proved successful for a
time, but, after a few successive seasons, the animals passed farther seaward, and at
the present time the boats usually anchor outside the kelp. The mottled fish being
seen approaching far enough off fur the experienced gunner to judge nearly where
the animal will "break water," the boat is sculled to that place, to await the
"rising." If the whale "shows a good chance," it is frequently killed instantly,
and sinks to the bottom, or receives its death -wound by the bursting of the bomb-
lance. Consequently, the stationary position or slow movement of the animal
enables the whaler to get a hurpoou into it before sinking. To the harpoon a line
is attached, with a buoy, which indicates the place where the dead creature lies,
should it go to the bottom. Then, in the course of twenty -four hours, or in less
time, it i-ises to tlie surface, and is towed to the shore, the blubber taken off and
tried out in pots set for that purpose upon the beach.

Another mode of capture is by ships cruising off the land and sending their
boats inshore toward the line of kelp ; and, as the whales work to the southward,
tlie boats, being provided with extra large sails, the whalemen take advantage of
the strong northerly winds, and, running before the l)recze, sail near enough to bo
sible to dart the hand-harpoon into the fish. "Getting fast" in this way, it is
killed in deep water, and, if inclined to sink, it can be held up by the boats till
the slup comes up, when a large "fluke-rope" is made fast, or the "fin-chain" is
secured to one fin, the "cutting- tackle" hooked, and the whale "cut in" immedi-
ately. This mode is called "sailing them down." Still another way of catching
tlicm is with "Greener's ITarpoon Gun," which is similar to a small swivel-gun.
It is of one and a half inch bore, three feet long in the barrel, and, when stocked,
weighs seventy -five pou ids. The harpoon, four feet and a half long, is projected
with considerable accuracy to any distance under eighty -four yards. The gun is
mounted on the bow of the boat. A variety of manoeuvres are practiced when
using the weapon : at times the boat lying at anchor, and, again, drifting about for
n cliance-shot. When the animal is judged to be ten fathoms off, the gun is
pointed eighteen inches below the back ; if fifteen fathoms, eight or ten inches
below ; if eighteen or twenty fathoms distant, the gun is sighted at the top of its
back.

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE XORTU-WESTERN COAST.

I I

• Itf

Still anothor strategic plan has boon practiced with successful results, called
"whaling along the breakers." Mention has been already made of the habit which
those whales have of playing about the breakers at the mouths of the lagoons.
This, the watchful eye of the whaler was quick to see, could be turned to his
advantage.

After years of pursuit by waylaying them around the beds of kelp, the wary
animals learned to shun these fatal regions, making a wide deviation in their course
to enjoy their sports among the rollers at the lagoons' mouths, as they passed
them either way. But the civilized whaler anchors his boats as near the roaring
surf as safety will permit, and the unwary "Mussel -digger" that comes in reach
of the deadl)- harpoon, or bomb -lance, is sure to pay the penalty with its life. If
it come within darting distance, it is harpooned ; and, as the stricken animal makes
for the open sea, it is soon in deep water, where the pursuer makes his capture
with comparative ease; or if passing within i-ange of the bomb-gun, one of the
explosive missiles is planted in its side, which so paralyzes the whale that the
fresh Iwat's-crew, who have beer resting at anchor, taking to their oars, soon
overtake and dispatch it.

The casualties from coast and kelp whaling are nothing to be compared with
the accidents that have been experienced by those engaged in taking the females
in the lagoons. Hardly a day passes but there is upsetting or staving of boats,
the crews receiving bruises, cuts, and, in many instances, having limbs broken ;
and repeated accidents have happened in which men have been instantly killed, or
received mortal injury. The reasons of the increased dangers are these : the quick
and deviating movements of the animal, its unusual sagacity, and the fact of the
sandy bottor being continually stirred by the strong currents, making it difficult to
see au object at any considerable depth. When a whale is "struck" at sea, there
is generally but little difficulty in keeping clear. When first irritated by the har-
poon, it attempts to oscap(! by 'running," or descending to the depths below, taking
out more or less lino, the di'"eci.ion of which, and the movements of the boat,
indicate the animal's whereabouts. But in a lagoon, the ol)ject of pursuit is in
narrow passages, whore frequently there is •<.^, swift tide, and the turbid water pre-
vents the whaler from seeing far beneath the beat. Should tho chase bo made
with the current, the fugitive sometimes stops suddenly, and tho speed of tho boat,
together with the influence of tho running water, shoots it upoTi tho worried animal
when it is dashing its flukes in every ilirection. Tho whales that are chased luivo
with them their young cubs, and the mother, in her oflbrts to avoid the pursuit of
herself and ofl"spriug, may momentarily loso sight of her littlo one. Instantly sho

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TnE CALIFORNIA GRAY WUALE. 29

will stop and "sweep" around in search, and if the boat comes in contact with her,
it is quite sure to be staved. Another danger is, that in darting the lance at the
mother, the young one, in its gambols, will get in the way of the weapon, and
receive the wound, instead of the intended victim. In such instances, the parent
animal, in her frenzy, will chase the boats, and, overtaking them, will overturn
them with her head, or dash them in pieces with a stroke of her ponderous flukes.

Sometimes the calf is fastened to instead of the cow. In such instances the
mother may have been an old frequenter of the ground, and been before chased,
and perhaps have suiTerod from a previous attack, so that she is far more difficult
to capture, staving the boats and escaping after receiving repeated wounds. One
instance occurred in Magdalona Lagoon, in 1857, where, after several boats had
been staved, they being near the beach, the men in those remaining afloat managed
to pick up their swimming comrades, and, in the meantime, to run the line to the
shore, hauling the calf into as shallow water as would float the dam, she keeping
near her troubled young one, giving the gunner a good chance for a shot with his
bomb -gun from the beach. A similar instance occurred in Scammon's Lagoon, in
1859.

The testimony of many whaling -masters furnishes abundant proof that these
whales are possessed of unusual sagacity. Numerous contests with them have
proved that, after the loss of their cherished ofi'spring, the enraged animals have
given chase to the boats, which only found security by escaping to shoal water or
to shore.

After evading the civilized whaler and his instruments of destruction, and per-
haps while tliey are suffering from wounds received in their southern haunts, these
migratory animals begin their northern journey. The mother, with her young
grown to half the size of maturity, but wanting in strength, makes the best of her
TV ay along the shores, avoiding the rough sea by passing between or near the rocks
and islets that stud the points and capes. But scarcely have the poor creatures
quitted their southern homes before they are surprised by the Indians about the
Strait of Juan do Fuca, Vancouver and Queen Charlotte's Islands. Like enemies
in ambush, these glide in canoes from island, bluff, or bay, rushing upon their prey
with whoop and yell, launching their instruments of torture, and like hounds worry-
ing the last life-blood from their vitals. The capture having been effected, trains
of canoes tow the prize to shore in triumph. Tlio whalemen among the Indians of
the North-west Coast are tliose who delight in the height of adventure, and who
are ambitioi ■ of acquiring the greatest reputation among their fellows. Those among
them who could boast of killing a whale, formerly had the most exalted mark of

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

honor conferred upon them by a cut across the nose ; but this custom is no longer
observed.

The Indian whaling-canoe L tliirty-fivo feet in length. Eight men make the
crew, each wielding a paddle five and a half feet long. The whaling -gear consists
of harpoons, lines, lances, and seal -skin buoys, all of their own workmanship. The
cutting material of both lance and spear was formerly the thick part of a mussel-
shell, or of the "abelone ;" the line made from cedar withes, twisted into a three-
strand rope. The buoys are fancifully painted, but those belonging to each boat
havL a distinguishing mark. The lance -pole, or harpoon - staff, made of the heavy
wood of the yew-tree, is eighteen feet long, weighing as many pounds, and with
the lance attached is truly a formidable weapon.

Their wiialing- grounds are limited, as the Indians rarely venture seaward f\ir
out of sight of the smoke from their cabins bj' day, or beyond view of their bon-
fires at ni i;ht. The number of canoes engaged in one of these expeditious is from
two to riv( , the crows being taken from among the chosen men of the tribe, who,
with silent stroke, can paddle the symmetrical canwi close to the rippling water
beside the animal ; the bowman then, with sure aim, thrusts the harpoon into it,
and heaves the line and buoys clear of the came. Tiie worried creature may dive
deeply, but very little time elapses before the inflated seal -skins are visible again.
The instant these are seen, a buoy is elevated (Ui a pole from the nearest canoe,
by way of signal ; then all dash, with shout and grunt, toward the object of pur-
suit. Xow the chase attains the liighest pitch of excitement for each boat Ijeing
provided witli implements alike, in order to entitle it to a full share of the prize
its crew must lo."" i'lcir harpoon in the animal, with buoys attached; so that,
after the first attack is made, the strife that ensues to be next to throw the spear
creates a scone of l)rawl and agility peculiar to tiiese savage adventurers. At length
tlie victim, becoming weakened by loss of blood, yields to a system of torture
characteristic of its eager pursuers, and eventually, spouting its last blood from a
lacera'ed heart, it writhes in convulsions and expires. Then the whole fleet of
canoes assists in towing it to the shore, where a division is made, and all the
inhabitants of the village greedily feed upon the fat and flesh till their appetites
are satisfied. After tlie feast, what oil may be extracted from the remains is put
into skins or bladders, and is an article of traflic with neighboring tribes or the
white traders who occasionally visit them.

These "whales of passage," when arrived in the Arctic Ocean and Okhotsk
Sea, arc seen emerging Ijetween the scattered floes, and even forcing themselves
through the field of ice, rising midway above tho surface, and blowing in the same

* I

TUE CALIFORXIA GRAY WHALE. 81

attitude in which they arc frequently seen in the southern lagoons ; at such times
the combined sound of their respirations can l)e heard, in a calm day, for miles
across the ice and water. But in those fiir northern regions, the animals are rarely
pursued by the whale- ship's boats: hence they rest in some degree of security;
yet even there, the watchful Esquimaux steal upon them, and to their primitive
weapons and rude processes the whale at last succumbs, and supplies food and
substance for its captors.

The Esquimaux whaling- boat, although to all appearance simple in its con-
struction, will be found, rter careful investigation, to be admirably adapted to the
purpose, as well as for all other uses necessity demands. It is not only used to
accomplish the more important undertaking, but in it they hunt the walrus,
shoot game, and make their long summer -voyages about the coast, up the deep
bays and long rivers, where they traffic with the interior tribes. When prepared
for whaling, the boat is cleared of all passengers and useless incumbrances, nothing
being allowed but the whaling -gear. Eight picked men make the crew.* Their
boats arc twenty -five to thirty feet long, and are flat on the bottom, with flaring
sides and tapering ends. The framework is of wood, lashed together with the fibres
of baleen and thongs of walrus -hide, the latter article being the covering, or plank-
ing, to the boat. The implements are one or more harpoons, made of ivory, with
a point of slate -stone or iron; a boat -mast, that se.70s the triple purpose of
spreading the sail and furnishing the staff for the harpoon and lance ; a large knife,
and eight paddles. The knife lashed to the mast constitutes the lance.

The boat being in readiness, the chase begins. As soon as the whale is seen
and its course ascertained, all get behind it : not a word is spoken, nor will they
take notice of a passing ship or boat, when once excited in the chase. All is
silent and motionless until the spout is seen, when they instantly paddle toward it.
The spouting over, every paddle is raised ; again the spout is seen or heard through
the fog, and again they spring to their paddles. In this manner the animal is
approached near enough to throw the harpoon, when all shout at the top of their
voices. This is said to have the effect of checking the animal's way through the
water, thus giving an opportunity to plant the spear in its body, with lino and
buoys attached. The chase continues in this wise until a number of weapons are
firndy fixed, causing the animal much eflbrt to get under water, and still more to
remain down ; so it soon rises again, and is attacked with renewed vigor. It is the

"" It 18 said by Captain Norton, who com- several yeara ago, that the women engage in the
mandecl the ship Citizen, wrecked in the Arctic chase.

f-v 1

32 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

established custom with those simple natives, that the man who first effectually
throws his harpoon, takes command of the whole party : accordingly, as soon as the
animal becomes much exhausted, his haidaira is paddled near, and with surprising
quickness he cuts a hole in its side sufficiently large to admit the knife and mast
to which it is attached ; then follows a course of cutting and piercing till death
ensues, after which the treasure is towed to the beach in front of their huts, where
it is divided, each member of the party receiving two "slabs of bone," and a like
proportion of the blubber and entrails ; the owners of the canoes claiming what
remains.

The choice pieces for a dainty repast, with them, are the flukes, lips, and fins.
The oil is a great article of trade with the interior tribes of " reindeer- men :" it
is sold in skins of fifteen gallons each, a skin of oil being the price of a reindeer.
The entrails arc made into a kind of souse, by pickling them in a liquid extracted
from a root that imparts an acrid taste : this preparation is a savory dish, as well
as a preventive of the scurvy. The lean flesh supplies food for their dogs, the
whole troop of the village gathering about the carcass, fighting, feasting, and howl-
ing, as only sledge -dogs can.

Many of the marked habits of the California Gray are widely different from
those of any other species of halmta. It makes regular migrations from the hot
i southern latitudes to beyond the Arctic Circle ; and in its passages between the

I extremes of climate it follows the general trend of an irregular coast so near that

' it is expoi^ed to attack from the savage tribes inhabiting the sea -shores, who pass

much of their time in the canoe, and consider the capture of this singular wanderer

1 a feat worthy of the highest distinction. As it approaches the waters of the torrid

1 zone, it presents an opportunity to the civilized whalemen — at sea, along the shore,

Jj and in the lagoons — to practice their different modes of strategy, thus hastening

the time of its entire annihilation. This species of whale manifests the greatest
jj affection for its young, and seeks the sheltered estuaries lying under a tropical sun,

as if to warm its offspring into activity and promote comfort, until grown to the
size Nature demands for its first northern visit. When the parent animals are
' attacked, they show a power of resistance and tenacity of life that distinguish them

If » from all other Cetaceans. Many an exper. whaleman has suffered in his encounters

j with them, and many a one has paid the penalty with his life. Once captured,

i however, this whale yields the coveted reward to its enemies, furnishing sustenance

for the Esquimaux whaler, from such parts as are of little value to others. The
oil extracted from its fatty covering is exchanged with remote tribes for their fur-
clad animals, of which the flesh affords the venders a feast of the choicest food,

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THE CAlirOBXIA GRAY WHALE. ,j

am. .ho Ai„s form n„ i„clispc„.»ble »r.ic]o of clothing. T.,o .VoHh-wcl Indian,
rod^.o .1,0 ,amo comparative benefit n-om the cnptntod animals a, do the Esqni-
n.an.x and look fonvard to it, periodical pas,age throngh their circnmscribed fi,hL.
grounds as n season of exploits and proBt.

The civilized whaler seeks the htmtcd animal fa ther seaward, a, from year to
year .t learns to shnn the fatal shore. N'one of the species arc ,„ eonstantU and
vartonsly pursned a, the one we have endeavored to describe; and the lar^e bay.
nd lagoons, where these animal, once congrestted. bronght forth and nurtnr ,
thetr young, are already nearly deserted. The mammoth bones of the Californ
0..y he bleaehmg on .,.„ ,hore, of those silvery water,, and arc scattered along
Ic b.oken coas,, from Siberia to the Onlf of California; and ere long it may b!

oT« rPaci^^""' "'" ""'""■"' ""' "»' ^= """■^-O -™8 '-» -' -t »P ei

MaBINE BllSQULS.— 3.

CHAPTER II.
THE IIMJACK AVIIALE.

BALjENonntA VEi.iFKin, Cape. (Pliitc ii, iig. 2.)

Another spocios of the whale tribe is known as the Finback, or Finncr, m
geographical distribution i.s as oxtonded as that of the Siilphurbottoni, and v
ranks next to it in point of swiftness.

(^ne picked np by Captain Poole, of the bark Sarah Warren, of San i'ran(
adcrds us tlie following memoranda: ' 'ngth, sixty-five feet; thickness of blu
seven to ; inches; yield of oil, seventy-live barrels; color of blulil'cr. a

white, loj if head ([uite as Hat and straight as that of the Humpback. ])ii
the longest, two feel four inciies ; greatest widtir lidrteen inches; its ci lor, a
lead, streaked witli l)lack, and its surface presents a ridgy appeoran.'.' cross
length of fringe to bone, two to four inches, and in size this may be compan
a cambric needle.

A Bakviiojitcra , which caine on shore near tiie outer heads or t!ie (iolden '
gave us the opportunity of obtaining the folhiwing rough measurements:

rt. In.

Lrngth (10 00

From nib - end to pootomls 15 00

From Jiili-ciiil to corner of mouth 12 0()

From ni'j-end to eye 12 0(5

From notch of ciiiidid lln to i^euital slit 21 00

From notcli of caudal I'm to vent Ill 0(1

Expausiou of caudal tin It (10

Its fide fins and (iukes are in like proportion to the body as in the Calif
Gray, lis throat and lireast are marked with deep creases, or folds, similar ti
Humpback, Color of \n\rk and sides, l)liick or blackish -blown (in some in(
Mills a curved bund ci' ligiiter .-hade marks its U[)per '■ides, between the spii
and pectorals); belly, a milky white, lla back fin is paced nearer to the ci
than the hump on the Humpback, and in shape approaches to a rigid -ai

1311

TH^a FINBACK WHALE. gg

triangle, but rounded on the for^vard edge, curved on the opposite one; tlie lon-^est
Side joms the back in some examples, and in others the anterior od-^o is "the
longest. The gular folds spread ou each side to the pectorals, and extended half
the length of the body.

The habitual movements of the Finback in several poinfs are peculiar When
It respn-es, the vaporous breath passes quickly through its spiracles, and when .
irosh supply of air is drawn into the breathing system, a sharp and son.ewhat
mus.cal sour.d may be heard at a consulerable distance, which is nuite distin.ui.h-
able from that of other whales of the same genus. (We have observed the .ntervd
between the respirations of a large Finback to be about seven seconds ^ It fre-
quently gambols about vessels at sea, in mid-ocean as well as close in" with the
coast, daicng under them, or shooting swiftly through the water on either side- nt
one n..mont upon the suri-.e, belching Ibrth its quick, ringing spou., and the ne^t
ns.u^ submerg.ng . .If henoath the waves, as if enjoying a spirited race with the
:.,.^ T ah.^ uader a press of sail. In beginning the descent, it assumes
a ^auety of pos,tw>ns : somet.mes ..oiling over nearly on its side, at other tln.es

td"; le'' In" ;r •^"'"'' '^ ""^^ ""' '-'' ''^^"'"'"« "^^^'-'^ ^ perpendicular
att tude. ,equentl3-^,t rennuns un .he surface, making a regular course and several

mdoruj 'lows..' Occasionally they congrega,:e in schools of fin.en to twent :'
-. In th,s s.tuatuu. v.. have usually observed them going quickly through the
-^t , several spout.ng at .he same instant. Their uncertain movenLts, howev
~ Iten shown.g ,h,.,us.,lves twice or thrice, then disappearing-and their swiless
make them verv difHcuit to canture The re.nlf« ..f , .''\\'ltntss,

were as follou- • r,. .- , '''''''"''' '^'^^'"P*'^ to catch th.Mu

0 dcctulb, 1..U al.hough the boat ^.a. i,. ,,,Hiness for instant lowerin.^ before

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bo seen of then. n,. w .. ^■'^" »"<'"",^' "lore would

^n instance occurred in Monteivy IJay in 1805 nC iW- i • ,

:> i^".>, ui 1 000, ol hve being cap.ured under

MAlilNE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

* !■:

I ;

the following circumstances: A "pod" of whales was seen in the offing, by the
whalemen, from tlieir shore station, wlio immediately embarked in their boats and
gave chase. On coming up to them they were found to be Finbacks. One was
harpooned, and, although it received a mortal wound, they all "run together" as
before. One of the gunners, being an expert, managed to shoot the whole five,
and they were all ultimately secured, yielding to the captors a merited prize. We
have noticed largo numbers of these whales along the coast during the summer
months, and they seem to be more together at that particular season ; but, as the
opportunities for observing their habits have been much greater at that time of the
year, we may have been led into error upon this particular point. Their food is
of the same nature as that of the other rorquals, and the quantity of codfish
wiiich lias been found in them is truly enormous. On the northern coast, the
Finbacks, in many instances, have a much larger fin than those in warmer lati-
tudes, and we are fully satisfied tint these are a distinct species, confined to the
northern waters.

We have had but little opportunity to observe the Finbacks that frequently
rove about the Gulf of Georgia and Fuca Strait. Several have been seen, however,
in May and June, on the coasts of California and Oregon, and in Fuca Strait in
June and July of the year 18G1; these observations satisfy us that the dorsal fin
of this — the northern species referred to — is strikingly larger than in the more
southern Finbacks.

Appended are (lie outlines of one individual of several seen in Qu^'on Charlotte
Sound, in February, 18G5, which is a fair representation of them all. Those wo
have noticed about Fuca Strait seem to have the l)ack fin modilied in size between
the exti ■ niely small one found ou the coast of Lower California and the one here
represented.

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CHAPTER TIL
THE IIlMPnACK WHALE.

Meoajptera VERSADiua, Cope. (Plate vii, fig. 1. )

P M

?•'

The Humpback is one of the species of rorquals that roam through every
ocean, genorall}- preferring to feed and perform its uncouth gambols near extensive
coasts, or about the shores of islands, in all latitudes between the equator and the
frozen oceans, both north and south. It is irregular in its movements, seldom going
a straight course for any considerable distance ; at one time moving about in largo
numbers, scattered over the sea as far as the eye can discern from the mast-head;
at other times singbj, seeming as much at home as if it were surrounded by hun-
dreds of its kind; performing at will the varied actions of "breaching," "rolling,"
''finning." "lobtai.mg,'' or "scooping;" or, on a calm, sunny day, perhaps lying
motionless on the molten -looking surface, as though life were extinct.

Its shape, compared with the synunctrical forms of the rinback, California
Gray, and Sulphurbottom, is decidedly ugly, as it has a .short, thick body, and
frequently a diminutive "small," with inordinately large pectorals and flukes. A
protuberance, of variable shape and size in dill'erent individuals, placed on the
back, about one -fourth the length from the caudal fin, is calleil the hujnp. An-
other cartilaginous boss projects from a centre fold innuediately beneath the
anterior point of the under jaw, which, with the flukes, pectorals, and throat of
the creature, are oftentimes hung with pendent parasites* {Otioa Sthnjysoni), and on

♦Wo jn-int hero Diill's descripticn of the
CjinmiiH Kiil^'iiiiHs; also liis remarkH on Uio OHon
SfimpHoni (Proc. Cnl. Acad. Sci., Dec. 18tl ,
187li). Illusti'ationH, figures 3 and 5, plate x.

Cijainiif! i^iiffusiis, n. sp. Body (lattonod, elon-
gate; segments, sub-equal, outer edges ■uidely
separtt'ed. Urancbiro single, cylindrical slender,
with a very short papilliform appendage lieforo
and behind each brancliia. Superior auteuuie

unusually long and stout. First pair of hands
quadrant - shaped ; second pair slightly punctate,
arcua'c, emarginato on the inferior edge, with a
pointed tubercle on each side of the emargina-
tion. Thivd joint of the posterior legs keeled
above, with a prong bo'.ow. Ploon e.vtremoly
minute. Segments smooth. No ventral sjjine.s
on posterior segments. Color, yellowish white,
suftused wllh rose -purple, strongest upon the
auteuuro and brauuhiie. Length, 0.41 inches;

[38]

THE HUMPBACK WHALE. 35,

the males it is frequently studded with tubercles, as upon the head. A buke
also rounds down on the lower part of the "small/' nearly midway between the
hump and caudal. Its under jaw extends forward considerably beyond the upper
one. All those combined characteristics impress the observer with the idea of an
animal of abnormal proportions. The top of its head is dotted witii irreo-ular
rounded bunches, which rise about one inch above the surface, each covering Ln-W
lour square mches of space. ^

The following measurements and memoranda of a male Humpback were taken
by Captam K fe. Rediield, of the whaling and trading brig Manuella, while cruisin.
m IJehring Sea, September 17th, 18G6 : °

Extreme length rt. in.

Length of pectorals ^

Breadth of pectorals ^^ ^

Distance from Faoiit to pectorals

Distance from corner, of mouth to snout '.'. ^^ ^

Distance from eye to snout

Distance from spout -holes to snout

Expansion of Hukes ^

BreaJfh of flukes ''!!".'.". ^^ ^

Distance from anus to flukes "^ ^

11 G

some eight or ten in number, were m'l ' ^ a Iv "^ ' ""f • ^r^'^^l" ^ -° -'I form.

Habitat, on the Humpback AVhale(i/,™i;/.m T; ""^vmm.tncal ; one sometimes nearly

rcr.a,iU., Cope) Montc.e-, ^^io^^""'"" tT^l, ^^^ " /T'""f ' '■'' ''^^^^'^ = °*

bodi, -MO inches; uf lobes, 2.00 inches; of ori-

Otiox, Leach. ^''^' ^'^^ "^^^'^ ^ "^ '■cuta, 0.55 inch; width of

nr T , ^ scuta, O.IC inch
0/;o)i, Leach. Enov. Britannica si-inl vnl vr\ ■, l ,

iii, p. 170. • ' ''•^'^^- '°'- Habitat, on the Humpback (J/ rcrmbais);

Otion Slimpmn, Dull n s» \ T *''° ^'"'•"""^''^ ^vhich infest that spe-

margin concave ; color ( in smrl.^ li,.l f ■ T, ^ ' '^ "'''"•'. Leach) and they are

^vM a dark pu,^,le str^ I^t^oS ^S m '^1^ ^ ^^t W ^ iV'^^ ^^^^'"'^

;-7s;iert; itd^^rtu::;^ ^^ -r ^- --'--v:;: ^z:^^.

■aottlcd with dark purple The Tow ^ 1 ,' fbn '"'' ""'? '" "" ^''''' 1"^"^'^'.^ "^ --'l^^ «f

orifice i.s transversJlv striated ,,nf ''1\"^*'^° '"'^^^'-^^'^^ l^^i'"- I «li"uia bo unwiliiu.^ to dc-

tl.o upper iaa.^u: ili^ ^1,;:t/'^;:;2^ "?°, 'I" ^^'^"''"' ""^'^ '' ""^ *^-' ^^ ^^ «"^-

wlute; in somc> specin^ms wUl two tn ' ' *° "'" ^"'" ^"""^^^'^ ^3^' «t""P-n for

tions or small lob^s ab^e.^hioriCnr ^r^'^'""' "^"^ ""^ ^^'"''"^''^'^ ^^ ^^^ '-^ '"^'

I "

t I

40 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

Ft. IB.

Distance from genital slit to flukes 17 0

Length of folds on belly 16 0

"Whole breadth of folds on belly 10 0

Distance from flukes to hump 12 3

Length of hump along the back 3 0

Height of hump 1 0

Depth of small close to flukes 2 6

Thickness of small close to flukes 1 6

Thickness of blubber, five to ten inches ; color of blubber, yellowish white ;
yield of oil, forty barrels; number of folds on belly, twenty -six, averaging from
four to six inches in width. These folds, which extend from the anterior portion
of the throat over the belly, terminating a little behind the pectorals, are capable
of great expansion and contraction, which enables the Humpbacks, as well as all
other rorquals, to swell their maws when their food is in abundance about them.

The following additional measurements, etc., were taken from Humpbacks capt-
ured on the coast of Upper California, in 1872.

1. Sex, female. Color of body, black above, but more or less marbled with
white below. Fins, black above, and dotted with white beneath. Color of blub-
ber, white. Number of folds on throat and breast, twenty -one, the widest of which
were six inches. Yield of oil, thirty- five barrels. The yield of bone, which is of
inferior quality, is about four hundred pounds to a hundred barrels of oil.

Ft. In.

Anus to notch of caudal fin 12 C

Genital slit to notch of caudal fin 12 11

Length of genital slit 3 6

Size uround the body behind pectorals . . 25 0

Average thickness of blubber 0 5

Depth of small at junction with caudal fin, 1 9
Thickness of small at junction with caud-
al fin 1 6

From nib- end to hump 28 0

Height of hump 0 10

Length of hump 4 0

Thickness of black skin 0 OJ

Eye to ear 2 0

Length of ear slit 0 IJ

Navel to genital slit 5 0

Ft.

Length cj animal 48

Length of each pectoral 13

Thickness of each pectoral 0

Breadth of each pectoral 3

Expansion of caudal fin, or flukes 18

Breadth of each lobe 3

Thickness of each lobe 0

From nib-end to pectorals 16

Pectorals to top of back 4

Corner of mouth to nib -end 10

Corner of mouth to top of head 6

Eye* to nib-end 10 10

Eye to top of head 4 6

Spiracles to nib -end 8 0

Length of cderior opening of spiracles.. 1 6

IQ.

0
0
8
5
0
6
9
0
6
0
4

The nib -end, or point of the upper jaw, fell short of the extremity of the

*We refer the reader to fig. 4, plate x, for
illustration of an eye taken from a Humpback

forty -six feet in length,
to natural size.

The figure is drawn

1 ,
.1. .

;l t

'■ i

(. ^v .->■,

'.1

1. H'-'.Mr'.'iAOK' I Megap'iera Vehsabilis Cope i 2. .~i

fi-ED FiNN;.R. : HAL^NjprERA. DAVir.-iiiN! . Scanxon.l

' I

THE HUMPBACK WHALE. 41

lower one about fit'tocn inches. The tongue and tliroat wore of a leaden eolor.
The orbit of the eye was four inrhes in diameter. Tiie lonjxest ])late of bone, or
baleen, was two feet ; its color, bl lek, with a fringe of ligliler sliade.

2. Sex, female. Color of body, black, with slight marks of white lieneath.
Color of pectorals, black above, wliito below. Color of flukes, l>lack aliove and
below. Color of bluldjer, white; average thickness of same, six inches. Ticld of
v)il, thirty barrels. Cvdar folds, eighteen. Tubercles on li^is. nine.

Ft. In. Ft. In.

Loiiffth of (iiiimiil 48 0 From nib-einl to ijuctoruls 10 l!

Li ugtli of pector.als l^i 0 Notcli of flukt's to iiuiis 11 'i

iiiOadtU of pcctonilH 3 0 Notch of flukes to genital slit 12 0

Tliickiioss of iicctoials 0 8 L(n;,'th of longest haleon 2 !»

Expansion of tlukcs 11 0 Brcatlth of louyost balocii 0 10

Breadth of lUikos 4 3

3. Sex, female. Color of boily, black ubove, sliglitly mottleil witii white and
gray l)elo\v. Fins an<l llukcs, Idaclv aViove, wlute l)encath. Color of Ijluhbcr. wiiite ;
thickness of same, six to nine inches. Yield of oil, forty Inirrcls. Xumbi'.- of
laniinu', li\'c hundred ;'.rid fa-.y ; black, streaked with ^vlllt(^ or light lead ccdoi'.

Ft. In. Ft. In.

Length of animal 52 0 End ,if hjwer jaw to oyo 12 .">

Lengtli of peetcjral 12 0 Length of hji , -est baleen 2 8

"Widtli of peetoral 3 (J Breadth of longest l)aleeii 0 i)

End of lower jaw to spiraeles 10 0 Length of fringe to baleen 0 5

End V r lower jaw to eori.er of mouth. . . 11 !l

It is proper to state, that flie dimensions of the skull, or upper jaw- lion.', of
any ordinary sized aiiiiiial would lie about lil'tecn feet long by sLx broad. The
lower jaw- lioiics, which iu'(> joined by a slight symphysis, are eaidi about tlie same
length in their curves, and are about one foot wide and eight iiudies thii'k iiudway
between the extremities. The (Idekaess of the linnhar vertebra) is about eigiit
imdies ; the distance between the points of the spur., two feet eight ineiies ; and
the weight, tweiity-HMir or moi'e pounds. The largest ribs are from nine to twelve
feet long, measured on the curve, and ten to fit'teeii inches in circunifei'enc(>. The
aggregate weigiit of two well ilried specimens (measuring respe<'tively lune and ten
feet) was eighty pounds. '1 he lirst joint of the pectoral bones may be set down
at two and a iiaU' feet in length, and lh(! same in circund'erence at its tiiiion with
the shoulder-blade. This section of the lin bones ( xceeds lifty pounds in weight.

The usual color of the llum|)I)ack is black above, a little lighter bidow, slightly
inarliled with white or gray; 1ml sometimes the aiuuial is of spotless white under the

%-»

M.lRIXi: n.lMMAI.S OF THE NORTU-WESTERN COAST.

■' "■.

fins iunl iil)i)nt the ahdoiueu. Tho posterior edge of lln' liuinp, in many cxiin)|ili\s,
is tipped with pure white. The niegaptcriv varies more in (lie pnnhietion of oil
than all ulleTs of the roripials. "We have frequently soon individuals whieh yiehied
liut eight or ten liarrels of oil, and others as much as seventy - li\-e ; the length ol'
the animal varying from twenty-Hx'e to scvontj'-jive foot. Most of thesi' \ariations
may he attrihnted to age and sex, as the female- with a large eul) hee.nnes ipiite
destitute of fat in her eovering. These animals, more especially the smaller or
younger ones, are infested with [)ai'asitic crustaceans [Cijaoutti f^)iffiit<i/t<)j whieh collect
in great iuui\liers aiiont the head and ])oct(jrals ; or, in case there are anv wotnids
n[)ou the hody, these trouhlesome vermin ar(> sure to liml them. On the coast of
''alifornia, in ISoll, we captured a whale of ordinary size, which liad many patches
of the>e |)arasi(es united almost in one mass upon that portion of the hody wiiich
was exposed when tlu' animal came to the surface, anil when "cut in " it proved
to have what is termed a "dry skin," the Iduhher being destitute" of oil; this was

atlrihuted to the almndaut f ihese tro ihlesome parasites. The llum|ihaclc has

aho the largest l)arnacles adhering to, or imljcdded in, the epidermis, ahout the
throat or tins. The habits of this whale — particularly in its undulating movements,
iVcipient "roundings." "turning of llukes,'' and iri-egular coursi; — iire (diaracteristic
indications, whiidi I In' ipiick and practiced eyi' of the whaleman distinguishes at a
long distance. i'',vcu when beneath the surface of the sea, wc ha\e observed them
Jii-t "under the rim of the water" (^as whalemc^n useil to say), alternately turning
from siile to side, or de\ialing in their course with as little a[iparent ellbrt, and as
gracefully, as a swallow on the wing. Like all other rorcjuals, it has two s[rn\ id(>s,
ami when it respires, the breath and vapoi' ejin'ted through these apertures l,''m
the "spout," and rises in ' i se])arate colunuis, which, howevei', unite in one as
they asc( nd and expand. When the enormous lungs of the animal are l»rought
into full play, the sp(!ut ascends twenty feel or more. When the whale is going
to windward, the inllnence of the i)i'ee/.e ui)on the vapor is such, that a low, bushy
spout is all that can be seen. The number of I'cspirations to a "I'ising" is cncimmI-
ingly \ai-iab|e : soinelinies the animal blows only once, at another time si.\, eight,
or ten, and from tint up to lil'tcen or twenty times.

Although the Humpbacks ai'c fouml in every sea and ocean, our obserAations
indicate thai ihey resort periodically, and with some den-riM' of regularity, to parti<'-
ular localities, where the females bring forth their yoinig. It seems, nioreo\a'r, that
large numbers of both sexes nud^e a soi't of general migr.ilion from the warmer
to the colder latitudes, as the seasons (diaiige. They go north in the northern
iiemisphere, as summer ap[)roaclies, and return south when winter .sets iii.

Tin: lll'MPBACK WHALE. 43

TIic roUowinji- (il)sorv;ifii)ii:"< \V(M'o inado nlong tlio coasts of Xorth and South
America, and in Ocoanica. In tin' years 1852 and 185o, large nuinl)ers of Iluinp-
liaeks resorted to tlu^ (!uU' of (liiayaqtiil, coast of Peru, to ealve, and the height
ol' tlie season was dnring the nioiilhs of duly and August. The same may he said
of the gulfs iiud liays situated near the corresponding latitudes north of tln^ eipia-
tor ; still, instances an- imt iuilVe(|uent where cows and their cah'es have l)een seen
at all other seasons of the year about the same coast. In the ]>ay of Vidle de
I'auderas, coast of ^h•\'"o (latitude 20" HO'), in the month of Deeemher. we saw
numhei's of llu.nipbacks. with calves hut a few days (dd. In ^^ay, 18")"), at ^Fag-
daleua l>ay. coast of Lower California (about latitude 2-^'' ."0'), we found them in
like numbers; some with very large calves, while others were very small. The
season at Tongatalioo (one of the I'l'iendly Islands, latitude 21° south, longitude
171" west), according to Captain lU'ckerman, includes August and Pe[)tend)er. Hero
the females were usually large, yielding an average of forty harrcds of oil. imduding
the cut rail fal. which amo\nited to aliout six barrels. The largest wdiale taken at
this jxiini, during the season of 1871, produced seventy-three l)arr(ds, and she was
adjudged to he se\'enty-(ive feet in length. It is worthy of ri'mark, that a kirge
majority of tlu' whales resorting thither were white on the under side of the bodv
and liiis.'''

* Eijiiuont zodlojfists havo diviilcil tlio Humi)- fourtli tho entire lonprth of tho body; nose inul

hacks int.) several siiccics. tlra.v, in his Ciln- «i'.\cn of thr.jiit liavo roiiiid warts; belly iilaited.

Inijiii' nf /In- }1rili.--li ^fll.■<t•lnll, 1S.">0, makes inriitioii

ot till' fiillDwuiL;- iiauics and eiitward dcscnp- , ., .

,• Calil'eniia coast, every species hero doH<'rili,-d,

and {■veil in (lie same si'IkmiI or "{,'ani." ^loi'c-

1, 'MroAPTr.nA r.oNonr\\\ {.Tohiislou'n TTniiiphni'k <>vcr, \\(\ havo experienced the Ki'^'n'csl, dilllculty

TF/in/c \ — T!lac]i, jiecteral fins and beneatli wliite, in lliidin;,' any two of these stran;,'c animals

Mack varied; lower lip xvilh two series of („- externally ahke, or possossin- anv marked -vn-

lieivles; ))ectoials ncai'lv oni'- third the cnliro ,,.■ ■,. i-,i' ■.■ ".i ,■„•

,,,11 i ■ ,1 ,. , "" '" ^pccilic dlllerences. It tile ddlcrenccn
Icn--Ili ; dorsal eloiivate, ||„' Inrnt ed"-e over

end nf pectoral; throat and belly ,.'rooved. Fo- 1""."''"' ""' '" '■"»^< ''"'"''>' 'li'l'Tcnt speci.s aro

male: up)Mi' and lower li|) with a series of mainlaiiK'd, we conclu.le llier(> niusi lie a ,';reat

liiberi'les; dorsal nn obscnr<> pi'Dluliciniice. nnmlier. ^\'c■ have observed, both in the .had

'2. JlEoAi'Tnn .VMnacwv (lirniiihtu ITiiwp- ami livin.:;- animals, the following,' dill'crent cx-

^m^).-lilack, belly white; head with round tu- ternal marks: 1st. Body bla.k ai.ove. whito

beneath 2d. liody l)|a(k alinve and bclew. with

berdes.

It. Mr.oM'TiUA l'oi'si;..c {l\>rd,f nr Ciijir llinup.

hirl). Porsal n.'arly n t llie end el' i,e,'to,-,.,ls. """'' '"' '''^^ ''''"*" >"""lin^' under ll,«- throat

I. AlKiM'Tiia Ki/iia {Tlif /v'(',;in(). — Dorsal '""' i''"'"* '''« abdomen; i)ectoral and caudal

small, ;nid tiehiiid the iiiiddl(> of the back; the H"* while beneath, or Kli;jhlly spotted with

l>ecbir:d lin- rather short, .nid less than on,-. black. ;id. liody black .Mbov," uhilr benc-ilh.

MABIXE MAMMALS OF THE XOIITII -WES TERN CO.

In tlio Buy of >rontoroy, Upper Califoniia, the best season for I
in the mouths of October and Xoveml)er ; but some whales are take
peiioil from April to December, including a part of both of those i
great liody of these whales, liowever, arc observed working their w;
until St[)tember, when they begin to return southward ; and the l)a;
to the north, many of the reiurning 1)and follow along its shores or vi
cni extremity, in search of food, which consists principally of small
lower orders of crustaceans. AVhen the animals arc feeding, the wl
\i"ry l'a\'oral)lc opportunity for their pursuit and ca[)ture. The observ
whaling parties, which have been established at this bay for over .sev
furnish reliable data in reference to the periodical movements of wha
Paeilic (/oust. Of the Humpbacks, individuals of every variety, size, i
l)een taken, including oui- of the most gigantic specimens of the gem
mal, which yielded one hundred and forty -live barrels of oil, was ta
when the usual s(du)(d of large megapteras was making its annual \
ward. Oui' of tin; largest of these whales having an unusual mark —
on the hump — was recognized for several years in succession in its

with \uul(i' side ol ,,cetoral imd taudal iius nf ft tain I'lom ciirt'l'iil otisriTiitiou ; ii

dark iiHh-coliir. .Itli. Uody l)liu-k above, with iufostuil by llio wmw. i)iU'a!sitcs.

^aay mottliui,' bcuoath. In all thoso varieties, protuboniuco palled the hump, it

both the caudal aud pectoral fius dill'er ia whapo iJieviouisly stated, of no rep;ului

and si/.e ; the latter in soino individuals boin;; but is nearly of a uniform heigli

excci'din^ly lou;^', narrow, and pointed, as rcpre- odye is sonielinns (i]>ped with w

Kentcd in ii;4'uve 1 of i)lato vii ; while others are tubercles on the heail and lips,

comparatively short and lu'oad, as shown in the eut on all we have examined, I

outline ( page ■!"), which also shows the parasites, Bpeciniens; those about the h

(i)iumonly called barnacles, adherinj,' to the well -developed, while those up

throat, pectorals, and C!Uidal tin. There are many individuals, are scarcely ]

still (itliers \vhos(^ pect(irals arc nf iul<'rmcdiate sonu^ instances, however, they (

pr(i]iortions, but terminate alu'iiplly, as seen on thos j wliich erown Iho sl>ull. '

pa^'i' IS, which also represents the scallojjed ularity in the number nf fjular

flukes pri^sent in some individuals, (In tjiis 11;;- far as observed, vary iji numbc

\ire, ihe luark "A" shows the outlines of Kj)ira- to twenty-six. In some cases t

eles, which form nearly a riy;ht arylo). Ayaiu, in ti) eacji other; Imt tisually tlioro

other examples, the caudal tin is narrow, point- eillier cross or terminate neai

ed, and lunate; in others, st''l, il is broad, and The animals are all described

nearly str;u;,dit (Ui Ihe jiosU'rior ed;.'c All these aliove ; but in the examples \\

varieties fecil aiul as; ociate to;,'ether on the same examined, there was not (Uie, vvl

(,'round, aud in every particular their habits are tinized, which did not reveal so

(he same, so f'lr as we have been a1>le to asci'r- of white.

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.-^

THE UU MP BACK WHALE

:n4:::r ,:2r:;; „:rt:r - rP- ^^^-^

Aflcr many ye„s' study of the charactorislic haWl, „r tl,„ TT , ,
liovo tliat tin. fomnlo, r,f (l,(. . • ° nuinpUck, wo be-

exception, *: ,1' :,::;■■'", ""^' '°-"' "-■■ .V-S; .-..* .,,e.„ „,,. n,a„y
»SoJ. I., their „a„I r, he ', '■"'" '° ""'■''°™ ''■''"' '" "'« -"■»»->)■

"b-eachin., ..hoZ^ " I '' !::„ "f;;"' -r ""•" -^ °"'^'- ■■"■■" ■ -

their an,„n,„,, a„He. At snel, r „ '" '° '""'"" ""-'y ■■»■" """-■'' '»■•

- -«.. an,,- z :::.r »:" w :::,r r ;:: nr ;""

«... which I„ve-„at: C o. ? \:"r'1 '■ ! T""'° ""'" """ "■»■ '""^
»■» ..h eaeU o.L,- witlf't,:: ^e n"! .il e'V """"V' ■"""' "''^-

f.-"ii. ."i.l.. to side and i,„l„l • ■ , ""' ''""'"S ocMsi'-.nallv

ti.- .■o.crihed iC. : =:!mu" ■ °"":"* '^ "'■■ "'"=«■ '- ■-=--'

tl.o sa,uo as „„, 7f he, ,Se 7 " " """" ^ '"" "' '"' '"■°'-'"'".>- " -
Tl.e oalf, when h,,„W ,, * .^'''f '"%'">' «™->h= '". ».■ twelve ,„o,„hs.

,, '-""iionc loitli, IS about ono-fourth tlio IrMin-n, ,.v +i i

-'•klcs by holding the to:,t bot.oeu tho cKfomitv f ' r "" ' ""' ^'

"pother rceliucs a little on one side- .-, b •''"'' "' ^'P^' ^^'"'^^ ^'''^

nearly- out of water .nd 1^.7; ' ^^^ "'' l"^''""'' l^'^''^''^" «f ''-• f"na

way t..; ealv^ ^uT .^ed r^r"" t^ -^^ ^^^ ^^''^ '''-'-■ ^" ^i^
Tl.o IIu„n,baeks -u < , ' """ "'^"'''•^'"-^fc '^^ the same tln.e.

-.•oe.w. naU:r.;;:;::;;;'it Lm,— .ir'^^Tr "" '-^ -

tliov are very Hublc to .b.l- i i ' ^ wlmleslnp',, crew; and us

;;"•..• .«■- ... the hotton,, a\':; -s'l. 'r':,,:: :';:;t- /'"™. ^^ ;■.« -...

V .t, uulil the decomposition of i(s (]„ .., , " '""' "'" '' '^"'^^ ^'^'^

"!'• Iho length of tunc that elapses before this takes place of

46 MAllIXE MAMMALS OF THE NOBTII-WESTEllX COAST.

course (lopencls much on the iloptli of water and the solidity of the animixl's forma-
tion ; some individuals remaining but a few hours on the bottom, while others will
remain down for two or three days at the same depth. We have known many
whales to be reeovered when sunk in from forty to sixty fathoms of water. The
moihiii oj^erandl in hauling these di'composing subjects to the surl\ice is this: If the
water is rough, the line is taken into the bow-chocks'-' of the boat; then uniting
two crews in the after part of om? jjoat, they eitli'M" haul on the line by hand, or
with a tackle, until the boat's bow is nearly sufjuierged, or flie whale is lifted ; or,
if in a smocUh bay, two boats are sometimes used, by laying a spar across Ixjth,
and taking the line betwee!i them over the spar, wliiidi serves as a sort of windlass
purchase. If the dead animal lias been long down, in a consideraL'" depth, care is
taken to avoid its coming up under the boat ; for as the carcass noars the surface,
its velocity is so much accelerated, that in some instances the animal rises with a
bound which equals its sprightliest actions before life became extinct.

The megapteras are captured by the Indians of the North -western Coast, and
the E.-^qnimaux aljout the sluu'es of the Arctic Ocean, in the same manner a he
California Clrays, as has been described in the o[)ening chapter of this work ; and
the natives of the Aleutian Islands pursue them, as well as other rorquals. When
ii whale is seen, the hakVirhi (skin -boat) is launched ami manned by two or three
men, and a spirited chase ensues. When close to the olyect of pursuit, their toy-
like harpoons arc hurled into the animal. This, however, does not insure an im-
mediate capture; but their weapons, which are pointed with glass or (lint- stone,
and barbed with bone, are so fashioned, that, as the wounded creature writhes in
its agony, every motion tends to work the tortuous instrument farther in ; and at
last the fatal work is accomplished. Each whaler's spear has his own jirivate
mark, and should the prize be found l)y others, they seek to ascertain by this
means the rightful owners, who by their laws or customs are entitled to the booty
wherever it may be found.

The l)cst points for IIuni[)back whaling on the coast have boon Magdalena,
Balenas, and Monterey btiys ; but, since the acquisition of Alaska, nunuM'ous places
have been found in the bays and about the islands of that Territoiy, which donbt-
less in the future will become prolitable whaling stations. Several baj's around the
Aleutian Arcliii)elago, bordering on 13ehring Sea, may bo indicated as likely to be
valuable for this business.

* Tho 1 low -chocks are two pieces of wood boat; between these chocks is a mctiillic roller,
fiiHtciietl upon each side of the stem of the over whicli the whale -lino runs.

THE HUMPBACK WHALE.

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48 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE KORTII-WESTEllN COAST.

PUTLINES OF A WuMPBACK, FROM ABOVE,

.A.iV,

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f i,

CHAPTER IV.
THE SHARP- HEADED FIXNEIl AVHALE.

B,VL^NOPTE«A Davidson,, Scammon. (Plate vii. fig. 2.)

« Jtn:„:ft;^t";!:L""n: ", ""^"" ': ™" «■« -»"- »"-- -

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i omt of sin.iit to i-ornor of moulli . 1 o

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(""u.lal (In botwecn rxircmitie^- ',' ! J!"""' "^ "'""" '" l'"'''""''« 1 lo'

Width of rncl. lolm of c^.M lin " ' n jt ^ '''' "^ '""''' ^" '""■'"•'"'" " •'

Mai.inj-mimmv,.,_7, "" " '"'" '"!' 'Jf '"""• to conici' of mouth 0 .]

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST

in it, five and a half feet long, which rrispelled all doubts in regard to i
rity. The principal distinguishing features of this wJialo are, its dwarfish
pointed head, which in form i>:?"mbles a beak; its low, falcated dorsal fi
is placed about two- thirds of t',o length of the animal from the anterior c
of its lower jaw, which is the longest; and its inordinately small, pointed ]
which are marked with a wliite band vihovo and near their bases, and ai
about one -third of the animal's lengtii from its anterior extremity. The
baleen, in its natural state is of a pure white, with a short, thin fringe of
color. The nuraljer of laminae on each side of the mouth was two hun(
seventy, and the longest of these measured ten inches. The surface of tli
was a dull Idack above, white below. The under side of both pectoral an
fins was white also. Seventy longitudinal folds extended along the throat
lower portitm of the body, between and a little behind the fins ; and, ^
outer surface of the folds was of a milky whiteness, the creases between tl
of a pinkish cast, imparting the same shade to tl j tlu-oat ns far back as tl
rals. The following table gives the proportions of this specimen :

Lon{:fth of animal 2'

Lciu'lh of jicctonils {

ErciuUh of poetomls

End of suout, to Kpiraclcs i

End of snout to pcctoinls I

End of Knout to corner <jf mouth

Dorsal to fork of caudal fin I

DorRttl junction alon^' tlu- liack !

Dorsal's liri^dit (

Caudal I'm from jioint to point '

Bn'adth of lolios uf caudal fin , I

Fork of caudal tin to anus I

Folk of caudal fiu to ftciiital slit !

Depth of uuimul at pcctoralH I

The foregoing measiu'ements were luu'riedly taken whih the whale \\
cut up, which was rpiickly accomplislied ; for as fast as the Italians strippe
lilubber, Iho Indians came from a village nciir. ami slashed away at Ihe ha
flesh, which tluy packiMl dll' t(i their camps, declaring loudly that the i
excellent food. The coating of yellowish fat tiiat iiu'aseil the body averat
inches in thickness, and the yield of oil was aJiout tin-ee hundred gaUons.

The habits of this whale are in many r(>spects like tlioso of the Finl

TUE SHARP. UEADED FINNER WHALE. 5^

plainly accounts for whalemen taking it to ho tl,. . cetaceans , which

latituaes. they oft.n hoot L T ^ '"? '"' ''' '"''^"'^ '''''''' '' ^-^^

'!-,

CHAPTER V.
THE BOWIIEAI), OR GllEAT POLAR WHALE.

Bal^ina MYSTICETU8, Liiin. ( Pliito xi.)

Tho Bowhoad, or Great Polar Wlialo, is by far the most valuabl'^, in a commer-
cial point of view, of all tho BakcaklcE, and is the chief object of pursuit by tho
whalemen in tlie northern seas. From its great j'ield of oil, which in some individ-
uals has exceeded two hundred and seventy -five barrels, with a production of bono
or baleen equal to over three thousand five hundred pounds,* one might suppose
it to be the largest of all the Cetaceans. Such, however, is not the fact, for it
seldom attains the length of sixty -five feet, and it is a stout whale which measures
fifty feet between its extremities. The striking feature of the animal is its ponder-
ous head, forming, as far as our observations go, more than one-third of the whole
creature, which i-i short, bulk_y, and bloated in its appearance. Its upper jaw, or
tlie top of the head, is curved downward more than tiiat of tlie Riglit AVliale
{Bahana Slehnldii?), lu which it bears the nearest resemblance. To tlie edge of this
jaw, the long, finely fringed, transverse layers of baleen are attached, projecting
downward and i-utward, and hedging in, as it were, the animal's tongue, and all is
in(dosed by the under lip when the mouth is shut. Tlie tongue is incapable of
protrusion, being fixed from near its point to the root. It is a mass of spongy fiit,
intermixed with sinewy fiesh, and yiehls one-tenth as much oil as the "bod^^-blub-
ber." The two extended rows of baleen wliicli line tlu; sides of the upper jaw
provide the means l)y wiiicii tlie animal secures its insect food, which is tlie chii-f
sustenance of the colossal mysticetus. Its eyes, which in size (juadruple tliosc; of
an ox, are ]>laced, one on each side, about a foot above and behind the angle of
the mouth. The .spiracles are at the apex of the high protuberance on the liead,
which is forward of the eyes. Its short l)ut heavy pectorals are placed about two
feet from the e\ c-! and nearly in a horizontal line with them, Its ears are a little
above and behind the eyes; they arc siiiii)ly openings, not over one-fourth of an

* Vtde Roj-h' first, voynf+o in tlio Arctic.

iw;

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THE BOWIIEAD, OR GREAT POLAR WHALE. 53

inch in extent, and in soiao individuals they arc so minute that it is with the
greatest dilTiculty they can be discovered. An immense caudal fin, which forms the
posterior limb and extremity of the body, is from sixteen to twenty feet in exten-
sion, and in shape thick, broad, lunate, and notched in the centre of the posterior
edge, while the extremities are somewhat rounded.

I am indebted to Captain J. F. Poole, formerly of tlio American bark N. S.
Perkins, for the measurements and memoranda of a mysticetus, forty -seven feet in
length, which was taken in the Arctic Ocean, August, 1807 ; and to Captain G. L.
Smith, of the American bark Vineyard, for similar statements of one forty -five feet
long, taken in the same ocean during the season of 1870, as follows:*

CAPTAIN Poole's whale.

Sex, female. Color, black on back and sidcj ; throat white ; also, occasional
white spots on under side of body. Yield of oil, ciglity barrels ( the whale was
judged large enough ordinarily to have yielded one hundred and fifty barrels of oil).

Ft. In.

Length of animal 47 0

Length of pectorals 8 0

Breadth of pcctoralr. 4 0

Distance from nib- uud to spout-holes IG 0

Length of spout- holes 1 0

Distance from comer of mouth to nib-end 17 10

Extension of Hukcs 19 0

Thickest blubber 1 4

Average thickness of blubber 0 11

ThiekDesB of black skin ou back 0 1

Length of genital sht 1 10

Distance from genital slit to vent 0 4

Distance from genital slit to flukes 9 0

Length of longest bono or baleen 10 G

Length of fringe or hair on bone f2 0

Breadth of longest bone 1 01

The bone was imbedded in the gum of the jaw ten inches. Number of layers
of bone on each side of jaw, three hundred and thirty; J weight of largest slab of

* We regret that our measur meuttt 'f Bow- fTwo feet may be regarded as nearly twice

heads, taken in Tchantar Bay, JSu, w^re lost the usual length.

in changing from one vessel to an>-),U"r the fol- J This may bo a fair average, and 370 is the

lowing year. highest number wo have counted.

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0 !f ia I

I.I

1.25

2.5

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2.2

2.0

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Sdences
Corporation

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54 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTU-WESTERN COAST.

bono, seven pounds. The bone extends back of spout- holes in the throat three
feet, and falls short of nib -end one foot.

CAPTAIN smith's WHALE.

Sex, male ; color above and below, black.

Ft. In.

Length 45 0

Girth in largest place ( behind pectorals ) 28 0

Length of pectorals 7 3

Breadth of pectorals 3 9

Nib-end or noso to pectorals 18 8

Corner of month to nib - end 16 0

Eye to nib -end IG 0

Spout-holes to nib-end 14 0

Length of opening to spout-holes ( longitudinally ) 1 2

Flukes from tip to tip 16 0

Width of flukes from notch to junction with the body 4 2

Vent to flukes 8 10

Genital slit to flukes 12 0

Size around the "small " at genital slit 19 0

Length of longest bono or baleen 9 6

Width of longest bone or baleen 1 0

Average thickness of blubber 0 9

Color of blubber, slightly reddish. The number of layers of bone on each side
'! of the jaw was three iiundred and eight. The yield of oil was sixty barrels ; yield

ii of bone, one thousand and fifty pounds.

% When the Bowliead feeds, it moves through its native clement, either below or

III near the surface, with considerable velocity, its jaws being open, whereby a body

of water enters its capacious mouth, and along with it the auimalcula) (termed by
the wlialemen "Right Whale feed," or "brit"). The water escapes through the
layers of baleen,* but the insect food is retained l)y the fine fringes on its inner
edges, and is afterward swallowed. When not disturl)ed, the animal remains up,
generally, to respire, from one and a half to two and a half minutes, during which
time it spouts from six to nine times, and then disappears for tho space of ten to
twenty minutes. The volume of vapor ejected is similar to that of the Right Whale.
Sometimes, when engaged in feeding, it remains down for twenty -five minutes or

*For illustrations of loyers of bolccn, or ius); Right Whalo of tho North-western Coast,

"slabs of bono," as nomod hy whalers, see {Jhlnaa SiebokUif); Sulphurbottom, {SWbaldiua

page 55, which shows tho relative proportions nu)/urcug); Humpback (Miyai^ira veraabilis); and

of tho baleon of tho Dowhcad, {Dalaina mystice- tho California Gray {lihachiancctea ylauctiB).

THE BOWUEAD, OR GREAT POLAR WHALE.

''■/■.

Tlio nbovo illustration rpprosonts tlio relative proportions of the full-grown bnlccn of different
Hpcfics of wlmlt'lxiiu' vlmloH, rh follows ;

3,
4.

c.
«.

lliileon of the Dowliciul, or Oioiit Polar Wlmlo.

Balopu of tlio Kiyht AVlmlo of the North-western Const.

Baleen of tlio Hiil])hurl)<)ttom AVluile.

Baleen of the Humpback AVlialc.

Baleen of the Californiu CI my AVhalc.

Baleen of the California Gray Whalo. in a section, showing the tnannor of its being

nnleddeil in the gun; of the jaw.

Baleen of the California Gray Whale, in a section, showing how the fringes lie across.

ii I

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTIl-WEHTERN COAST.

c
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SfitfM d -^f^. ^'£A

EYK AND PARASITES OV HALEEW WHALES.
Via.l. CYAMU3 aCAMMatU.DALL ♦ i FI8 + HIGHT KTB UK HUMPBAnK,n«i »i2B.
t. SCYAMim MT.'iTICETI.DALl. ♦ •< „ 5, QTIUM 3T1MP;10NT PAU. n»' sjn IStasiit Oh Ca»ciM. u D.^i. t v»)

„ 3,CYAKl.'b SUFVUSTl.'J TjALI, » *■ „ 6. CR-iTTl t.El'AS RHAi.UlAIItCTI DAL.I..

• ^, n nPT^BI^^^Vv

..ir-

THE BOWHEAD, OR GREAT POLAR WHALE. 67

more. The depth to whicli the animal descends when pursued is not accurately
known, for as a general rule, it has been captured "on soundings" in the Arctic
Ocean and Behring Sea, as well as in the Sea of Okhotsk, where the depths, in
places, do not exceed a hundred fothoms, and from that to less than fifty. Some-
times they have been taken in very shallow water ; yet this animal, when in deep
water, has been known to. "sound out" a line, in its descent and return, equal to a
mile in length. But it must not be inferred that this was done by the perpendic-
ular course of the whale, for it is found that the line runs out with great swiftness,
when the creature begins its return to the surface. Repeated instances have
occurred, where the animal, after being fastened to, would "sound;" and, if the
bottom was soft, would there remain motionless for quite an incredible length of
time for this species of Cetacea. In several cases, individuals have held their pur-
suers in momentary expectation of their rising, for an hour or more. One instance
occurred with Captain Comstock, (a well-known whaling -master), in the Arctic
Ocean, when, after fastening to a huge Bowhead, the creature descended to the
muddy bottom, and there remained for an hour and twenty minutes. The day was
unusually cold, and the men in the boats became much chilled during this period
of inactivity ; and to use the captain's own words, when giving an account of the
incident, "The old sogger nearly played us a game of freeze - out." When the
whale returned to the top of the water, it was literally covered with mud, and
appeared much exhausted. A thrust of the lance prevented the animal from again
"sounding," and after throwing up hetvy volumes of thick blood, in its spoutings,
it rolled over, "fin out," with but slight struggling.

The Arctic Bowhead is comparatively free from parasitic crustaceans, as well as
barnacles. Occasionally, however, a species of Cyamus-f is present about the head
or fins. The range of this animal extends east and west from Nova Zembla to
the coast of Eastern Siberia. Its northern limits remain undefined ; and it is sel-

•fWe quote the following from Dall's paper yellow. Length 33 inches; breadth (of body)

on the Cyamua myaliceti. See illustration, plate K^ inches. Two female specimens.
J fi„^ 2: Habitot, on the northern Bowhead Whale,

probably BaUena myslicelua, Linn., near Behring

Cyamus mysticeti, n. sp. Body flattened, and Strait,
subovate, segments adjacent. Branchio) single, This is the most compact of the three spe-

short, stout, pedunculated, a single papilliform ciea, as well as the smallest. I find, in compar-

appendage behind each. Head short and wide. ing large series of C. Scammoni, that a consid-

First pair of legs very small. Hands all simple erable variation in form obtains so far as re-

and smooth, fingers greatly recurved. Carpal ar- gards comparative length and breadth, even in

ticulation in the second pair of hands, holf way adult specimens, and these differences are great-

between the proiumal and distal ends of the er than those observed, in the same characters,

hand. Fleon very minute. Color dork brownish between the sexes.
llAamc Mamhau.— a.

, t

68 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

dom seen in Behring Sea south of the fifty- fifth parallel, which is about the far-
thest southern extent of the winter ice ; while in the Sea of Okhotsk the southern
limit of this species is about the latitude of 54°. In tracing the history of its
capture, we can revert to the Dutch and Russian fishery about Spitzbergen anterior
to 1C15, and we find that, as years passed on, it was extended westward, on the
Atlantic side, as far as the icy barriers in Davis Strait, and the adjacent waters
connecting with the Frozen Ocean. Everything tends to prove that the Balcma mys-
ticetus is truly an "ice -whale," for among the scattered floes, or about the borders
of the ice-fields or barriers, is its home and feeding -ground. It is true that these
animals are pursued in the open water during the summer months, but in no
■' instance have we learned of their being captured south of where winter ice-fields

are occasionally met with. In the Okhotsk Sea and its bays, these whales are
found throughout the season, after the ice disappears ; nevertheless, they remain
around the floes until dispelled by the summer sun ; and they are found in the
same localities even after the surface of the water has again become congealed by
the rigors of returning winter.

Right whales were pursued for several years on the North-western Coast, on
the coast of Kamschatka, about the Kurile Islands, and in the Japan Sea, before
Bowheads were known to exist in that part of the Arctic Ocean adjoining Behring
Strait, or in the Okhotsk Sea. In the year 1848, Captain Rbys, in the American
bark Superior, was the first whaling -master to work his vessel through Behring
Strait into the Arctic Ocean, and there found whales innumerable, some of which
yielded two hundred and eighty barrels of oil.

The '.abits of the Bowhead are, in many respects, like those of the Humpback,
' being irregular in its movements, in its respirations, and in the periods of time

cither above or below the surface of the Avater. When going gently along, or lying
, quietly, it shows two portions of the body : the spout- holes, and a part of the

back, on account of the high conical shape of the former, and the swell of the
latter, which is about midway between the spout- holes and flukes.

The Bowheads if the Arctic may be classed as follows : Ist class — the largest
whales, of a browr. color ; average yield of oil two hundred barrels. 2d class —
smaller, color black; yield of oil one hundred barrels. 3d class — the smallest,
color black; yield of oil seventy -five barrels.* Those belonging to the last named
class are generally found among the broken floes the first of the season, and they
have been known to break through ice, three inches in thickness, that had been

* We do not mean to convey the idea of ape- our acquaintance agree that the difference in size
ries when mentioning classeB, as all observers of and shade of color arises from differance in age.

THE BOWHEAD, OB QBEAT POLAB WH4LE. 59

formed over water between the floes. They do this by coming up under and strik-
ing it with the arched portion of their heads. Hence they have been called "ice-
breakers." In point of color, nearly all are found with more or less white on the
under side, especially about the throat and flns.

Whalers bound to the Arctic are generally at the "edge of the ice," which is
met with near lat. 60°, about the Ist of May. They then work their way north-
ward as fast as the broken floes will permit, keeping as near shore as practicable,
in order to be on the best "whale -ground," and to avoid the ice. Many whales were
formerly taken off Karaginski Island, lat. 59% on the coast of Kamschatka. Bch-
ring Strait is sufficiently clear of ice from the 1st to the 20th of July, for ships to
navigate with comparative safety. A large fleet collect, and grope their way through
ice and fog into the Arctic (as teimed), and frequently reach the high latitude of
72° north. Occasionally an open season occurs, when whalemen hazard their ships
around Point Barrow. Captain Roys entered the ocean in the middle of July, and
left on the 28th of August, but at the present time ships remain until October.

The pnncipal herding -places of the Bowheads in the Okhotsk were at the ex-
tremities of this great sheet of water, the most northern being the North -cast Gulf
(Gulf 01" Obijigha), the most southern, Tchantar Bay. The whales did not make
their appearance in North-east Gulf so soon as in the bay. Whalers endeavored,
as soon as possible, to get to the head of Tchantar Bay, where they found the
objects of pursuit in the intermediate water, between the ice and the shore, long
before the main body of the congealed mass was broken up, and before the
ships could get between the ice and the shore, even at high tide — the boats being
sent forward weeks previous to the ships. Soon after the ships' arrival, the whales
avoided their pursuers by going under the main body of ice, situated in the middle
of the bay, where they found breathing- holes among the floes. The boats cruised
about the edge of this barrier, watching for them to emerge from their covert,
which occasionally they did, when chase was instantly given. Frequently, in sailing
along this ice -Held, you could hear distinctly the sound of whales blowing among
it, when no water was visible at the point whence the sound came. The first of
the season, before the ice broke up and disappeared, when there were "no whales
about," the question was frequently asked, "Where are the whales?" and as often
answered, "They are in the ice;" and, "When do you think they will come out?"
was answered by, "When the ice leaves." It has been established, beyond question,
that this species pass from the Atlantic to the Pacific, or rather, if we may be al-
lowed the expression, from the Atlantic Arctic to the Pacific Arctic, by the north ;
and, too, it is equally certain that numerous air-holes always exist in the ice that

fi i

60 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

covers the Arctic waters, even in the coldest latitudes. These fissures are caused
by the rise and fall of the tides, and contraction and expansion of the ice. Storms
acting upon the water hundreds of miles distant also have their influence in rend-
ing asunder the icy fetters of those frozen aeas. It appears to us not improbable
that the Bowhead, has a feeding and breeding ground in a polar sea. And as they
have never been seen during the winter months in any other quarter of the globe,
except as before raentiored, it would appear that they must either remain among
the rough water and broken ice, a( the southern edge of the winter barrier, or
migrate to some remote sea unknown to man.

OKHOTSK SEA BOGHEADS.

The preceding remarks have been confined chiefly to the Bowheads of the Arc-
tic, in the vicinity of Behring Strait, north and south. The Okhotsk Sea at one
time equaled if not surpassed the Arctic as a productive whaling -ground. Our
memorandum does not state with certainty what year Bowheads were first taken
in the Okhotsk. It, however, was not earlier than 1847, nor later than 1849.*
They were found to be easy of capture, and yielded a large amount of oil and
bone. On making further explorations, the whales appeared in great numbers, and,
from the peculiar shape of the head, the spout- holes terminating in a sort of cone,
they were at that time called "steeple -tops." But a few years elapsed before a
large fleet of ships was pursuing the animals throughout the whole extent of this
vast inland water. Tchantar Bay, Taousk and Penjinsk gulfs soon became noted
whaling -grounds, as well as several other points about the coasts. The Avhales of
this sea, as far as known, are the same species as those of the Arctic ; although
in the bays is found, in addition, a very small whale called the "Poggy," which
yields but little oil (twenty to twenty-five barrels). f Many whalemen are of the

«
* Captain J. H. Swift, ytho was cruising in enced and yery intelligent whaling -masters, it

Behring Sea about the year 1847, is quite posi- is desired to make mention, that we are under
tive that the French ship Asia was the first to much obligation to them for valuable data in
take Bowheads in the Okhotsk (in 1847). Cap- relation to several species of Cetacea, more es-
tain Roys, of Arctic notoriety ( before spoken pecially as they are regarded as very correct and
of), in a recent interview, seemed equally cer- close observers of the habits of whales.
tain that the Asia was not the first to take Bow- t We are convinced that there are two van-
heads in that sea. He thinks none were taken eties of Bowheads, which are found on the same
till 1848 or 1849, and that the American ship ground. The variation from the animal above
Huntsville, Captain Freeman Smith, was about described is a bunch, or sort of hump, present
the first, if not the Jirsl, to take Bowheads in on the top of the "small," which is situated
that region. In justice to both of these experi- about six feet forward of the flukes, extending

i '

THE BOWHEAD, OR GREAT POLAR WHALE.

opinion that this is a different species. There is little doubt, however, of this
being a young whale of the same species, as its blubber is close and fine, produc-
ing but little oil in proportion to size of body, as is the case with all calves or
young whales of every description.*

BOWHEAD WHALING.

In the Arctic r>id about Behring Sea, the whaling is "done from the ship,"
as it is termed: i. e., the vessels cruise, and the look-outs are kept aloft as usual,
and when whales are seen, the boats are I'^'vered and the pursuit is carried on in
sight from the ships, unless obscured by fo^-. In the Okhotsk, much of the vhal-
ing is about the bays, particularly Tchantar Bay, and contiguous waters. The nat-
ure of the pursuit is such, iu these locu 'ties, that the inodua operandi is quite differ-
ent. Vessels bound to Tchintar Bay endeavor to approach the land off Aian, if the

along the top of the back two to three feet, and
in some individuals rises in the highest plnce
about six inches. The sketch on page 56 will
perhaps better represent the difference in shape,
than a written description. Captain Boys sajs
he has repeatedly taken them in the Arctic, as
well as in the Okhotsk. They have been fre-
quently taken in the Norih-east Gulf (Okhotsk
Sea). Our personal observation was only on a
dead one (in Tchantar Bay, 18C2), and on that
individual the protuberance was so slight, that
it would not have been noticed unless our par-
ticular attention had been called to it. Captain
Bandolph, of the American whale -ship South
Boston (1862), informed us at the time that
nearly all the whales he had taken that season
in the North-east Gulf were " Bunchbacks," and
yielded a very large amount of bone in propor-
tion to yield of oil. Captain Boys also men-
tioned that one season he took numbers of them,
and to distinguish them from others they were
then called "Bunchbacks." Several whaling-
masters who have taken them observed that the
spiracles are usually situated higher than upon
those not having the bunch or hump on tJho
" small."

* Captain Boys is of the opinion that the

Bowheads breed but slowly. Moreover, his ob-
servations of many years in northern whaling,
goes to show that the young of this species
suck but a short time compared with other ceta-
ceous animalR. This opinion seems quite con-
clusive when we compare the immense head and
baleen of even the smallest individuals with
those of other species, as though nature had
provided them with immensely capacious iLouths
to gather insect food, instead of drawing suste-
nance from the dam. As to the linear propor-
tions of the young of the Bowhead, in com-
parison with the dam, there is a diversity of
opinion among those whalers who may be relied
upon as men of excellent judgment, but a large
majority maintain that the calf is not over one-
fourth the length of the cow, and usually the
proportions would bo nearer one -fifth. From
our own observations on the young of other
whales, we have arrived at the conclusion that
there is considerable diversity of size in the
young of all whales when first bom; and their
rapid growth, imtil weaned, may doubtless be
ascribed to the constant attention of the mother,
iu affordihg her offspring a bountiful supply of
nutritious milk from her capacious and prolific
udder.

62 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

ice will permit, which ia generally suflSciently broken and scattered by the 20th of
June ; then, working along between the ice and the Siberian coast, to the south-
ward, as far as practicable with the ships, they dispatch boats to follow along the
shore and if possible to reach the head of Tchantar Bay, where whales in former
years were to be found in very large numbers. These expeditions were always
attended with excessive labor, and much exposure as well as risk to the crews.
Frequent instances have been known of boats leaving the ships off Aian, then
threading their way along the coast, between the masses of ice, or between the ice
and shore, as the ebb or flood tides would permit, until they reached the head of
Tchantar Bay. On reaching their destination, and finding whales plenty they
immediately commenced whaling, and by the time the ships arrived, in several
instances, whales enough had been taken to yield a thousand barrels of oil.
The elapsed time from leaving the ship till again joining the vessel in the bay
would vary, from one to three weeks. Meanwhile, the crews lived in or around
their boats, being afloat when making the passage or engaged in whaling ; and
when driven to the shore by the ice or by stormy weather, or resorting thither to
cook their food, or sleep, the boats were hauled up and turned partially over for
shelter, and tents were pitched with the sails. Fallen trees or drift-wood furnished
abundance of fuel, and by a rousing fire all slept soundly when an opportunity
oflcred ; but the more abundant the whales, the less the chance of sleep for the
whalemen in those high latitudes, where daylight lasts nearly through the twenty-
four hours during summer.

TCnANTAR BAY WHALING.

Arrived on the ground, with the boats, all surplus provisions and outfits are
quickly landed, and the chase begins. Frequent spouts in the air tell that the
animals are all around. One of the number breaks the smooth surface of the
water, between the land and ice, and is at once pursuod ; but perhaps, before the
boat can reach within darting or shooting distance, the animal goes down. Then
cornea an impatient waiting for it to rise again. As the Bowliead is irregular in
its course, when next seen it may be in another direction. Quickly the boat is
headed for it, and before approaching near enough the whale goes down again. In
this way the chase is frequently prolonged, sometimes abandoned, and other whales
Ttursued ; or, it may be that, when nearly within reach, the animal glides under a
floe and thus evades its pursuers ; or, if harpooned, it may run for the ice, and
before being killed reaches it, and escapes with harpoons, lines, etc. If the pursuit
proves successful, the captured whale is towed to the beach at high tide, and a

THE BOWHEAD, OR OBEAT POLAB WHALE. 68

scarf is cut along the body and through the blubber, to 'which one end of a tackle
is hooked, the other end being made fast on shore ; then as the tide falls the ani-
mal is literally skinned, the carcass rolling down the bank as the process goes on.
The bone is extracted from the mouth as the animal is rolled over and presents the
best opportunity. As soon as the blubber is taken oflF it is "rafted,"* and lies in
the water until taken on board ship. The water being very cold, the blubber
remains in its natural state for a long time, retaining the oil with but small loss.
Whi'o the whaling is going on in this wise, the captain and the "ship -keepers"
improve every opportunity to work the vessel near the whales. If there is an
opening between the ice and the shore, she is at once worked through, either by
towing, kedging, or sailing. On meeting an adverse wind or tide, the vessel is an-
chored with a very light anchor, so that if beset by ice unexpectedly, in the night
or during the dense fogs which prevail, the vessel will drift with the floe, thereby
avoiding the danger of being cut through. Heavy fogs prevail until the ice disap-
pears, and the circumscribed clear water being crowded with vessels and boats, much
care and maneuvring is exercised to prevent accident. These fogs frequently are so
dense that no object can be seen much farther off than a ship's length ; conse-
quently, at such times cruising and whaling in the bays is full of excitement and
anxiety. A ship may be lying quietly at anchor one moment, and the next be
surrounded by a field of ice, or the close proximity of another vessel may be re-
vealed by the splashing of the water under her bow. Then comes the blowing of
horns, the ringing of bolls, the firing of guns, or pounding on empty casks, to in-
dicate the ship's position, in order to avoid collision.

Neither fog nor drifting ice, however, prevents the whalers from vigorously
prosecuting their work. In thick weather, when neither the spout of tiio whale
nor the animal itself can be seen, its hollow -sounding respiration may be heard a
long distance. In such instances the boats approach as near as can be judged
where the sound was heard, and if the animal is found and captured, it is at the
risk of the boats coming in contact with passing ships, ice, or what not — and, too,
not knowing with any degree of certainty what part of the bay they mny be in,
the first and main object being to capture the whale at all hazards. This being done,
it is taken in tow by the boats, or is anchored. Then, if the crew can not discover
their own biiip, but meet with another, the custom is to go on board to eat or
sleep, if nece.isary. and when recruited, or the fog lifts so as to give them a chance
of finding their own vessel, they are supplied with provisions, if needed, until they

• Tied together with ropeB in a sort of raft.

64 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

can reach her. If anchored, one boat always remains with the whale while the
others go in search of the ship. As soon as found, the master, learning of the
capture, makes every effort to work his vessel to the dead animal ; or, if that can
not be done, every favorable tide is improved to tow the whale to the ship, where
it is cut in and tried out in the usual manner. As the season advances the ice
disappears, leaving more room for cruising with the vessels, when the fleet becomes
scattered, and tlie features of the whaling change. The boats are then kept more
of the time on board, look-outs are stationed at the mast-heads, and the whal-
ing is principally "done from the ship." Sometimes two boats are sent to
look for whales in an adjoaiing bay. Meanwhile the nights have become longer.
Then comes the "night- whaling." The phosphorescent light caused by the whale's
movements in the water shows quite distinctly his whereabout, and, the Bowhead
whales being easy of capture compared with other kinds, "night -whaling" is often
successfully pursued.

We have spoken of the Bowheads as being comparatively easy of capture but
it must not bo inferred that the pursuit is not often tedious or unsuccessful, nor is
the attack made without risk of life or limb, as well as in other kinds of whaling.
The Bowheads, compared with other species ol whales that are pursued, are con-
sidered very shy and timid. After the ice leaves the bays, until the fall winds
begin, much calm weather is experienced ; and, although we have frequently seen
largo numbers of whales spouting among many boats scattered over the water, not a
single animal could be approached near enough to "dart at" with the hand- har-
poon, or to present a fair chance to shoot a bomb -lance into it, notwithstanding
the boats were rigged with extra large sails, in order to take advantage of the light
airs or winds that may prevail in midsummer. The use of oars or paddles would
be quite sure to frighten the whales, and when tiiero is not sufficionl; wind "to
sail on to them" there is but little or no chance of "getting fast." After the
"irons" are firmly planted in the animal, or, as we frequently hear whalemen say,
"after the whale has boon fastened to, good and solid," down the creature may go
to the bottom, and there roll until cither the "irons" are torn from its body or
the lino is wound about it, and the valuable prize may bo lost. Cases have oc-
curred where the animal, after being "fastened to," has darted to the depths be-
neath in such a state of trepidation as to unhoodingly strike the rocks or sand,
with so much force as to dislocate its head -bones, and cause instant death.

The breeding - places of the Bowheads soom to bo a matter of conjecture
among the most observing and experienced whaling- masters. The only place known
has already been mentioned, in the vicinity of Tchantar Bay ; and a diflcrenco of

•_W:^

THE BOWHEAD, on GREAT POLAB WHALE. M

opinion exi.t, as to wLelher the "Pogglcs" before mentioned are cl,e., or whether
they are not a "^e^g- .peeiee, which have a corresponding relation rtlet,
grown Bowhead, that .he "ecrag" Right Whale I.,, .o .hel^^er ld« of hai

™/^:'tth"'""'"^' ""' '""^ '" "' '""•'' "»-■ their'njh:!^:^"

t^e elwf , . """""■""' '"'°«™^ """ "" "■PP"'"'' '» ^ •"■■o-ght forth by

Okholek Sea have ever been seen passing in or out the passage, of the Kurile

where the B , . \T*°'' """"^^ *° """' "''""'""""' «">alem',, a, to
I ned 1^ ;°'°'*''' '° '""« '""■"' "■* ^"""8. " »'-« «.« young re-

ThT, b r" ° ---"W" degree of maturity; but within a L year^
hales have been seen around Point Borrow with young calves, and that relte
hue of open water, .nacecssible to ships, between the summer i e-border andth^
northern shores of the American continent, from Point Barrow to Zks' Lid
doubtless affords ample herding and breeding places for the mysticeTestnd roroTaU
Which are indigenous to those icy regions. rorquals

Mumn w.inf^tj _ f

CHAPTER VI.
RIGHT WHALE OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

Balsna SiEBOLDn? Oray. (Plate xii.)

This great northern baleen whale, in its principal proportions, resembles the
Bakma mysticetus. The latter, however, is destitute of the protuberance called the
"bonnet," upon the anterior extremity of its beak -like upper jaw, which is a
I peculiarly prominent feature of the Bakena Sieboldii. The color of the Right Whale

, is generally black, yet there are many individuals with more or less white about the

li throat and pectorals, and sometimes they arc pied all over. Its average adult length

i may be calculated at sixty feet — it rarely attains to seventy feet — and the two

I sexes vary but little in size. Its head is very nearlN one -third the length of the

I whole animal, and the upper intermediate portion, or the part between the spiracles

and "bonnet," has not that even spherical form, or the smooth and glossy surface
',; present with the Bowhead, but i.s more or less ridgy crosswise. Both lips and head

I have wart- like bunches moderately developed, and in some cases the upper surfoce

! of the head and fins is infested with parasitical crustaceans. Its tongue yields oil

I like the mysticetus, but its baleen is shorter and of a coarser and less flexible

' nature. The average product of oil of the BalcBim Sieboldii may be set down at one

hundred and thirty barrels ; yet there have been many individuals of this species,
I captured in early times, that yielded from two hundred to two hundi 1 and eighty

barrels. The amount of bone ranges from one thousand to fifteen hundred pounds.
In former years, the Right Whales were found on the coast of Oregon, and occa-
sionally in large numbers ; but their chief resort was upon what is termed the
"Kodiak Ground," the liuiits of which extended from Vancouver's Island north-
t westward to the Aleutian Chain, and from the coast westward to longitude 150".

In the southern portion of Behring Sea, also tipon the coast of Kamschatka, and
* in the Okhotsk Sea, they congregated in large numbers. The few frequenting the

coast of California are supposed to have been merely stragglers from their northern
haunts. Some, indeed, have been taken (from February to April) as far south as

[MJ

BIGHT WHALE OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST. 67

the Bay of San Sebastian Viscaino, and about Cedros or Cerros Island, both places
being near the parallel of 29° north latitude; while on the North-western Coast
they are captured by the whalers from April to September, inclusive. The Bahma
SiMdii is regarded as being a distinct species from the southern Right Whale, and
is universally known, by American whalemen, as the "North-west Whale." This
distinguished baleen animal of the north, in its geographical distribution, ranges to
the Japan Sea and Gulf of Tartary ; but how many species or varieties are included
under this name is not within our province to decide. Our observations, however,
make it certain that there is a "scrag" Right Whale in the North Pacific which
corresponds very nearly to that of the southern ocean, known under the teciinical
name of BaloBna gibbosa? and which yields a paltry amount of oil.

The time of gestation with the Balceiia Sieboldii is not known, but is supposed
to be nearly one year ; tiie dam usually producing but one young at a birth,
although, in some instances, twins have been observed. The new-born "sucker"
is about one -fourth the length of the parent animal, which relative proportions are
approximately uniform in all the whalebone whales which we have had the oppor-
tunity of examining. It has ever been a matter of mysterious conjecture with the
most philosophical whalemen, where the northern Right Whales go to bring forth
their young, and whither they migrate during the winter months. That they do
not go into the southern hemisphere is well known, and it is equally certain that
but a few stragglers, even, roach within a number of degrees of the northern tropic
in their -.vanderings. The Esquimaux about the no. ih- western shores of Behring
Sea speak about the Bakena mysticetus resorting to the bays when the "small ice
comes," and they look forward to that season as a time of plenty, and reap a kind
of marine harvest by catching numbers of them, thus securing an abundant supply
of food for winter store. It seems, therefore, beyond question, that the mysticetus
is quite at homo in that region at the beginning of the Arctic winter, and the
immense numbers of Bowheads and Right Whales that would necessarily appear in
■•he temperate latitudes, if they migrated southward, would be sure to arrest the
attention of passing navigators, who frequently go fur north, even in the winter
Bcaso)), to make their passages from China and Japan. Some have asserted that
these animals probably congregate around the borders of the drifting or field ice,
which joins the open water of the Pacific about the Kurile and Aleutian Islands.
All agree that they do not pass the tropics and reach the southern ocean. The
Bouthcrn Right Whales resort to the bays in that region to bring forth their young,
and formerly were sought for in the inland waters of those high soutliern latitudes,
where many a ship quickly completed her cargo by bay -whaling. But no bay has

68 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

yet been discovered north of the equator, in the Pacific, where the north-western
Right Whales go to calve ; and, as before mentioned, nothing is definitely known
of their winter resort. The last seen of them in high latitudes, by whalemen, is
on their return from the Arctic Ocean, when they are found in the vicinity of St.
Paul's Island, Behring Sea, in the month of October, end these are usually very
large. In view of all the facts we have been able to gather, there is little doubt
that these gigantic animals, although of another group, have the same constitutional
habits as the Sperm Whales, of bringing forth their young at any time or place
that nature may require, without resorting to sheltered inland retreats. In the
Okhotsk Sea, the Right Whale is found toward the northern borders in the early
part of the season ; later, the ships cruise in the southern quarter, about the
Kurile Islands.

We find the habits of these animals, when roaming over the ocean, full of
interest. They are often met with singly in their wanderings ; at other times in
pairs, or triplets, and scattered over the surface of the water as far as the eye can
liscern from the mast-head. Toward the last of the season they are seen in large
numbers, crowded together. These herds are called "gams," and they are regarded
by experienced whalemen as an indication that the whales will soon leave the
ground. Their manner of respiration is to blow seven to nine times at a "rising,"
then "turning flukes" (elevating them six or eight feet out of the water), they go
down and remain twelve or fifteen minutes. It is remarked, however, since these
whales have been so generally pursued, that their action in this respect has some-
what changed. When frightened by the approach of a boat, they have a trick of
hollowing the back, which causes the blubber to become slack, thus preventing the
harpoon from penetrating. Many whales have been "missed," owing to the boat-
steerer darting at this portion of the body. Having been chased every successive
season for years, these animals have become very wild and diificult to get near to,
especially in calm weather. The manner of propelling the boat at such times is by
paddling, and when there is a breeze, by sailing, if practicable, using the oars only
when it is not possible to use sails or paddles. Sometimes, during the first of the
season, the animals are very wild and shy, and for days in succession the boats
may be in hot pursuit without success.

Among right- whalemen there is a difi'erence of opinion about "going on to a
whale,"* whether it is best to get out of or into its wake, to avoid "gallying" it.
As regards safety, some prefer to have a good breeze ; then, setting all practicable

* "Going on to a whale" ia a whaleman's term for getting near enough to dart the harpoon.

[

CM. ScauMr.jn del.

RIGHT WHALK OF THE

Plate xn:.

EST COAST [HMuKUA 3iKR;H.r):: ;■. -ray)

Bri'Cr A Rev /-if.*)

tjju im^wKii wt ^mmrmv^mi^r'

THE BIGHT WHALE OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST. 69

sail, "run over" the animal to leeward, at the same time that the harpoon is
thrown. The whale, after being struck, often runs to windward, thrashing its flukes
in cve.y direction. After going a short distance, it frequently stops, or "brings
to," "sweeping" as it is said, "from eye to eye," and at the same time making a
terrific noise called "bellowing;" this sound is compared to that of a mammoth
bull, and adds much to the excitement of the chase and capture. Others will not
stop until they are hamstrung, as it were, by "spading." The spading process is
performed by hauling the boat near enough to cut the cords that connect the body
and the flukes, either on the top or underneath, as the attitude of the animal may
be. A large vein runs alonf^ the underside of the "small," terminating at the junc-
tion of the caudal fin, which, if cut, will give the creature its death -wound. The
instrument used for cutting is called a "boat- spade," which may be compared to a
very wide chisel, with a handle six or eight feet long. Sometimes the cords are
so efTectually severed that the flukes become entirely useless, and still the animal
hardly slackens its speed perceptibly, showing, evidently, that its pectorals are pow-
erful pi'opellers. Another mode of stopping the whale is by throwing a number
of harpoons, detached from the line, into the "small;" a kind of torture that
would, if the bleeding victim could speak, cause it to entreat its tormentors to put
an end to its misery. Yet not unfrequently, after being lacerated on every side, it
holds its human pursuers at bay by assuming a vertical attitude, with flukes upper-
most, which are dashed in every direction witli a furious swoop, hurling sheets of
spray and foaming water into the boats, and often nearly fllling them. But
when once "brought to" it will remain quite stationary for a few minutes, or roll
from side to side, giving the officer of the boat a good opportunity to shoot a
bomb -lance, or use the hand -lance with goou effect, which soon dispatches it.
Sometimes, however, one of these huge animals, in spite of the bo:ab-guns, har-
poons, and all the whaling-gear combined, will, after being "fastened to," make
the best of its way to windward with the boat, taking it so far from the ship as
to oblige the men to cut the line and give up the chase. Of late, Greener's gun
has been used to some extent in its capture. But before harpoon or bomb guns
came into general use, the whalemen of the North-western Coast made such havoc
among these colossal animals (which were regarded as the most vicious of their
kind), as to have nearly extirpated them, or driven them to some unknown feed-
ing-ground.

CHAPTER VII.
THE SULPnURBOTTOM WHALE.

SiBBALDirs ' BDLFUBEiTB, Ci)pe. (Plate xiii.)

The largest whale found up^i the coast, and the largest known, is the Sul-
phurbottora. Never having had an opportunity of obtaining an accurate measure-
ment of its proportions, we can only state them approximately. Length, sixty to
one hundred feet.* Its body is comparatively more slender than that of the Cali-
fornia Gray. Its pectorals are proportionately small, even in comparison with the
Sperm Whale's, which in size and shape they very nearly resemble, being short and
rounded at their extremities. Its caudal fin bears about the same proportion to
the body as does that of the Finback, while its dorsal is much smaller and nearer
the posterior extremity. Its head is more elongated ih^n the Finncr's ; its baleen
is broader at the base, the color being a jet black in several specimens we have
examined, while others were of a bluish hue. The Sulphurbottom, in its food and
manner of feeding, is like the other whales of its genus. It is a true rorqual,
with folds beneath the anterior portion of the animal, which are a series of fine
longitudinal furrows. The color of this, the greatest Avhale of the ocean, is some-
what lighter than the dull black of the lesser rorquals, and in some instances it is
a very light brown, approaching to white ; but underneath it is of a yellowish cast
or sulphur color, whence the name "Sulphurbottom" is supposed to have arisen.
Its coating of blubber is unevenly distributed over its body, massively covering the
top of the head, but more thinly disseminated over the main portion of the trunk ;
while the posterior extremity, between the trunk and caudal fin, is more heavily
infolded with the oily covering than all the rost.

♦Captain Roys, of whaling notoriety, has Length, 95 feet; girth, 39 feet; length of

kindly furnished me with the following memo- jaw-bone, 21 feet: length of longest baleen, 4

randa of a Sulphurbottom whale, which was feet; yield of baleen, 800 pounds; yield of oil,

taken by him while be was in command of the 110 barrels; weight of the whole animal, by

barque Iceland: calculation, 147 tons.

[WI

THE SULPHURBOTTOM WHALE.

A Sulphurbottom whale is found in the Atlantic as well as in the Pacific.
The Pacific species occurs at all seasons on the coasts of the Californias. Diiring
the months from May to September, inclusive, they are often found in large num-
bers close in with the shore, at times playing about ships at anchor in the open
roadsteads, near islands, or capes, but as a general rule they do noi approach ves-
sels with the same boldness that the Finback does, although 'vo have observed
them following in a vessel's wake for several leagues.*

♦Through the kindness of Doctor J. D. B.
Stillman, of San FraHcisco, Cal., wo give the
following extracts from Lis journal of a voyage
between that port and Realejo, Central America,
in 1850, in relation to a Sulphurbottom which
followed the ship Plymouth, in which the Doctor
sailed, for twenty -four consecutive days. The
account is os follows: " November 13th : We are
witnesses of a very remarkable exhibition of the
social disposition of the whale. A week v ■> to-
day, we passed several, and during the after-
noon it was discovered that one of taem contin.
ued to follow us, and was becoming more famil-
iar, keeping under the ship and only coming
out to breathe. A great deal of uneasiness was
felt, lest in his careless gambols he might un-
ship our rudder, or do us some other damage.
It was said that bilge -water would drive him
off, and the pumps were started, but to no pur-
pose. At length more violent means were re-
sorted to; volley after volley of rifle-shots were
fired into him, billets of wood, bottles, etc.,
were thrown upon his head with such force as
to separate the integument ; to all of which he
paid not the slightest attention, and he still
continued to swim under us, keeping our exact
rate of speed, whether iu calm or storm, and
rising to blow almost into the cabin windows.
He seems determined to stay with us until ho
can find better company. His length is about
eighty feet; his tail measures about twelv' feet
across; and in the calm, as we look down into
the transparent water, we see him in all his
huge proportons. November 20th: The bark
Elrkwood hove \ sight, and bore down to speak

us. When off a mile or two to leeward, our
whale left us and went to her, but returned
soon after. He showed great restlessness last
night; and to-day, whenever we stood off on
the outward tack, he kept close below us, and
rose just under our quarter, and most commonly
to windward, to blow. But whenever we stood
toward the land he invariably hung back and
showed discontent. This afternoon he left us.
It is now twenty -foui* days since ho attached
himself to us, and during that time he has fol-
lowed us as faithfully as a dog an emigrant's
wagon. At first we abused him in every way
that our ingenuity could devise to drive him off,
lest he might do us some mischief ; but, save
some scratches he received from our ship's cop-
pering, and numerous sloughing sores, caused
by the balls that had been fired into him, no
damngo was received by either of us from his
close companionship, though cur white paint
was badly stained by the impurity of his breath.
We long since ceased our efforts to annoy him,
and had become attached to him as to a dog.
We had named him 'Blowhard,' and even fan-
cied, as we called him, that he came closer
under our quarter, when I felt like patting his
glabrous sides, and saying : ' Good old fellow, '
As the water grew shoaler he left us, with re-
gret unfeigned on our part, and apparently so
on his. This story of the whale is so remark-
able, that were there not so many witnesses, I
would not venture to tell it, lest I he accused
of exaggeration. There were a number of ex-
perienced whalemen among our passengers, who
said the animal was a 'Sulphurbottom.'"

78 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

It is rarely that the Sulphurbottom "bolts" or "breaches," yet, when engaged
in this sprightly act, the animal presents itself in that degree of magnificence which
is commensurate with its inordinate activity and immense proportions. The Sul-
phurbottom is considered the swiftest whale afloat, and for this reason is but seldom
pursued, and still more rarely taken. Captain Thomas, of the bark Lagrange, in
1857, off San Bartolome Bay, caught one by first shooting a bomb -lance into a
vital part; and although the whale ran a long distance before "turning up," the
pursuers were enabled to keep trace of u among the large number around by its
"spouting blood." When the animal was nearly exhausted, the boats approached
near enough to "get fast," and the capture was completed. This individual yielded
about ninety barrels of oil, and measured eighty -five feet in length. The schooner
Page, of San Francisco, succeeded in taking several Sulphurbottom whales, near
Ascension Island, the capture being made with the bomb-gun and lance. Notwith-
standing that a large proportion of these whales sunk as soon as dead, the whale-
men were enabled to save them, the water being of moderate depth, in consequence
of which they rose to the surface before decomposition was far advanced. The
size of those taken by the Page compared favorably with the one taken by the
Ixtgrange.

Several days' trial were made in the brig Boston, in 1858, off Cerros Island, to
capture these animals. It was in the month of July, and the sea, as far as the
eye could discern, was mirked with their huge forms and towering spouts. Ten
were "bombed" by the best shooters, who affirmed that they "chose their chance,"
but as soon as the gun was discharged the whale would disappear, and that was
the last trace seen of it, except a patch of foam, sometimes mixed with blood. On
the last day of pursuit, toward evenintj, another vessel appeared in the offing, and
approached within a mile or less, when the last trial bomb was fired, and the men
in the boats looked eagerly to the rising of the wounded whale, but in vain. A
signal was made from the approaching ship that they had seen the animal, as it
"broke water" close to their vessel, when it soon rolled over dead, and sunk. The
swiftness of the Sulphurbottom under water, as demonstrated at this time, appeared
to make pursuit impracticable. Doubtless, several of those fired at received mortal
wounds, or were killed outright, but their propensity to sink, and also to "run
under water," baffled the s^iiH of the whalers to secure them.

On a second voyage of the Page, six of those immense creatures were taken
by the bomb -gun and lance, off the port of San Quentin, Lower California, where
the moderate depth of water was favorable for the pursuit. Large numbers of them
were found on this ground, where they had been attracted by the swarms of sar-

• k!i«ii>.aw*><i ijjiv^iMwwRppnmpaBii*

C M Scam man dil

THE SL'LP

VlPWli'¥ -*'^"''''"'^'~i'^'WI',MW'^!W^.i!«i"'«f"!!"l'!'

Plate Xtll.

•^i^

RH0TT0.\n.i:8BA:,Di.ia Kiit.FunEUs . C

opt> 1

^mtn i Knj 1,11,

-I

THE SULPHVRBOTTOM WHALE. 73

dines and prawns with which the waters were enlivened ; and the whales, when in
a state of lassitude from excessive feeding, would frequently remain nearly motion-
loss ten to twenty minutes at a time, thus giving the whaleman an excellent oppor-
tunity to ghoot his bomb -lance into a vital part, causing almost instant death.

The enormous size of the Sibbaldius sulfitreus is not easily to be comprehended
by the reader, when compared even with the lesser rorquals, or the mysticetus, or
the Cachalot. In 1862, the whalemen at Monterey, California, killed one of these
immense animals which measured ninety- two feet in length. Before they could tow
it to the station, it became "blasted;"* but on arrival, no effort was spared to
strip the colossal prize of its fatty covering. Accordingly, their "purchases" were
applied to roll tiie swollen creature over upon the beach; but in so doing, the
capstan, which was firmly placed on the bank, and had lifted many a large whale,
was torn up and the "falls" were parted. Finally the whalemen gave up the under-
taking, and only cut off the fat that could be reached above water. In contempla-
ting this, the greatest whale of the ocean, one can but admire its prominent char-
acteristics, which are its enormous yet symmetrical proportions, and the muscular
dovolopmont which enables it to excel in velocity all its congeners, while its whole
bearing indicates its superiority to all the other Cetaceans. It glides over the sur-
face of the ocean, occasionally displaying its entire length. Wiien it respires, the
volume of its vaporous breath ascends to a height which reveals at once, to' the
observer, the presence of that leviathan of tiio deep, whose capture baflles the
practical skill of the most experienced whalers. When "rounding" to descend to
the depths below, it throws its ponderous flukes high above the waves, with u
swoop that is well in keeping with its matcliless strength and vigor.

♦"Blasted" is a whaler's term for boiug much swollen.

kUusK MAiniug. — 10,

CHAPTER VIII.
THE SPERM WHALE.

Phtseteii UAcnocEPHALtrs, Linn. (Plate xiv.'>

This, the largest of the toothed Cetaceans, is known to English and American
whalemen as the Sperm Whale, to the Germans as the Pottfisch, and to the French
as the Cachalot. It widely differs from all others of its order, botli in figure and
habits. The fully matured animal equals, if it does not exceed, the Bowhead, or
Great Polar Whale, in magnitude and in commercial value. The adult female, how-
ever, is only about one- third or one-fourth the size of the largest male. She is
likewise more slender in form, and lias an effeminate appearance. The time of gesta-
tion is supposed to be ten months, and she seldom produces more than one young at
a birth — never more than two — and these are brought forth at any time or place
that nature may demand. The now -born cub is about one -fourth the length of the
mother. It obtains its nourishment from two teats, situated one on each side of the
vaginal opening. In giving suck, it is said the female reclines on her side, when
the calf seizes the teat in the corner of its mouth, thereby giving the milk -food
immediate passage to its throat. The length of time that the youug follow the
dam is not known.

The largest males measure from eighty to eighty -four feet. The ponderous head
is nearly one -third of the whole bulk of the animal, and over one quarter of its
length. The opening of the mouth is about five -sixths the length of the Iioad ; the
lower jaw, from the expansion of the condyles, contracts abruptly to a narrow sym-
physis, and is studded on each side with twenty -two or twenty -four strong, sharp,
and conical teetii, fitting to the furrow, or cavity, in the upper jaw, which is desti-
tute of, or contains only rudimentary teeth. The tongue, which is usually of a
whit I color, "is not capable of much protrusion." The throat, liowever, is largo,
and ^>aid to be capacious enough to receive tiio body of a man. The eyes are
placcu . little above and behind the angle of the mouth. A few inches behind

the eyes are the openings of the ears, which are not over one- fourth of an inch in

n4i

THE SPERM WHALE. 75

diameter. Above, and at the junction of the head with the body proper, is a swell
called the "bunch of the neck." About midway between this protuberance and
the caudal fin, is another and larger bunch, called the "hump;" then follows a
succession of smaller processes along the "small," toward the posterior extremity,
which is termed the "ridge." The pectorals, or side-fins, are placed a little behind
and below the eyes, and in size rarely exceed six feet in length and three feet in
width. Tiie caudal fin is about six feet in breadth, and measures twelve to fifteen
feet between the extremities, or about one -sixth the length of the whole animal.
Cnlike the baleen whales, the Cachalot has but one spiracle, or spout- hole, which is
placed near the anterior and upper extremity of the head, a little upon the left
side ; its external form is nearly like the letter S. This fissure in the adult is ten
or twelve inches in length. The color of the Rperm Whale is generally black, or
blackish -brown above; a little lighter upon the sides and below, except on tiie
breast, whore it becomes a silvery gray. Some examples, however, are piebald.
The oldest males are frequently well-marked with gray about the nose, or upper
portion of the head, and when this is indicated, they are called "gray -headed."

In the young Sperm Wiialos, as in the young of all Cetaceans, tiie black-
skin, or epidermis, is much heavier than in the adults, it being half an inch in
tliicknoss, or thereabouts, while it does not exceed a quarter of an inch on the old
whale. As age advances, tiie skin becomes more furrowed. Beneath the black-
skin lies the rich coating of fat, or blubbc>r, whicli yields the valuable oil of
commerce. The head produces nearly one -third of all the oil obtained. Xext
to and above the bono of the upper jaw (wliich is termed the "coach," or
"sleigh"), is a huge mass of cartilaginous, elastic, tougli fat, wliich is called the
"junk." Above the "junk," on the right side of the head, is a large cavity, or
sack, termed the "case," which contains oil in its naturally fluid state, together with
the granulated substance known as "spermaceti." From tliis capacious hidden
receptacle, as much as fifteen barrels of "head -matter" has been obtained. The
"ambergris," which is so iiiglily prized, is nothing more than the retained anal
concretion of a diseased whale. On the left side of the cranium, above the "junk,"
is the breathing- passage, or nostril, of the whale. This, with the "case," is pro-
tected by a thick, tough, elastic substance called the "head-skin," which is proof
against the harpoon.

We now come to the general habits of this gigantic animal, relative to its
movements in the vast oceans of the globe. Among the whole order of Cetaceans,
(here is no other which respires with the same regularity as the Cachahit. When
emerging to the surface, the first portion of the animal seen is the region of the

76 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

hump ; then it niises its head, and respires slowly for the space of about three
seconds, sending forth, diagonally, a volume of whitisli vapor, like an escape of
steam; this is called the "spout," which, in ordinary weather, may be seen from
the mast-head at a distance of three to five miles. In respiring at its leisure, the
animal sometimes mukes no headway through the water ; at other times it moves
quietly along at the rate of about two or three miles an hour; or, if "making a
passage" from one feeding -ground to another, it may accelerate its velocity. When
in progressive motion (after "blowing"), hardly an instant is required for inspira-
tion, when the animal dips its head a little, and momentarily disappears ; then it
rises again to blow, as before, each respiration being made with great regularity.
The number of its spoutings, when in a state of quietude, depends on the size of
the animal : varying in the adult females and the younger of both sexes from the
oldest and largest males. The same may bo said as to the period of time it remains
upon or beneath the surface of the ocean. With the largest bulls, the time occu-
pied in performing one expiration and one inspiration is from ten to twelve seconds,
and the animal will generally blow from sixty to seventy -five times at a "rising,"
remaining upon the surface of the sea about twelve minutes. As soon as "his
spoutings are out," he pitches head-foremost downward; then "rounding out," turns
his flukes high in the air, and, when gaining nearly a perpendicular attitude, de-
scends to a great depth, and there remains from fifty minutes to an hour and a
quarter.

While on a cruise in the bark Rio Grande around the Galapagos Islands, in
1853, a large Cachalot was captured, which yielded eighty -five barrels of oil. This
animal was pursued from eleven o'clock a.m. to four p.m., during which time it
spouted, or "blowed," very regularly, fifty-five times at each "rising" while on the
surface, and when he descended was not visible again for fifty -five minutes. All
this time ho was going a direct course at the rate of three miles an hour. The
smaller and younger whales, however, are not so regular in their time of remaining
upon or below the surface of the water, and, as before mentioned, they spout a
less number of times. They generally continue above the water one -fourth or one-
fifth of the time consumed by the others, making thirty or forty spouts while up, and
remaining under water twenty to thirty minutes. But when the Cachalot becomes
alarmed, or is sporting in the ocean, its actions are widely different. If frightened,
it has the faculty of instantly sinking, although nearly in a horizontal attitude (as
the sailors say, "he can let go and go down in a jiffy"). When merely startled,
it will frequently assume a perpendicular position, with the greater portion of its
head above water, to look and listen ; or, when lying on the surface, it will sweep

-. .ijiiiHiv iww,»ii«ua^wwivii,,^i.iLqip.gj II i«j|jii||ippppainp^|P!pi^nnaippqB^

'-■^_J .

C. /■<. Sea mivorj o e • .

SFER\: \'

Plate XC

^M^

Brit.t:n.A Rev I't'r.

KYSITEH IIACROCEFHAI.US LINN)

. THE SPERM WUALE. 77

around from side to side with its flukes, to ascertain whether there is any object
within reach. At otlier times, wlien at play, it will elevate its flukes high in the
air, then strike them down with great force, which raises the water into spray
and foam about it; this is termed "lobtailing." Oftentimes it descends a few
fathoms beneath the waves ; then, giving a powerful shoot nearly out of the water
at an angle of forty -five degrees or less, falls on its side, or leaps bodily out in a
semi -lateral attitude, coming down with a heavy splash, producing a pyramid of
foam which may be seen from the mast-head, on a clear day, at least ten miles,
and is of great advantage to the whaler in searching for his prey. These singular
antics of the Sperm Whale arc said to be performed in order to rid itself of a
troublesome parasite, known among the whale -fishers by the name of "Suckfish;"
but the animal is seldom infested with the parasitic Crustacea which are indigenous
to the rorquals and Right Whales.

M;i;.y have the impression that the Sperm Wiiale is found but rarely out of
the limits of tropical or temperate waters, but we know that the largest Cacha-
lots have often been taken as far south as 5G* of latitude, both in the Pacific
and Atlantic, and as far north in the Pacific as Cape Ommany, which is in latitude
56' 12'.

We may further add, that it is one of the few species of the larger Cetaceans
which inhabit every ocean not bound with icy fetters during the rigors of winter,
and although great numbers are found in the cold latitudes, they also delight to
bask in the equatorial waters under a tropical sun.* It is true, however, that but
few arc met with in the far northern limits of the Atlantic or the Pacific, compared
with the number Avhich inhabit the great range of the southern seas. This, how-
ever, may be easily accounted for, as there is no northern thoroughfare by which
these whales of passage can migrate to or from the Atlantic or Pacific, while at
the south they are continually passing to and fro from ocean to ocean throughout
the year.

The Cachalots arc gregarious, and they are often seen in schools numbering
from fifteen or twenty up to hundreds. The oldest and largest males, however, for
the greater part of the year roam alone ; yet there is no lack of instances where

* We are aware that eminent naturalists have to substantiate, as far as our obsen'ations go,

averred that there are several species of the what that excellent and practical observer, Beale,

Sperm Whale, on the ground of their geograph- has maintained : that there is but one species of

ical distribution; ond it is not within our prov- Sperm Whale "in the ocean roving," and as far

ince, nor is it our intention, to enter into any as any variety is A-isible, it exists in every zone

discussion relative to the question, further than end hemisphere.

78 MARINE MAMMALS OF TUB NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

these monsters havo been found in herds by themselves ; but the usual assemblage
is made up of males and females — the latter with their j'oung. At such times two
or three large bulls are in attendance, whicli lead the van. The female is quite
solicitous for her playful offspring, and when pursued, the mother may be seen
assisting it to escape by partially supporting it on one of her pectorals. The
females likewise manifest much sympathy for each other, for when one of their
number is attacked by the boats, they all "bring "o," and remain, usually for some
time, with their dying companion ; by this means a number of whales are often
captured from the same school. The young bulls periodically go in largo herds ;
but, unlike the females, if one of their band is harpooned, its cowardly associates
make off in great trepidation. When individually attacked, however, it makes a
desperate struggle for life, and often escapes after a hard contest. Nevertheless, it
is not an unusual occurrence for the oldest males to bo taken with but little effort
on tiio part of the whaler. After being struck, the animal will oftentimes lie for a
few moments on the water as if paralyzed, which affords the active man of the
lance opportunity to dart his weapon effectually, and complete the capture. It
is said that the Cachalots are endowed with the faculty of communicating with each
other in times of danger, when miles (and some observers say leagues) distant.
If this be true, the mode of communication rests instinctively within their own
contracted brains.

It has been the general belief that the Sperm Whale is excessively timid ; but,
if this is its general character, there are many exceptions among the larger males,
for when attackeil, they have in repeated instances turned upon their pursuers, in
the most defiant manner, and their own disfigured jaws — which are their principal
weapons of defense — prove that they either engage in desperate contentions with
their kind, or with some unknown leviathan inhabiting the deep. Moreovei, it is,
we believe, a well-established fivct, that ships have been sunk by the deliberate
assaults of vicious, gray -headed, old Cachalots.*

* Tho aec"unta of tho destruction of tbo Amori- creature gave the vessel sucb a shock, as ho camo

can HhipH Esxex aud Ann Alcjeaudrr liaving bcou iu collision, as to sprin'? n Hcvious leak. Then

published in various works ijertaiuiug to tho ho wcut down aud ro-appearod a ship's lougtU

whalo- fishery, wo will only briefly no.o them or two oiT, lashing tho water into foam. After

hero. Tho Essex was destroyed in tho South going a distance of about ono- fourth of a niilo,

Pacific by an infuriated whalo, in tho year 1820, and recovering from tho concussion, ho returned

under tho following circumstances. The auimal with great velocity, aud, striking tho ship's bow,

was scon ahead approaching tho ship at tho rate stavrd it iu, which caused tho vessel to sink ten

of about three miles an hour, and tho ship run- miuutos after. Tho Ann Akxandcr was sunk ))y

niiijj at about the sauio speed, when tho hugo a Sperm Whalo ou tho coast of Peru, in 1851,

THE S PER 31 WHALE.

It is the opinion of many experienced and observing whalemen — with whom
we concur — that the Sperm Whale has a higher organization than any other species
of Cetacea. Its massive form is composed of bone, flesh, and sinew, which lias a
Pner texture than that of the rorqual or the mysticetus. The latter subsists on
minute Crustacea and small fishes, skimmed as it were from the surface of the seas
and inland waters. The mouth of the Cachalot is armed with teeth of ivory, Enoly
set, for the purpose of prehension, and the animal is endowed with the power of
descending to the remote caverns of the ocean in search of its prey, and remaining
there a length of time unequaled by any of its congeners. The principal food of
the Sperm Whale is familiarly named by the whalers "squid ;" which inchides
one or more species of cuttle-fishes (cephalopods). The animal's manner of
pursuing its prey is not definitely known ; but several high authorities zivv.r.-
tain, that after descending to the desired depth it drops its lower jaw nearly to
a right angle with the body, thereby exhibiting its polished white teeth, which
attract within its reach the swinniiing food, while the creature moves along through
the ocean's depths ; the moment its prey comes in contact with the expanded jaw.

under like circumstances ^o thope of the EsisJr.
In 1807, the ship Uino)i, of Nantucket, was
wrecked "by striking," says the narrator, "on a
Sperm Whalj." It was in the night, and the
» question is, whothcr the ship struck the animal
accidentally, or whether the whale made an
attack, r Other disasters to vessels might, be
cited, which were occasioned l>y the attack of,
or by coming in collision with, the colossal
Cachalot. The ferocit- of many old male Sperm
Whales has been fully demonstrated by their
attii'L..! on boats, aid to diKtunguish them from
other whales they are oiK'U called "eating
whales." According to the author of the Arctic
Whaleman, an instance occurred with the boats
of ihe ship Cilitcn, upon the Atlantic Ocean, in
the year 1851, where, after the whale had been
struck, lanced, ond while spouting blood, he made
an attack and demolished one boat, after which
he gave chase to another; but the fifth boat,
having been dispatched from thp ship to the res-
cue, came up just in time to divert th<) animars
attention, when ho turned upon it. By the dex-
terous management of the captain, who had como

in this relief boat, the whale was foiled in his
attempt to destroy it. In the midst of the fray,
the bleeding animal caught sight of the ship,
which was approaching the boats under flowing
sails. Instantly the enraged animal made for
the vessel; while those on board, being advised
of the fact, put the ciuft before the wind to
avoid him. On the whule came ; but, owing to
the increased speed of th-) ship, he shot past
the stern a few feet, and soon after went into
his "flurry," and "turned up," when he was
taken to the vessel, "cut in," and "tried out,"
yielding seventy -five barrels of oil. Another
instance, somewhat similar, occurred to the boats
of the bark Athalia. In this case, however, the
whale, after staving a boat, not being content
with the manner in which he destroyed it,
went deliberately at the renmins and chewed
them into fine pieces. These instances are
only mentioned as among scores of other simi-
lar cases \ ''lich might bo given. And wo have
no doubt but that many vessels which have
sailed from port, and never been heard of after,
have suffered wreck through Cachalots.

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH WESTERN COAST.

it is instantly crushed, aid a portion or all is swallowed. This hypothesis of the
mode in which the animal feeds may be correct. As to the nature of its food
there is no question, ioc it is well known that the ceplialopods are its main
dependence; yet occasionally the codfish, albicoro, and bouito, are laid under con-
tribution.* But the true aod natural way in which this great rover of the hidden

♦Relative to the food of the Sperm Whale,
Vie quote the following from Beale's interesting
account of the Sepia octopus:

NATUltE OF THE SPERM WHALE's FOOD.

The Sej)ia octopus, or "sea squid," as it is
termed by whalers, sometimes reaches an enor-
mous size. Mr. Henrj' Baker, F. R. S., in the
Philosophical Transactions for 1758, p. 777, after
having given an interesting description of a
specimen, sent to him for examination by the
Earl of Macclesfield, states that it can, by spread-
ing its arms abroad like a net, so fetter and
entangle the prey they inclose, when they are
drawn together, as to render it incapable of ex-
erting its strength ; for, however feeble these
branches or arms may Li t;ingly, their power
united becomes surprising ; and we are assured
■ — Nature is so kind to these animals— that if in
their struggles any of their arms are broken off,
after some time they v/ill grow again, of which
a specimen at the British Museum is an un-
doubted proof, for a little new arm is there seen
sprouting forth in the room of a large one which
had becu lost. "It is evident," ho continues,
"from what has been said, that the sea polypus,
or octopus, must bo terrible to the 'nhabitanta
of the waters, in projiortion to its tize ( Pliny
mentions one, whose arms were thirty feet in
length), fo.' t,he close embraces of its arms and
adhesion of its suckers must render the efl'ovts of
its prey inefl'ectual, either for escape or resist-
ance, unless it be endowed with an cxtraordi-
ary degree of strength." Of the smaller genera
of these animals, thj reader will find some in-
teresting details, by referring to the appendix to
Turhci/'s Voyagi: to the. Comjo, vol. iii. There is
also an account of a newly discovered cepha-
lopod, in the appendix to Sir J. Ross' Voi/aije to
the Antarctic Hcyions. A gigantic c;ephalopod was
discovered by Drs. Bank and Holander, in Capt.
Cook's first voyage, floating dead upon the sea,
surrounded by birds, who were feeding on its

remains. From the parts of this specimen which
arc still preserved in the Hunteriau Collection,
and which have always strongly excited the at-
tention of naturalists, it must have measured at
least six feet from the end of t'le tail to the
end of the tentacles. But this last we must
imagine a mere pigmy, when we consider the
enormous dimensions of the one spoken of by
Dr. Schewediawer, in the Philosophical Transac-
tions, vol. Ixxiii, p. 220, whose tentaculum, or
limb, measured twenty-B0\en feet in length; but
let the doctor speak for himself. "One of the
gentlemen," says he, "who was so kind as to
communicate to me his observations on this sub-
ject (ambergris), also, ten years ago, hooked a
Spermaceti Whale that had in its mouth a ten-
taculum of the Sepia octopoda nearly twenty-
seven feet long 1 This did not appear its whole
length, for one end was corroded by digestion,
so that ill its natural state it may have been a
great deal longer. When we consider," says the
Doctor, "the enormous bulk of the tentaculum
here spoken of, wo shall cease to wonder at the
common saying of the fishermen, that the cut-
tle-fish is tl"i largest fish of the ocean." In
Todd's Cycloixvdia of Analomij, p. 529, treating
of Ccphdlopda, in an admirable paper by Mr.
Owen, it states, that "the natives of the Poly-
nesian Islands, who dive for shell -fish, have a
well-foundud dread and abhorrence of these
formidable cephalopods, and one can not feel
suiijrised thiit their fears should have perhaps
exaggomted their dimensions and destructive at-
tributes.'' The same learned writer, after having
beautifully doscril)ed another animal of the same
order, observes: "Let the reader picture to hira-
Bolf the projecting margin of the horny hook de-
veloped into a long- curved, sharp - pointed claw,
and these weaponn clustered at the expanded
terminations of iho tentacles and arranged in a
double alternate series, along the whole internal
surface of the eight muscular feet, and ho will
have some idea of the formidable nature of the

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THE SPERM WHALE.

depths seeks and devours its animal food, is still tinged with mystery. In past
years it was commonly believed that the Cachalot s home was in the fathomless
depths of the ocean, and that only a few stragglers were occasionally met with
near coast waters of moderate depth. But we find abundant proof, and from our
own observations, too, that they are met with and have been captured in waters

carniverouB Onychoteuthis." This species of ceph-
alopod is thus armed with those kind of teeth
at the termination of the tentacles, ju order
to sec. the "agile, slippery, and mucus-clad
fishes" on which it preys. And there is an in-
stance recorded in Sir Grenville Temple's Excur-
sions in the Mediterranean, by which we perceive
that these terrible creatures sometimes prey upon
men! "In those shallow waters," saj's Sir Gren-
ville, "are caught great quantities of fish, by
forming curved lines or palisades some way out
to sea with palm branches, by which the fish
that come up with the high water are detained
when it recedes. The homd jjolypus, which is,
however, greedily eaten, abounds, and some are
of enormous size. They prove at times highly
dangerous to bathers. An instance of this oc-
curred two years since. A Sardinian captain,
bathing at Jerbeh, felt one of his feet in the
grasp of one of these animals ; on this, with his
other foot ho tried to disengage himself, but this
limb was immediately seized by another of the
monster's arms ; he then, with his hands, en-
deavored to free himself, but these, also, in suc-
cession, were firmly grasped by the polypus, and
the poor man was shortly after found drowned,
with all his limbs strongly bound together by
the arms and legs of the fish; and it was extra-
ordinaiy, that where this happened, the water
was scarcely four feet in depth!" Other species
of these surprising animals, as the Calamarics,
or "flying squid," as they are termed by the
whalers, have the power of propelling themselves
through the atmosphere. "There is good reason
for believing," says Mr. Owen, "that some of
the small, slender -bodied, subulate species of this
genus arc enabled to strike the water with such
force as to raise themselves above the surface,
and dart, like tho flying -fish, for a short dis-
tance through tho air." I have myself seen,
veiy frequently, while in tho North and South
Pacific, tens of thousands of these animals dart
simultaneously out of the water, when i^ursued

MAniNE Mamhalh. — II.

Ly tho albicore, or dolphins, and propel them-
selves head first, in a horizontal clirection, for
eighty or a hundred yards, assisting their pro-
gression, probably, by a rotatory or screwing
motion of their arms or tentacles, and which they
have the power of thus moving with a singular
velocity. This species, also, as well as the large
Onychoteuthis, I am led to believe, often serves
the Sperm Whale with food. I have seen, on
several occasions, very large limbs of the latter
species of squid floating on the surface of the
ocean, appearing as if bitten off by some ani-
mal— most probably by tho Sperm Whale — for
when these remains have been seen, I have al-
ways looked most anxiously for these animals,
and have never been disappointed in seeing them
within a few hours afterward. One day, being
on tho coast of Peru, off Paita Head, as it is
called, which lies in about tho latitude of five
degrees south, I was startled by seeing a remark-
able-looking animal raising itself c^uickly to the
surface of the sea by means of a number of very
long flexible arms, which it threw about witli
great precision, in a rotatory or screwing -like
motion, so that it appeared to move itself through
the water with the same kind of action that an
eight -pronged corkscrew would maintain in pass-
ing through any penetrable substance. This curi-
ous animal, however, quickly disappeared ; and it
was not until I explained its apiJearance to the
captain, that I knew it to be a squid. On an-
other occasion, while upon the Bonin Islands,
searching for shells upon the rocks, which had
just been loft by tho receding sea-tido, I was
much astonished at seeing at my feet a most ex-
traordinary looking animal, crawling toward the
surf, which had only just left it. I had never
seen one like it under such circumstances before;
it therefore appeared tho moio remarkable. It
was creeping on its eight logs, which, from their
soft and flexible nature, bent considerably under
tho weight of its body, so that it was lifted by
the efforts of its tentacula only, a small distance

S2 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

Tvhero the soundings wore not over one hundred and fifty fathoms, and frequently
not over sixty or seventy : for example, off San Bartolome Baj', coast of Califor-
nia ; also about Point Abraojos on the same coast, and near Asuncion Island, which
is midway between the first named points.

It has been previously remarked that the elongated under jaw of the Sperm
Whale, with its bristling teeth, is its chief arm of attack and defense, and tlie agile
manner in which the animal uses it when upon or near the surface is quite sur-

from the rocks. It appearetl much alarmeil at
seeinnf mo, and made every effort to escape, while
I was not much in the humor to endeavor to
capture so ugly a customer, whose .ippearance
excited a feeling of disgust, not unmixed with
fear. I, however, endeavored to prevent its ca-
reer, by pressing on one of its legs with my foot ;
but although I made use of considerable force
for that purpose, its strength was so great that
it several times quickly liberated its member, in
sijite of all the efforts I could employ in this
way on wet slipperj' rocks. I now laid hold of
one of the tentacles with my hand, and held it
fiiTnly, so that the limb appeared as if it would
be torn asunder by our united strength. I soon
gave it n powerful jerk, wishing to disengage it
from the rocks to which it clung so forcibly by
its suckers, which it effectually resisted ; but a
moment after, the apparently enraged animal
lifted its head, with its large eyes projecting
from the middle of its body, and letting go its
hold of the rocks, suddenly sprung upon my
arm, which I had previously bared to my shoul-
der, for the purpose of thrusting it into holes
in the rocks to discover shells, and clung with
its suckers to it with great power, endeavoring
to get its beak, which I could now see between
the roots of its arms, in a position to bite. A
sensation of horror pervaded my whole frame
when I found this monstrous animal had affixed
itself so firmly upon my arm. Its cold slimy
grasp was extremely sickening, and I immedi-
ately called aloud to the .aptain, who was also
searching for shells at some distance, to come
and release me from my disgusting assailant.
He quickly arrived, and taking me down to the
boat, during which time I wan employed in
keeping the beak away from my haiid, quickly
released me by destroying my tormtntor with
the boat-knife, when I disengaged it by por-
tions at a time. This animal must have meas-

ured across its expanded arms about four feet,
while its body was not larger than n large
clenched hand. It was that species of Scjna
which is coiled by whalers 'rock squid.'" Thus
are these remarkable creatures, from the differ-
ent adaptation of their tentacles, and slight
modifications of their bodies, capable of sailing,
flying, swimming, and creeping on shore ; while
their senses, if we may judge from the elaborate
mechanism of their organs, must possess corre-
sponding acuteness and perfection. But for the
description o£ the anatomy of these animals, I
must refer the reader to Mr. Owen's masterly
paper on that subject, in Todd's Cyclopiedia of
Analpmij, above quoted.

Having thus quoted from Doctor Beale on
the nature of the Sperm Whale's food, we will
add another quotation, relative to ambergris;

Though ambergris, even during the sixteenth
centuiy, appeared to bo much valued as a mer-
cantile commoditj' by the English, it is curious
we knew nothing of its source, and very little
of the use which was made of it in other coun-
tries. In the year 1G72, wo find the Honorable
Robert Boyle claiming the honor of having dis-
covered its source, from a manuscript which was
found on board a Dutch East-Indiaman, which
had fallen into our hands by the chance of war.
This precious document stated, that "amber-
greese is not the scum or excrement of the
whale, but issues out of the root of a tree,
which tree, howsoever it stands on the land,
alwaics shoots forth its roots towards the seo,
seeking the warmth of it, thereby to deliver the
fattest gum that comes ■>\it of it, which tree
otherwise by its copious fatness might be burnt
and destroyed : wherever that fat gum is shot into
the sea, it is so tough that it is not easily
broken from the root, unless its own weight and

THE SPERM WHALE.

prising. It opens and shuts its mouth, if need be, in a twinkling, or it throws the
lower jaw down to nearly a right angle with its body, or sways it from side to side
at an astonishing angle, when we take into consideration the distance between the
condyles at their junction with the animal's head. "When the creature essays to
grasp a large object on the water, it instantly rolls over to bite ; but docs it necessa-
rily follow that the same attitude must be maintained when obtaining its food in the
abyss beneath? Or is it impossible that this protruding jaw of massive bone and

the working of the -warm sea cloth it, and so it
floats on tho sea; there was found by a souldier
seven -eighths of a pound, and by the chief two
pieces, weighing five pounds. If you plant the
trees where the stream sets to the shore, then
the stream will cast it up to great advantage !
March 1st, 1G72, in Batavia." (Phil. Trans., vol.
viii, p. C133.)

But notwithstanding the above statement, Doc-
tor Thomas Brown, in his work published a few
years afterward (1G8G), in his description of a
Sperm Whale which was thrown on the coast of
Norfolk, states that "in vain it was to rake for
ambergriese in the paunch of this leviatlian, as
Greenland discoverers, and attests of experience
dictate, that they sometimes swallow great lumps
thereof in the sea — insufferable fetor denying that
iuquirj' ; ond yet, if as Paracelsus cncourageth,
ordure makes the best musk, and from tho most
feted substances may be drawn the most odorif-
erous essences, all that had not Vesx^asiau's uoso
might boldly swear there was a substance for
such extractions;" which proves that the doctor
still suspected that the ambergris was found iu
the Sperm Whale, although it was found by
this animal floating in the sea, and swallowed
by it in "great lumps!" But it was reserved
for Doctor Boylston, of Boston, to enlighten
mauldnd upon this important subject, nnd he
thei'efore claims tho discovery of its source in
the following manner: "Tho most learned part
of mankind are still at loss about many things
even in medical use, and jiarticularly were so
in what is called ambergris, until our whale
fishermen of Nantucket, in New England, some
three or four years past made the discovery.
Their account to mo is this : Cutting up a
spei-macoti bull-whale, they found, accidentally,
in him, about twenty pounds weight, more or
less, of that drug; after which, they and other
Buch fishermen became very curious in searching

all such whales they killed, and it has been
since found in lesser quantities in several male
whales of that kind, and in no other, and that
scarcely in one of a hundred of them. They
add further, that it is contained in a cyst or
bag, without any inlet or outlet to it, and that
they have sometimes found the bag empty and
yet entire ; tho bag is nowhere to bo found but
near the genital parts of the fish. Tho amber-
gris is when first taken out moist, and of an
exceedingly strong and offensive smell." This
letter was written to tho Royal Society in 1724.
(Phil. Trans., vol. xxxiii, j). 193.)

In the same year, however, wo have another
letter from America, written to tho Royal Society
by the Honorable Paul Dudley, F. R. S., who,
lifter telling us that tho old Si^erm Whales carry
their young ones "on the flukes of their tails,
who with their fins clasp about the small, and
hold themselves on," also says, "•one of our
country doctors tells me that the tooth of this
fish (Sperm Whale) shaved or powdered, and
so infused in liquor, equals tho hartshorn, and
has been used in the small -pox, and given to
lying-in women in case of sickness, with suc-
cess!— the quantity is as much as will lie uijou
an English shilling." Farther on in the same
letter ho states, "I meddle not hero with tho
jirccioiiti ambergris found in this whale, because
I design to close tho whole with that discovery."
And hero is his conclusion: "But truth," says
he, "is tho daughter of time; it ia now at
length found out, that occuUum naturw is au
animal iiroduction, and bred in the body of tho
Spermaceti Whale. I doubt not," he continues,
"but in process of time some further particulars
may be procured with respect to ambergris, and
I shall bo proud to transmit them; in tho mean
time I hope the Society will accept of this first
essay, and allow my poor country tho honor of
discovering, or at least ascertaining, tho origin

ivory is not sometimes employed to remove the kraken from its slimy bee
that as it may, however, it is our belief that all Cetaceans occasionally re<
the bottom of the ocean, sea, or inland waters, as well as rise to the suri
breathe and display their various attitudes. We also regard the Cachalot i
to descend to a greater depth and remain there a longer time than any
whale ; and that it evinces, in its characteristic movements or evolutions, a
riority over all other cetaceous animals that have come under our observatio

and nature of ambergris." {Phil. Trans., vol.
xxxiii.)

In a paper which was read before the Royal
Society by Doctor Schwediawer, in 1783, re-
specting the medicinal properties of ambergr's,
he remarks, that "if we wish to see any medi-
cal efifecta from this substance, we must cer-
tainly not expect them from two or three
grains, but give rather as many scniples of it
for a dose ; though even then I should not
expect much from it, as I have taken of pure
unadulterated ambergris in powder thirty grains
at once, without observing the least sensible
effect from it. A sailor, however, who had the
curiosity to try the effects of some recent
ambergris upon himself, took half an ounce of
it melted upon the fire, and found it a good
purgative, which proves that it is not quite
inert." {mi. Trans., vol. lx.xii, p. 22G.)

In 1791, the attention of the government was
drawn to this subject, in order to discover if it
could be more frequently found. When Captain
Coffin was examined at the bar of the House of
Commons on the subject, he stated that he
had lately brought home three hundred and
sixty -two ounces, troy, of this costly substance,
which he had found in the anus of a female
Sperm Whale that he had captured off the
coast of Guinea, and which he stated was very
bony and sickly. At the time he brought this
quantity to England, the ambergris was selling
for twenty -five shillings an ounce, but he stated
he sold his for nineteen shillings and sixpence
per ounce, to a broker, who exported it to Tur-
key, Germany, and France, among the natives
of which it appears to have been long celebrated
for its aphrodisiacal properties. "The use of
ambergris," says Brande, "in Europe is now
nearly confined to perfumery, though it has
formerly been used in medicine by many emi-
nent physicians. In Asia and part of Africa,

ambergris is not only used as a medic
perfume, but considerable use is also i
it in cooking, by adding it to several d
a spice. A great quantity of it is also c
ly bought by the pilgrims who travel to
probably to offer it there, and make ui
in fiunigations, in the same manner as
cense is used in Catholic countries. Th
make use of it as au aphrodisiac. Our
ers add it to scented pastiles, candleE
bottles, gloves, and hair powder; and its
is mixed with pomatum for the face and
either alone or united with musk, the
smell is to some persons extremely o
Ambergris may be known to be genuin
fragrant scent when a hot needle or
thrust into it, and its melting like fat o
form consistence, whereas the counter!
not yield such a smell, nor prove of sui
texture. One thing, however, is very
able, that a resemblance to the smell
drug, which is the most agreeable of
perfumes, should be produced by a pre]
of one of the most odious of all sub
Mr. Romberg found that a vessel in w
had made a long digestion of human fte
quired a very strong and perfect smell
bergris, insomuch that any one wouL
thought that a great quantity of ess
ambergris had been made in it; the j
was so strong and offensive that the ves
to be removed from the laboratory! (j
3fanual of Chemistry, p. 594.) Ambergris
to be nothing but the hardened faeces
Spermaceti Whale, which is pretty well
from its being mixed so intimately w
refuse of its food (the squids' beaks]
Enderby has a fine specimen of this sul
six or seven inches long, which bears v
dent marks of having been molded by tb
portion of the rectum of the whale.

iMi

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CHAPTER IX.
THE DOLPHTNS.

In addition to tne whalebone whales, and the Cachalot, which have b'-en de-
scribed in the preceding pages as frequenting the North-western Coast of North
America, many species of Dolphins are also found. Those coming under our ob-
servation a^e known as the Blackfish {GlobiocepMus Scammmii), the Killer (Orca),
the "W'titefish {Hduga), the Bay Porpoise {Phocmna vomerim), the Striped or Com-
mon Porpoise {Lagemrhymhus obliquidens), Baird's Dolphin {Ddphinus Bairdii), the
Right Whale Porpoise {Leucorhamphus borealis), the Cowfish {Tursiops GiUii), the
White-headed or Mottled Grampus {Grampus Stearnsii), the Bottle-nosed Grampus,
the Panama Grampus, the Puget Sound Grampus, the San Diego Bay Grampus, the
Square -headed Grampus, the Brown -sided Dolphin of Santa Barbara Channel, and
tlie Narwhal {Monodou monoceros). All these species are covered with a coating
of fat, or blubber, varvin<f in thickness from one -half of one inch to fovr inches.

SECTION I. -THE BLACKFISH.

Globiocephalus Scammonu, Co2)e. (Plate xvi.)

Blacklish are generally found wherever Sperm Whales resort, but in many in-
stances they congregate in much larger numbers, and range nearer the const, than
the regular feediuf- grounds of the latter. Altliough subsisting almost entirely upon
the same kind of food — the "squid," or octopus — still, at times, when schools of
them visit bays or lagooi.s, they prey upon ■■ -^ small flsh swarming in those shal-
low waters. In Magdalena Pay we have seer them in moderate numbers, appearing
as much at home miles from sea as the t ommon Porpoise or the Cowfish. They
collect in schools, from ten or twenty up to hundreds, and when going along upon
the surface of the sea, there is less of the rising and falling movement than with
the Porpoise, ; nl their spoutings, before "going down," are irregular, both in num-
ber and time between respirations. If the animal is moving quickly, much of the
head and body is exposed. Whalemen call this going "eye out." In low latitudes,

86 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST

during perfectly calm weather, it is not unfrequcnt to find a herd of th
quite still, huddled together promiscuously, making no spout and seeming
a rest. Sometimes they assume a perpendicular attitude, with a portion of
above the water, as does the Sperm Whale.

On the 14th of December, 1862, on the coast of Lower California, ir
31°, laud ten miles distant, a school of Blackfish was "raised." The be
immediately lowered and gave chase, and three fish were taken. The lai
was a male, and measured accurately as follows :

Length 1

Depth of body

Circumference of body

Expansion of flukes I

Brendth of flukes

From end of head to Bpout-holes

From end of head to eye

From end of liead to dorsal flu

Length of pectorals

Erom end of head to pectorals

Extreme width of jiectorals

Opening of mouth

Length of dorsal fin, along the back

Extreme lengtli of dorsal fin, upper edge

Extreme width of dorsal fin

From notch of flukes to vent

From notch of flukes to genital sLc

Extension of spout-hole across the head . . i

The breadth of the body, just forward of the Fide fins, was twenty-tw
The number of teeth on each side of the upper jaw varies from ten to tv
the lower one from eight to ten ; the jirotruding parts being from one-
three- fourths of an incli in length. Tlio outline of the head shows its s
erally, and also the spiracle, which is of half- circle sliape, opening i
as the spout ascends, and closing up\var'1 when it has escaped. The jet
rise above two or three feet, and its direction is at a rigiit angle Avitli t
when not alTocted by the wind. From all that we can learn of their
habitvS, they bring forth liieir young at any time, or in any part of the
nccessitj' may require. 0(1" the Oulf of Dulce, coast of Guatemala, in '
185.*?, a foetus a yard long was taken from an adult measuring tliirt
III the same school from which this female was captured, wo saw sever

THE DOLPHINS. 87

ones, apparently about the same size as the above mentioned foetus, and doubtless
this animal, had it not been disturbed, would have soon played in its native ele-
ment. The Blackfish is taken for its oil, which is, however, much inferior to that
of tlie Sperm Whale. The yield is small compared to its size, it being from ten
to twenty -five feet in length, and producing from ton gallons to ten barrels of oil.
The blubber varies in thickness from one to four inches ; its color is nearly white.
The flesh of the Blackfish is like coarse beef, and after being exposed to the air
for a few days, then properly cooked, is by no means unsavory food, and is often
used by whalemen as a substitute for the fresh meat of land animals. The same
may be said of the different species of porpoises. Formerly, Blackfish were found
in large luunbers on the coast of Lower California, particularly about Capo St-
Lucas, and up the Gulf of California ; but probably, from the same cause as made
mention of concerning Sperm Whales, these grounds are now seldom frequented by
them.

Although the Blackfish is taken for its oil, it is not an object of pursuit by
the whaler, like the balajnas and the Cachalot. Sperm whalers do not lower their
boats for Blackfish, when on Sperm Whale ground, unless the day is far spent, or
tliere is little prospect of "seeing whales." The northern or polar whale- ships pay
Ijut little attention to them, except, perhaps, when passing the time "between sea-
sons," cruising within or about the tropics. Occasionally a small vessel is fitted
out for hunting the lilackfish and Sperm Whali', carrying a proportionately limited
crow, thereby making the capture of tliis ^ .,f the smaller Cetaceans profital)le.

AVhen a ship's boat is lowered for Blackfish, .ue chase begins as for other whales;
althougli many masters have their boats all ready, an<l run just ahead of, or into
a "school," with the ship, before lowering, by which ni-ins the a; imals are so
frightened or "galiied," that they "bring to," or move slowly in all directions,
giving the boate, which arc instantly lowered, a good chance to "get fast ' The
harpoon frequently kills the fish ; if not, a few darts with the hand - lance dis-
patch it. As soon as it is dead, the prize almost invariably Muks ; and if the
ship is close at hand, it is towed to the vessel at once ; but if a considerable
distance away, it is cither made fast to the "loggerhead" at the stem the boat,
or a buoy is tied to it and loft, lo be afterward recovered; the boji .4i!l continu-
ing the chase. In this way quite a number are captured from one school. The
favorite resorts of IMackfish, along the coasts of North and South America, on the
Tacific side, are ofi" Guatemala, Equador, and Peru ; yet their geographical distribu-
tion is occasionally extended .o high northern and southern latitudes.

88 . MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.
SECTION n.-TIIE ORCA, OR KILLER.

(Plato svii.)

The Orca — a cetaceous animal, commonly known as the "Kil.jr" — is one of
the largest members of the Dolphin famil}'. The length of the adult males may
average twenty feet, and the females fifteen feet. The body is covered with a
coating of white fot, or blubber, yielding a pure, transparent oil. An extremely
prominent dorsal fin, placed about two -fifths of the length of the body from the
end of the animal's beak, distinguishes it from all other Dolphins. In the largest
species {Orca redipinna) this prominent upper limb stands quite erect, reaches the
height of six foot, is dagger -shaped, and frequently turns over sideways at it3
extremity. In the animals of more moderate size, the fin is broader at the base,
less in altitude, and is slightly curved backward, while upon others it is shorter
still, and broader in proportion at its junction with the back, and is more frlcated.

The Orea rectipinna, so far as we have observed, is more slender in its propor-
tions, and is less marked with white or liglit spots than the others. It is usually,
in color, jet-black above and lighter below; yet many of inferior size are most
beautifully variegated, the colors being almost as vividly contrasted as in the stripes
of the tiger of India. Some individuals have a clear white spot, of oblong shape,
just behind the eyes, and a maroon band, of nearly crescent shape, adorning the
back, behind the dorsal fin, which it more than half encircles. In others, the
marks behind the eyes and dorsal are of a yellowish tinge, and usually, when this
occurs, a small patch of light shade borders the semicirclod exterior spout- hole.
The dorsal band is somewhat pointed at the centre of its convex side, and, when
looked at from behind the creature, nearly assumes the form of a heart. The
under side of the pectorals and the caudal fin are generally of a milk-white or
cream color, bordered by a darker shade ; and the netlier portion of the body is
white, with patches of the same color edging the sides. The lioud of the Orca is
more pointed than that of the Blackfisli {Glohioccphalus), but less so than chat of
the Bay Porpoise {Phocccna vomcrina), to which it bears a resemblance. Its eyes
appear sharp and prominent in comparison with other Cetaceans, which in a modified
degree indicates the animal's disposition. Its mouth is armed with strong, sharp,
conical teeth, wliich interlock, like those of the smaller Dolphins,'" and its whole

* In tbo lioad-bonos of two Rpocimcus which the upper anil lower jaws, wore, respectively,
wu exaiuiueil, the number of teeth ou each of twelve and thirteen.

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' 1'^" '■ ' -r ■• 1 --^ iiTi.ioni, :ii 'N-'iupar-KK! \'=*\
"'■''■ ;>'•.•.'■ , :,:;;"> i|s 'iMpo-'iUoa, ^v,
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4i4>JiLaiiu"^jjl(pi|ilf^!ij (iiiji 'i!^^

Plate xvn

C.A! i'Mifi.^KJi' jfl

ORCAS CR tCILLERV.
1. ORCA RECTIPiHNA,COP| E QRCA ATER, uCPF. 3 O '^CA > ATtK , / ft « ! .

(.(/ft riOi'lMiA Rsy

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rn— iiiiV<ii(niftB

THE DOLPHINS. 89

formation combines great strength with agility — if wc exclude its towering upper
fin, with which the largest are furnished. This protuberance, on account of its
extraordinary elongation, imparts to the animal a very unwieldy appearance ; and,
as it vibrates in the air when the creature rolls to and fro, or makes its sidelong
bounds over the waves, appears to be a great burden, and to require much effort
on the part of the wearer to keep right-side up. Its two spiracles, which unite in
one at their orifice, situated above and behind the eyes, are covered by a cartilagi-
nous valve, which opens and closes on its posterior side at every respiration. The
vapor or spout emitted is "low and bushy," like that of the Blackfish. The animal
is entirely free from parasites, its scarf-skin being beautifully smooth and glossy.

Until recently, we Avere under the impression that the short- finned Killers
upon the western coast of North America were inhabitants especially of the frosty
regions ; but recent observations prove that they frequent both the high and low
latitudes. Indeed, they may be regarded as marine beasts, that roam over every
ocean ; entering bays and lagoons, where they spread terror and death among the
mammoth balfcnas and the smaller species of dolphins, as well as pursuing the
seal and walrus, devouring, in their marauding expeditions up swift rivers, num-
berless salmon or other large fishes that may come in their way. It is well known
that there are several species of Orcas, incident to their wide geographical distribu-
tion, which includes every zone and hemisphere ; but those we have described are,
to our knowledge, found in the waters of the Pacific, in the Okhotsk and Behring
seas, and through Behring Strait into the Arctic Ocean. The habits of the Killers
exhibit a boldness and cunning peculiar to their carnivorous propensities. At times
they are seen in schools, undulating over the waves — two, three, six, or eight
abreast — and, with the long, pointed fins above their arched backs, together with
their varied marks and colors, they present a pleasing and somewhat military aspect.
But generally they go in small squads — less than a dozen — alternately showing
themselves upon the surface of the water, or gliding just below, when nothing will
be visible but their projecting dorsals ; or they disport themselves by rolling, tum-
bling, and leaping nearly out of water, or cutting various antics with their flukes.
At such times, they usually move rapidly over the surface of the sea, and soon
disappear in the distance.

Both the high and low finned Orcas are found in the same school ; yet we
have occasionally seen those with the lowest and most falcated fins exclusively by
themselves. Three or four of these voracious animals do not hesitate to grapple
with the largest baleen whales ; and it is surprising to see those leviathans of
the deep so completely paralyzed by the presence of their natural, although

Mahikk Masimals. — 12.

90 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

diminutive, enemies. Frequently the terrified animal — comparatively of enormous
size and superior strength — evinces no effort to escape, but lies in a helpless con-
dition, or makes but little resistance to the assaults of its merciless destroyers,
The attack of these wolves of the ocean upon their gigantic prey may be likened
in some respects, to a pack of hounds holding the stricken deer at bay. Thej
cluster about the animal's head, some of their number breaching over it, whih
others seize it by the lips and haul the bleeding monster under water ; and wher
captured, should the mouth be open, they eat out its tongue. We saw an attack
made by three Killers upon a cow whale and her calf, in a lagoon on the coast of
Lower California, in the spring of 1858. The whale was of the Californiii Graj
species, and her young was grown to three times the bulk of the largest Killers
engaged in the contest, which lasted for an hour or more. They made alternate
assaults upon the old whale and her ofTspring, finally killing the latter, which sunk
to the bottom, where the water was five fathoms deep. During the struggle, the
mother became nearly exhausted, having received several deep wounds about the
throat and lips. As soon as their prize had settled to the bottom, the three Orcas
descended, bringing up largo pieces of flesh in their mouths, which they devourec
after coming to the surface. While gorging themselves in this wise, the old whale
made her escape, leaving a track of goiy water behind. Instances have been known
on the North-western Coast, where a band of Orcas laid siege to whales that hac
been killed by whalemen, and which were being towed to the ship, in so deter-
mined a manner, that, although they were frequently lanced and cut with boat-
spades, they took the dead animals from their human captors, and hauled them
under water, out of sight. The Orca, however, does not always live on sucl
gigantic food ; and we incline to the belief that it is but rarely these carnivora oi
the sea attack the larger Cetaceans, but chiefly prey with great rapacity upon theii
young. The Orca finds its principal food in the smaller species of its own genus
together with seals and the larger fislics, as before mentioned. For several season;
we had watched them about the seal islands of California, and came to the con
elusion that they subsisted on the fish found around the edge of the kelp whicl
fringes the shores. By chance, however, we were so fortunate as to take one a
the island of Asuncion, and, on examining its stomach, found it filled with younj
seals. At the time it was the height of the sealing season, and the beaches arounc
the island were lined with innumerable herds ; and, although there were sealing
parties about the rocks from early dawn until dusk of evening, no one ever sav
these savage animals molest the seals that were continually swimming about in ver^
large numbers. Subsequently, wo had an excellent opportunity to observe them a

THE DOLPHINS. 01

the island of Santa Barbara, in animated pursuit of their proy. Only four of the
short- finned Killers were in the band. It was a windy day, and a heavy surf
beat liigh and spitefully against the rugged points and bluflfs, which seemed to
arouse both aquatic beast and bird into most unusual activity, for the gulls and
eagles hovered and swooped above, watching to snatch any morsel that might
drop from the murderous jaws of the pursuing Killers, who were making the circuit
of the island, apparently intent on surprising any unwary seal that might be play-
ing in the surge; and upon meeting with one they would instantly dive after it,
or bound over the projecting rocky points in hot chase, as the surf swept over
them ; but as soon as thoy discovered our boat, they dashed their flukes in the
air, and made off for the open sea. Even the largest male sea- lions endeavor to
avoid the Orcas ; for whenever the latter are about the rocks and islets, those
howling monsters seek a safe retreat on shore.

That the Orca is possessed of great swiftness is undeniable, when we realize
the fivct that the numerous species of Dolphins are overtaken by them and literally
swallowed alive. Eschricht, in his interesting memoir on The Northern Species of
Orca, states that it had been known to swallow four porpoises in succession, and
that thirteen of these animals, together with fourteen seals, had been found in the
maw of one of these greedy creatures, which measured only sixteen feet in length,
rho fierce character of the Orca, and the nature of its food, necessarily bring its
liaunts at or near the coast; and the sounds and bays, which teem with every
raricty of marine animal life, are much more frequently its feeding -grounds than
he periodical abodes of the balsenas, which are farther out in the ocean. The vast
let -work of inland waters on the western coasts of British Columbia and Alaska
s a favorite resort for the Orcas throughout the year. In the fishing season we
lavc met with them in the vicinity of the Nass River, exhibiting their variously
igurod dorsals and colored marks, as they made their gambols or shot out upon the
surface in the chase. Duiiug the early spring months the oulacon literally choke
he mouth of the Nass, and here the seals and porpoises congregate to fill them-
lelves to repletion from the myriads of those minnows ; and, in turn, in obedience
o the laws of nature, the Orcas are found here, pursuing and devouring the ene-
nies of the "small fish."* They will sometimes be seen peering above the surface
vith a seal in their bristling jaws, shaking and crushing their victims, and
wallowing them apparently with great gusto; or, should no other game present
tself, porpoises and salmon may fill their empty maws, or a Humpback or Finback
vhale may furnish them an ample repast.

♦"Small fish" is thfr common name for outacoM.

92 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

' ... • .

Farther northward, among the icy regions, the Orca delights in the pursui

and destruction of the White Whale, or Beluga, and in robbing the walrus of iti

helpless offspring. The tender flesh and rich fat of the White Whale furnishes then

with choice food ; but, as if not content with satiating their own greed, they seen

j to aina at the total destruction of their victims, by tearing the whole animal int(

\ fragments. Captain IlolboU writes of the Greenland Killers as follows: "In th(

year 1827, I was myself an eye-witness of a great slaughter performed by thes(
rapacious animals. A shoal of belugas had been pursued by these blood -thirstj
animals into a bay in the neighborhood of Godhaven, and were there literally ton
to pieces by them. Many more of the belugas were killed than eaten ; so that the
Greenlanders, besides their own booty, got a good share of that of the Killers."

It has been said that even the full-grown walrus, although armed with lonj
tusks, is fearful of the Orca ; but in relation to that, we have nothing in our notei
of observation to substantiate the assertion. It is true, the ponderous creaturei
will crawl upon the ice with their little ones to avoid the Killers, but it seem!
to be only for the purpose of keeping their cherished young beyond the reach ol
their enemies. Sometimes the cub will mount upon its mother's back for refuge
clinging to it with instinctive solicitude. When in this apparentlj'- safe position
the rapacious Orca quickly dives, and, coming up under the parent animal, with i
spiteful thud throws the young one from the dam's back into the water, when ii
a twinkling it is seized, and, with one crush, devoured by its adversary.

Conjpared with other species of the Dolphin tribe, the Orcas are not numer
ous, neither do they usually go u\ large shoals or schools, like the jjorpoises anc
Blackfish. Their mating season, or time of gestation, is a matter of conjecture
probably in this respect they are similar to the Sperm Whale. We have met witl
them in midwinter, in the Gulf of Georgia and along the northern coast as far ai
Sitka, as often as at other seasons of the year, showing plainly that they arc no
confined to warm latitudes, nor migrate from the colder climates during the rigor
ous months. They are seldom captured by civilized whalemen, as their varied ant
irregular movements make the pursuit difficult, and the product of oil is even lesi
than that of the Blackfish, in proportion to their size. The Makah Indians, how
ever, occasionally pursue and take them about Cape Flattery, in Washington Terri
tory, as they consider their flesh and fat more luxurious food than the largei
baljcnas, or rorquals. But, in whatever quarter of the world the Orcas are found
they seem always intent upon seeking something to destroy or devour.

THE DOLPHINS. 93

SECnC N m.-THE WHITEFISH. OR WHITE WHALE.

Beluoa, n. sp.? (Plate xviii, fig. 1.)

Our opportunities for observing this beautiful member of the Dolphin family
have been as follows: In the Okhotsk Sea, along the coast of Eastern Siberia,
during the summer of 1802; in Plover Bay (latitude 64° 20' north, longitude
173° 07' west), September, 1805; in the same place and month, 1800; and in
Norton Sound, September, 1805.

Before entering into the details of its habits and the mode of its capture, we
will briefly describe this inhabitant of the far north, as we have seen it, westward
of the Pacific American shores ; and whose haunts also include tlio Arctic Ocean,
and the seas of Okhotsk and Behring. The animal, which is distinguished by its
uniform light soft hue at maturity, resembles the Leucorhamphus Feronii in its sym-
metry of upper contour. Its linear dimensions average perhaps thirteen feet;
althoufeli the largest ones considerably exceed that length. Its head is small ; its
prominent forehead being protected with a fatty cushion similar to that of the
Blackfish. Its short oval and fleshy pectorals are placed more than one -fifth of the
length of the whole animal from its muzzle, giving that portion between the head
proper and the fins the appearance of a true neck. TLo opening ot its mouth is
contracted and curved upward. Both upper and lower jaws are furnished with
sharp conical teeth, and among the adults the dental formulae may be put down at
V V, or eleven teeth on each side of the upper jaw, and eight on each side of the
lower one. Its diminutive eyes are but little larger than those of the Common Por-
poise. The minute orifices which constitute the ears are covered with a sort of
scale that quite conceals them. Its spiracle is situated a little behind the angle
of the eye. The body is full, and tapers rather abruptly toward the caudal fin,
which is broad, and in expansion exceeds that of the Orca, or Globiocej)Jialus. The
color of the adults is invariably a yellowish white, while the very young are of a
leaden or bluish black; but as these mature they become mottled, and eventually
assume the soft cream -like tinge of the parent animal. This species of the Dolphin
family is very rapid in its motions, and its swiftness is brought into full play when
in pursuit of the numerous varieties of fishes along the sea shores or up the rapid
rivers. When making prey of such bottom fish as the flounder and halibut, it
often darts into shallows where it can hardly float; but, like the California Gray,
in this respect, it evinces no alarm at its situation, and makes but little efifort td
reach a greater depth. The White Whale, like all others of this family, is fond

94 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

of gathering in troops, yet wo liavo observed that it generally advances in lir
seldom more than two <r three abreast, or more frequently in single file ; sp(
irregulany, and showing little of its form above water. When unduiating ah
this manner, it often makes a noise at the moment of coming to the surfa
respire, which may bo likened to the faint lowing of an ox ; but the stra.a
so prolonged. Sornetinies those animals will gambol about vessels as porpoise
but at the slightest noise upon the water, or at the discharge of fire-arms
instantly disappear.

Through the kindness of Captain Arnold, v; > are able to add the measure
of a White Whale killed at the fishery on Tigol River, Eastern Siberia. Tl
scription and proportions of the specimen alluded to are as follows :

Ft. I)

From tip of snout to noich of flukos . . . , 16 (

From tip of snout to f.orn> r of mouth 1 (

From tip of Hnout to eye 1 ^

From tip of Hnout to sjiout-holo 2 i

From tip of snout to pectorals 3 )

From eye to top of head 1 !

From notch of flukos to vent 4 !

From notch of hukes to genital Blit R !

Expansion of flukes ?> 1(

Breadth of flukos 1 1

Thickness of flukos 0 I

Round the body in largest place 'J K

Length of pectorals 1 \

Width of pect' 'i-als 1 ;

Thickness of blubber 0 •

Sex, male ; color, white. Color of blubber, yellowish white ; yield of oi
hundred gallons.

At this place the animal ascends the river a dihtance of thirty miles,*
it i^" cnptured with the harpoon and lance as in ordinary whaling; but in
Cftuaries^ which branch from tlie northern seas it is taken in nets, (hiring II
son from .Tune to September. Large numbers are captured by \\w natives ol
c asts, a»id the oil obtained is to them a valuable article of coi..iuorco. In i
the fat of the White Whale is considered a luxurious dish fo' the table, ai
lean lleih supplies ample food for the sledge- dogs.

* Dall gives nn account of a btlugii being tho Yukon River, about seven liundrec
taken by the Russians, in 18C3, at Nuln.to, on from tho Hoa.

TEE DOLPHINS. 96

SECTION IV.-THE BAY PORPOISE.

PnociNA VOMERINA, Gill. (Plate xviii, fig. 2, 3, 4.)

This peculiar species of Dolphin is the least in size of the entire whale tribe
inhabiting the Pacific North American Coast. When fully matured it may attain
the length of six feet, iKit those we have had opportunity to measure fell con-
siderably short of those dimensions. Usually the adults arc not more than four
and one- half feet between linear ex+remes. The body of the male is jet black
above, a little lighter below ; and whilo the female is of the same color above, it
is liglitor on the sides, with a narrow black streak running from the corner of the
mouth to the pectorals, and the lower portion of the animal is of a milky white-
ness, yet the pectoral and caudal fins are black underneath, or of a dark gray.
Occasionally, however, both males and females are found with the larger portion,
or th(! whole, of their dorsal and caudal fins white. The former are of triangular
shape, and placed very nearly midway between the animal's extremities. The
caudal fin varies much in its contour, sometimes licing quite broad and straight
0 1 ita posterior edge, wliich is slightly notched in the centre; in other specimens
the caudal lobes are lunate, and united present a forked appearance. Its pectorals
are v-xtremely small and placed low. Its head is somewhat pointed, but destitute
of the slender, elongated beak of the Delphinaa Bairdii, and the Right Whalo
Porpoise, The anterior portion of the animal resembles that of both the Orca and
the White-headed Grampus-. lis eyes are placed about two inches behind the
corner of the mouth, and nearly in a line with it. Its ears are two inches
from the eyes, and these minute orifices would not be noticed by the casual
observer, as they are less than a sixteenth of an inch in diameter. The spiracles
are placed a little forward of the eyes, aiul unite in one where they pass through
the fleshy part of the cranium. The valve whicii covers them is convex on its
posterior side. When the animal respires this valve is turned downward. Roth
upi.er and lower jaws are furnished with teeth, which in the adults aio thin, flat,
and broadest near their summits. In one example, a female four feet long, taken
at San Francisco, California, the number was U, "nd in another, H In a male,
four feet eight inches in lengtli, taken in Port Townsend Ray, Washington Terri-
tory, the number was the same as last mentioned.

The foUowing measurements and memoranda were carefully taken from a male
Bpecimen obtained at Port Townsend, Washington Territory, April 28th, 18G9 •

90 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAS'j

Length

Greatest girth ( behind pectorals )

Girth at the vent

From tiji of snout to pectorals

Length of pectorals

Width of pectorals

From tip of snout to dorsal fin

Length of dorsal fin, along the back

Height of dorsal tin

Expansion of caudal fin

Greatest breadth of each lobe

From tip of snout to genital slit

From tip of snout to vent

Opening of mouth

From tip of snout to eyes

From tip of snout to spout-hole

Dejith of small at junction with caudal fin

Depth of small at the vent

Thickness of blubber

Another specimen, a female, taken at San Francisco, California, d
summer of 1872, was examined and measured, with the following results

Length

Greatest girth ( behind pectorals )

From tip of snout to pectorals

Length of pectorals

V^'dtli of jjectorals

Irom tip of snout to dorsal fin

Height of dorsal fin

Length of dorsal fin along the back

Expansion of caudal fin

Breadth of each lobe of caudal fin

Depth of small at junction with caudal fin

Thickness of small at junction with caudal fin

From tip of snout to corner of mouth

From tip of snout to eyes

From tip of snout to spiracle

From tip of snout to oars

From notdi of caudal fin to voiit

From notch of caudal fin io genital slit

From notch of caudal fin to toat slit

Thickness of blubber

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THE DOLPHINS. 97

Color of body, black above, lighter on the sides, and white below ; under side
of caudal and pectoral fins, black.

The coating of fat or blubber which covers the Bay Porpoise, is either of a
yellowish white or pearl color, and in thickness, varies from one -half of an inch
to au inch and a half.

The habits of this animal differ from those of other species found in the open
sea or along the coast. Their favorite resort seems to be in the discolored waters,
between the limits of the pure ocean element and the fresh rivers. They are rarely
seen far from either side of these boundaries. Our observation proves that they
are found as far south as Banderas Bay, and about the mouth of the Piginto
River, on the coast of Mexico (which estuary is in latitude 20° 30'), and as
far north as the Columbia River, latitude 46° 10'. In the winter season they are
seen off Astoria, and in Cathlamet Bay, twenty miles above ; but during the spring
and summer, when the river is fresh to its mouth, and in some instances for miles
at sea, they leave the Columbia, folloAving in the vein of mixed water. They are
never found in large schools ; but occasionally six or eight may bo scon scattered
about, appearing on the surface alternately, sometimes singly, or two or three at
the same instant. Neither do they make those playful gambols and leaps that the
larger dolphins do, their general habit being to make a quick puff and turn as
soon as they appear above water, apparently choosing the darkness below rather
than the light above. It is not from shyness, however, for they arc met with
about roadsteads and harbors, among shipping, and frequently play their odd turn-
ings close to vessels under way, or at their moorings. By night, when at anchor,
we have known them to play about tlie vessel's rudder ; but this may be regarded
as an vuiusual occurrence. Sometimes they arc seen among the breakers, on the
bars fronting harbor mouths, darting through or along the crests of the rollers
as if excited into unusual action by the dashing waves surrounding them. They
feed upon small fish, and arc occasionally taken in the seines that are hauled along
the shores of San Francisco Bay by thc' Italian fishermen. The northern Indians
frequently capture them about the inland waters, during the clear, culm weather of
the summer months. At such times they come up and lie quite motionless, for a
brief interval, upon the glassy surface of the water, as if basking ; then the
wily savage, who is on the watch, silently paddles his canoe within gunshot,
and fires a ball through the animal's brain ; this, of course, kills it instantly, and
it generally floats a sufficient length of time to enable the pursuer to obtain his
prize, which is regarded as a great delicacy, and a time of feasting in his lodge
quickly follows.

Mabikx MAmiALa. — IL

08 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COASl

SECTION V. -THE STRIPED OR COMMON PORPOISE.

Laoenobhtnchcs OBLiqciDEMS, Gill. (Plate zix^fig. 2.)

This species of the smaller dolphins varies but little in its general pr
from Baird's Dolphin, except in its back fin, which is more falcated anc
and its snout, which is more blunt. In point of color it is greenish blac
upper surface, lightened on the sides with broad longitudinal stripes of wb
and dull black, which in most examples run into each other, but below
pearly or snowy white. The posterior edge of the dorsal fin is tipped
white or gray, and sometimes the flukes are marked in the same manner.

We have observed that this species has a wider range, congregates
numbers, and exhibits more activity, than any other of the Dolphin famil;
are seen, in numbers varying from a dozen up to many hundreds, tumb
the surface of the sea, or making arching leaps, plunging again on the sai
or darting high and falling diagonally sidewise upon the water, with £
splash, accompanied by a report that may be heard at some distance,
brisk breeze is blowing they frequently play about the bow of a ship goir
utmost speed, darting across the cutwater and shooting ahead, or circlin
the vessel, apparently sporting at ease. In calm weather they are someti
in immense shoals, leaping, plunging, lobtailing, and finning — in fact, exhi
endless variety of attitudes — and at the same time the whole assembla]
swiftly in various directions, as if enjoying a general frolic.

While on a cruise in the U. S. Revenue cutter Wayanda, during the ]
October, 1872, we had an opportunity of witnessing, at midnight, the gamb
immense herd of these active and rapacious animal'^. The sea was quitt
and not a breath of wind was stirring. At first v, • could hear a harsh
sound, as if a heavy squall of wind, accompanied with hail, was sweeping
otherwise tranquil sea ; and, as the moon burst through the clouded sky,
see a sheet of foam and spray surging toward us. In a few moments t
was surrounded by myriads of these Common Porpoises, which, in thei
movements, for the space of one hour, whitened the sea all around as fi
eye could discern, when they almost instantly disappeared.

The Striped Porpoises are often seen in considerable numbers about
bays and lagoons along this coast, that have no fresh water running in
They abound more along the coasts where small fish are found than in m

THE DOLPHINS.

as they principally prey upon the smaller finny tribes ; and to obtain them shoot
swiftly through the water, seizing the object of pursuit with the slightest effort.
Occasionally a large number of them will get into a school of fish, frightening them
so much that they will dart around in all directions, taking no regular course to
escape their pursuers, and finally get so bewildered as to lose nearly all control
over their movements. At such times the Striped Porpoise is manifestly the "sea
swine," filling itself to repletion.

In perfectly calm weather they are sometimes seen huddled together on the
glaring surface, their heads slightly raised, or reclining a little on their sides, as if
resting from their constant activity ; but such instances are not frequent. Gener-
ally they are seen in great numbers rushing over and through the undulating sea,
exhibiting their active habits and propensity to roam over an unlimited extent of
ocean.

SECTIOX VT.-BAIRD'S DOLPHIN.

Delphinvs BAiBDn, Dall. (Plate xix, fig 1.)

This Dolphin inhabits the Pacific North American coast, in common with other
varieties which abound in those waters. At a distance it much resembles the Com-
mon Porpoise of fishermen and sailors ; but it differs in several points from that
species. We were so fortunate as to obtain two female specimens off Point Argu-
ello, in the fall of 1872, from which we obtained the following notes. Apparently,
both individuals were adults, and nearly the same size and weight. The body of
the Ddphinus Baird'd is more slender, and its snout more elongated and rounded,
than that of the Striped or Common Porpoise, and may bo compared to the bill of a
snipe. Its teeth are slender, conical, and slightly curved inward. Its dorsal fin is
more erect and less falcated than that of the Lagenorhynchus obliquidens, while the
pectorals are nearly of the same shape and comparative proportions ; but the caudal
fin is less in breadth, and greater in proportionate expansion. Its back, immediately
forward of the dorsal fin, is somewhat concave, so that when taking a side view
the upper contour appears lower before than behind the fin. Its varied colors
are, top and sides of head, black ; sides of body behind the vent, and both sides
of pectorals and flukes, a greenish black ; a black patch around the eye, with a
white streak passing forward above the mouth ; a continuous black streak from the
side of the under jaw to the anterior edge of the pectorals ; sides, behind the eye,
gray — the upper boundary of this color being somewhat above the plane of that
organ, beginning to curve downward just behind the dorsal fin, and meeting both

100 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN CO.

white and black marks between the vent and the flukes, in or near th
on the under side of the body ; a lanceolate white patch extending o
side, from the middle of the under jaw to the anterior angle of the v
row white strip extending from the corner of the mouth backward, <
slightly arched above the pectoral, and then curving downward gradu
meeting below in the region of the vent. Another, still narrower a
obscure, starts at the same place with the last, but is soon lost in th
tral patch before alluded to. Appended are the dimensions, in feet ai
the examples above mentioned :

No. 1

Total length of animal 6 '

Anterior edge of pectorals 1 (

Posterior edge to angle of truncation 0 f

Breadth of pectorals 0 c

Expansion of flukes 1 (

Longitudinal width 0 {

Height of dorsal fin 0 1

Length of dorsal fin along the back 0 (

Tip of beak to anterior edge of pectorals 1 {

Tip of beak to anterior edge of dorsal fin 3 (

Tip of beak to corner of mouth 0 1]

Tip of beak to eye 1 ]

Tip of beak to spiracles 1 !

Width of spiracles 0 ]

Notch of flukes to vent 1 i

Notch of flukes to teats 1

Length of vulva and genital slit 0 '.

Circumference behind pectorals 3 ]

Circumference at genitalia 2 S

Circumference before the dorsal fin 3 '.

Height from eye to top of head ( straight line ) 0 i

Height from eye to under side of throat ( straight line ) 0 i

Height from pectorals to top of back ( straight line ) 0 J

Height from comer of mouth to top of head (straight line) 0 i

Height from corner of mouth to underside of throat (straight line)... 0 <

Height of small close to the flukes 0 <

Centre of eye to ear ( one inch below eye ) 0 '

Weight of animals (avoirdupois), respectively, one hundred and
and sixty -one pounds; weight of brain, two pounds.

The Ddphinua Bairdii may be considered symmetrical in its pro
moves through the water with great swiftness and grace.

^-" #iiiff-< .1 m*

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iki

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100. ■;.';: /A r .iuj/,^f.i^.: i>f Tin vt. ^ ■ . « ^ ■> ? ;:';^.y coa.^t.

V.-5.H.- aT;d l)lnok ..■., ''ks l»f'-ivf<-'»i t'Sr trii ; tin rf ■ •>• ' '"ar lie mc'rii'l lino

•i.i Thf iiudev side (;f tho IxH'ly , a ].i.KNw';v'. >»h ^ ; ■'•;'.}»«:,' i.a the- A.'titril
side, froia t'.i' nu ! Uo o!' (ho itxl r jaw i<' f ^n ^ . \- f On- vulvti' ; i riar-
i-iuv v.hit J*' rip i;xteiv!iaj' ft ni\ fio •■•'jrner i l" sht ^ :■ i *•> *;,^var. ai <w\\ sifle,
pligt.rly .n.'hti ;i.}',.vc Lh*' pootonU, .v\(\ ihon ciin i .- i ,w ,«> *■;.;, a!/ tlio t^\o
woot'u;;^ ljf?li.tw it lisif- P(«i;ion of ill*'' vonr. An(,>tl'-; ^Jit <. • ''■. : ^l 'Mioewtiat
ob;--c.urr. 4arf:- \4. Ihe »a.m<j plac; «'ui\ the l.ist. bn <;u ;->;» •■' :i h - %cn*

!n;\ (>;i«;'-i "'•>»!»rt adytlM to. Append";'.! • ro tlie ui-s ■ »-.f, in '■•!■'. ;> ' " - c-?
-I'.f- fiwj ;-N ii&i-v ' mentioned:

r -J lc';i'i(tb 1? ftii mal , , .

Air-T!or »*1gp rf jwi-iml* .... . .

l'i«;'ri'r f<\;'i- t.; »urr!* ■■? trMUJftivj), , . *■

V■■:"^■^ltk >i \".- f.>i:t»i'* t^

I'jj'r-'jt'i >;» :i> f;i,,i.r:i. . . . . ' I !

LjnsiluJin=U ^i.ltk ..... .. "15 ;" /

Heii;ht of .knval u.i 0 V t) V

LfDirMi o' d na.:'. tin aloru tli*. btick ■ 0 hk \ 0

lip (.f l.< .'• to .interior (•'\i!f 01 pcolorils 1 S 1 8

Tip .f lA>ak *i) '.n'.<ivior " tro nf dfirs*l 'u: .... 3 0 11

i"J< ''! '■^r'i, !.0 *■'■■■■ ■' »•

«;-.U: ,-<■-= ^ ■.•

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';..■■£ . .'. y !;' «* :v.i.- ,>"^f- .,. '^ /

C'ir '.luii «»r'.')^ \f*i, If- >-*''••» -:»!

I'.r.- ..aifoifiv.'o Ht. ,;i ii^;,!* . ' ; .. :

Crcuuit =rau«'-3 \ii.U<-c. vbis rv n-^-.i ri. .' i ■
.' 'ifTLt 'I'jm ovo to tt);') i{ h nd ( .-it'-rvifrL;. i,uh\ ^ t,t

Hi-i^'ul ifOiil eyP to i. n.U.' -iilc nf i'lm. (st..'jii!.'W ;.!■!■. i ' !.

h.'-ii.:bt .'n.j:.- vtwtoial- Iv' tnf> of har.'n (straifflM iin- ;. • W

li i: I tr:>u I'jrjj*:' uf lu. i-.'!- io Vfp of ht'dd (.itra\Hi^ Utt^-.-, if '. 4J

t- .:k% ' ■ -. ■;'>rf. f of iii<.»it . to i: utlei-ssdo of ihro.vt in-vtit*' j,: '..: <> 3

'i ■', rti if ■.'iiUl c!uH<. i.<^ J.' duko!' if '» 4

^\• to ei.- (<...<. ui''h l«li)\v tiyt) ., . . ■ i (i 2

I '"*» t \

■

i"> .ri* ii ' limw' ^ I .'.V -irdnpoi»<), rcp'^ctiTpU". .v." ^f--.* ■ .'lu i oa" hundred
arrl -.• ' £• • i>-<iis H»'gUE of b^iiiti. two })')!iRl*,

'!';., f*;';-,-*.*;.-'- •'if!''>/'.'. in ay lie d-nsider-d .;;:'Ui.ij'f;'nc»;; ■• '■■f rroportions. It
iri'ivi'^ il .-nil'*- *h vft>-»i 1 ith j'ri.-at s^'if'.tio^s a:. I ^rf.::(*.

Jam

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THE DOLPHINS. jqj

SECTION VII.— THE RIGHT WHALE PORPOISE.

LEncoBHAMPHus BOREALia, Peak. (Plate six, fig. 3.)

The Right Whale Porpoise of tlie western coast of North America, -in habit
and form, is nearly the same as the Right Whale Porpoise of the southern hemi-
sphere {Tjmcorhamjphus Peronii), but it is not so beautifully marked, in vivid con-
trast, with pure white and jet black, as the latter; the former being black above
and lighter below, with but little cf its lower extremities banded with white The
LeucorMmj>hus horeali, is not usually mot with in large numbers, and is seldom found
m shallow bays or lagoons. We have seen them as far south as San Diego Bay
on the California coast, and as for north as Behring Sea; showing plainly, that the
two species of the same genus have a feeding -ground which embraces at least the
western coast of North and South America.

SECTION YIII.— THE COWFISH.

TcBsiops GiLLn, Doll.

This porpoise is larger than the Striped or the Right Whale species, and is
known by the name of Cowfish. It is longer also in proportion to its girth,
and is snout is somewhat contracted. Its teeth are much larger, straight, conical
and sharply pointed, but less in number. A specimer taken at Monterey, in 1871

r!n ^\ ^\' '^^^Z. '"""'^ '^'" '^'"■"■' "' ^'"^"'' '' ^^^°g black all over, lightened a
htt e below. Tins description is based upon two momentary observations -the
first at San Bar^.lome Bay, in 1853, and the second in Ballenas Lagoon, in 1859
The habits of the Cowfi.sl, as observed on the coasts of California and Mexico, are
strikingly chfferent from that of the true porpoises. It is often remarked by whale-
uien that they are a "mongrel breed" of doub'Pul character, being frequently seen
m company with Blackfish, sometimes with porpoises, and occasionally with Ilump-
backs, when the latter are found in large numbers on an abundant feeding-ground
They are met with likewise in the lagoons along the coast, singly, or in pairs, o^
lu fives and sixes-rarely a larger number together-straggling about in a vagrant
manner through the winding estuaries, subsisting on the fish that abound in those
circumscribed waters. At times they are seen moving lazily along under the shade
of the mangroves that in many places fringe the shores; at other times lying
about 111 listless attitudes among the plentiful supplies of food surrounding them

102 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

Approximate Outmnrs of a Cowfish.

Approximate Outlinf.s of a Whitf.headeh or Mottli i> Grampus.

Approximatk Outlines of a Bottlknosed Grampus.

Ai'PROXIMATK OUTl.INKS i}V A I'anama Grampus.

THE DOLPHINS. jQg

GRAMPUSES.

Of this group of the Delphinid,^, which has been observed along the Pacific
North American Coast, there is but little known ; they are commonly distinguished
by the names given in the list of the dolphins found upon this coast. Our per-
sonal knowledge of these obscure animals is so limited that we have hesitated
whether or not to mention them; but after due consideration we submit the fol-
lowmg remarks:

SECTION IX.-TnE WHITEHEADED OR MOTTLED GRAMPUS.

Ghampds SiEABNan, Dull.

The average length of the Whiteheaded or Mottled Grampus may be ten feet
is muzzle terminates in a rounded point, and very nearly resembles that of the

Wu^ .on^ruut. Its dorsal fin is narrow, quite high, and slightly falcated; hence
he ammal is sometimes taken for the Orca aier, and its general appearance and
movements through the water are very similar to those of that animal. Its indi-
.dual marks vary more than any other species of the toothed whales of the coast
nnlo the preva.hng color is very dark, approaching to black, the head and anterior
ort.on of the body-as far as the pectorals in some examples-are white, in

hers , ,s only partially so; and frequently they are seen more or less mot led
h hght gray to the region of the dorsal fin. They are gregarious, and congre-
xte f oquently m large schools; at other times two or three, or even a solitarv
>d.v.dual will be met with, wandering about the coast or up ihe bay:! qut f
|od. winch consists of fish and several varieties of cvustaceans. It is rarely taken
1 It IS extremely wild and shy. ' '

SECTION X.— THE 50TTLEtfOSED ORAMPUS.
ineoan, I, color approaches nearer to brown than black. The f.n on the Lk
d placed mnch nearer the eandal On than on other specie, of the same genus.

'11

104 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

The name "Bottlonose" is said to have been given it by reason of the head
sembling the upper portion and neck of a junk-l)ottle ; if so, from our observat
of it (which was many times, from the vessel's deck or masthead), in its dif
cut natural positions, the bottle must have been one witli a very large but exec
ingly short ) « jk ; still the comparison is not, perhaps, inappropriate. The larj
of this specii'J are not less than twenty- five foot long, and otherwise are similai
their proportions to the Blacklish. The head appears to be of a shape between t
of the Globiocephalus and the Phocceaa vomerina, having a short rounded beak. '
habit? of the Grampus are such as nearly preclude capture, and little is known
its peculiarities. Two or three are generally seen together, ''rounding" to go d(
as soon as they come to the surface of the water and spout, and when ii
rising may be beyond view. An exception to this, however, occurred in July
August, 1856, on the coast between Cape St. Lucas and Ccrros Island, at wl
time we saw large numbers of thorn going in schools, ten, twenty, or tli
together, nearly all being of the largest growth ; their actions were a good i
tation of a school of small Cachalots — spouting several times when up,
only remaining down the usual time of Sperm Whales of their apparent s
Several fruitless trials were made to capture one. In two instances the harpo
were fastened eifectually, and the consequence was that the animals immodiai
went down with great velocity, each in its descent taking a line one hundred
fifty fathoms long, almost before tlie boats' crews knew what they were about.
I is said, however, that they have been taken with comi)aratively little difficu

I where the boats were supplied with lines upwards of three hundred fathoms h

I Tlie (lil produced by the liottlenose is reputed to be equal in quality to i

' of the Sperm Whale, and the yield is in a similar ratio to that from the Black

I and Killer.

,, SECTION" XI.-THH PAXAMA aUAMPUS.

In ^farch, 1853, oil' Panama Bay, (Hi board tlie bark HI) O-mnrle, we capti
what were supposed to be two small Blackfish ; but, on making an examination
was decided that thoy were a species of grampus. Our notes are as follow :
Lengtli of largest specimen, ten feet. Back liu [ laceil as ou a Blackfish.
per end of dorsal more pointed than that of the (Hahiocephilus — the ulmlo liu
very nearly the form of that of the Striped or Common Porpoise. Boiiy lesi
I circumference in proportion to length than tiiat of I he Blacklish. Form of 1

; somewhat pointed, approaching to a boak. Color, a uniform jet black. Avoi

THE DOLPUIKS. ,„.

105

.hicknc, of blubber, ab„„t .„ i„eh ; its color i, ,„i,e red, anc, the oil roKtae,!

SECTIO.Y XII.-THE PUGET SOUND GRAMPUS.

In Port Townsend Bay, Washington Te.ritory June 19th IRM o
of small whales, ovulontlv x sno.in« f ' ' ^ ^''^''^ "-™^'^^

-- or eight individ r wl ^"™'"' "'"" ''"' ^""^«'^"- '" ^^'^'^ <'f

fin was nan-owor v v 2o T , " ""' ^^' ''"'^ ^^^^^ '^ ^"^ ^'^ ^^--^

fom .s fluk s S 'u ' '"' ^'""^ ^'""* ^"^^-^""^^^^ «^ ^'- -'-l-s length

uuivos. fro fai as our observations go, the Piio-of c;n„n,l n
not numerous, and they are but rarolv « , / Grampuses are

w.r„ .b.ei, . .Je„.xr:r:r :^:;™^:r °'^"^^'-'°°

SECTION Xin._THE- SAN DIEGO BAY ORAMPUS.

.ho,";:';:,;::; ;;;:: 'rC'Tc^''"^ r ""°" -'-' --'-'-'^ -
^™iy «... „„,ri, .,,0 „,„, „ „„„„ „ ,, '^zT'^: r n T'""'"""' "'

"""■'> '"■ less ,vl,ii, b,.,,,.,ll, I, r , , , "■ " '''■"■■'' »'"'"'. "'iU,

tlH.r ,„.o,.„,,i„„,, „,„„, „,„ ,v.,le, ' , ■ '''"° '""" °'

>""Vom.ut, ],„vo llm» far nrcclu,lo,l cverv , rr ' '"' '''^'""'" "'"' ''"I'M

lOG MARINE MAMMAL3 OF THE NORTH-WESTERN CO.

SECTIOX XIV.— THE SQUAREHEADED GRAMPUS.

The conflicting descriptions given of this animal forbid an exaci
Some observers say it has nearly the form of the Sperm Whale —
head, which is square and extremely bulky. Others aver that its i
"lays low," terminates in a short beak, with a high .square foreheac
observations have been confined to distant views of them from 1
or from tlie deck ; yet thoy liave afforded considerable opportunity '
movements, wliicli are very nearly an imitation of the smaller Sf
Their spouting and ''turning of flukes," which are performed with
regularity, have deceived many an expert whaleman, and repeatedly tl
l)een lowered in pursuit of them, the animab: having been mistakei
lots. The Squareheadod Crrampuses, however, frequently remain long
underneath the surface of tlie water tluui the Sperm Whales, and sol
go in largo schools, as do tlie Cachalots and lilackflsh. In this
have more the iiabit.s of the Orcas. They are said to yield a suf
of oil, but in small quantity, compared to their size.

SECTION XV.— THE BROWNSIDED DOLPHIN OF SANTA B

CHANxXEL.

Although the knowledge wo possess of this dolphin is very me
discovered the animal after the natural history part of this work h
pared for the press — still it is thought advisable to submit a doscrip
brief it may be. While lying at anchor ofl' the town of Santa Ikrbai
1873, a school of what we took to bo the Striped or Common P
soon playing around the vessel. Their irregular movements, and the u
of time they remained upon the surface of the water, afl'ordod an o
study them. Their forms wore apparently the sanio as that cf th
Common Porpoi.so, except tliat the dorsal fin is of the triangular sli
present witii Ikird's Dolphin, and the color on its sides is brown, w
is of a dull l)la('k , hence it has been given the provisional name o
Hided Dolplr .. Willi regard to the habits of the animal, wo observed
feature: that of darting through the thick beds of kelp whi(di front
Really they seemed to dolight in sporting among it, and occasionall

THE DOLPHINS.

107

band would be scon leaping clear of the water, taking with it long sprays of the
fucus. All our efforts to capture one proved unavailing ; but enough was seen to
convince us that they were an undescribed ppecios.

SECTION XVI.— THE XARWHAL.

MONODON MONOCEROS, LijlH.

Although the Narwhal is but rarely mot with in that part of the Arctic Ocean
accessible to the whalemen who pass through IJehring Strait, yet, boj'ond question,
it is an occasional visitor to those icy waters, and even to the neighboring shores
of eastern Siberia. We have it authentically stated by a trader and traveler in
Siberia, that the aborigines of tliat frozen coast have a superstitious dread of the
casual visits of tiio Narwhal, and when one is soon by a single native, it is regarded
as an ill omen, and the beholder either immediately puts an end to his existence,
or he becomes a prey to evil forebodings, which ultimately bring tlie poor victim
to an untimely end. The tusks of the Narwiial have been exchanged in barter by
the inhabitants of that portion of north-eastern Asia bordering the Arctic Ocean,
and, as articles of traffic, have passed from one party to another, till they have
finally reached the trading- posts on the northern shores of the Okhotsk Sea. Cap-
tain Arnold, who was engaged in a trading expedition from San Francisco to the
Okhotsk coast, in 18G8, obtained at Tavisk I5ay a very fine tusk of a Narwhal,
which measured eight feet in length, including the root, which was fifteen inches.
The tusk at its base was seven and a half inches in circumforonco, and tapering
to its extremity, where its diameter was one- half of an inch. From its junction
with the head, its whitish and polished surface exhibits a uniform twist, which
adds much to its symmetrical beauty. Relative to the natural history of the Nar-
whal, we can state nothing from our own observations, but make tlio following
extracts from Codmaii's monograph of the animal, which is based entirely upon tlie
observations of the renowiiod Scoresby : "The Narwhal, when fully grown, measures
from thirteen to fourteen feet in length, exclusive of the tusk, and at the thickest
part, which is two feet behind the fins, the circumference is about eight or nine
feet. The part of the body interior to the liiis luul liead is paraboloidiil ; tho
middle portion of tho body is almost cylindrical ; the posterior portion, to within
tiu'ee or four feet of the tail, is somewhat conical ; thence a ridge, commencing
both at the back and belly; the section becomes lirst an ellipse, and then a rhom-
bus at tlic junction of the tail. Tho back and belly ridges run iialf-way or more

108 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAS

across tlio tail ; the ridges of the tail run the same way along the bod}'
ridges on the sides of the rump. The back appears depressed and fla
four feet posterior to the neck. The head forms about one- seventh of
length of the animal, being small, blunt, and round. The mouth is
incapable of much extension, having a wedge-shaped under lip. The eye
one inch in their largest diameter, and are placed on a lino with the
the mouth at about thirteen inches from the snout. The opening c
situated six inches behind the eye on the same horizontal lino, is of th
of a small knitting-needle. The spiracle, or blow- hole, is situated immed
the eyes, and is a singular semicircular opening about three and one-hal
diameter, and one inch and a half in length. The fins are tAvelve c
inches long, and six or eight broad, and placed at one- fifth of the len
animal from the snout. Whore fixed to the body, the fin is elliptical. Ir
Narwhal, the ground is wholly white, with dark -gray or blackish spo
spots are of a roundish or oblong form ; on the back, where they sold
two inches in diameter, they are the darkest and most crowded togethei
sides these spots are fainter, smaller, and more open. On the boU^
extremely faint and few. A close patch of brownish -black, without an
often found on the upper part of the nock, just behind the blow- hole. '
Narwhals are almost uniformly of a bUiish-gray, or slate color. Very o
uals become almost white. The remarkable peculiarity of the Narwhal :
spiral, ivory tusk, which grows from the left side of the inferior port
upper jaw, sometimes to the length of ten feet or more. This tusk ii
covered with a dark, greasy incrustation above, while below and at the
kept white by use. In addition to this external tusk, peculiar to the i
is another on the right side of the head, about nine inches long, imbed
skull. In females, as well as in young males, in which the tooth docs
externally, the rudi'^vjuts of two tusks are generally found in the upper
The food of the Narwhal is said to consist of molluscous animals,
times fish, although the creature is destitute of teeth exclusive of its i\
Narwiial is considered a harmless animal, but active and possessed of c
swiftness ; yet, when on the surface of the water for the purpose of res

* Scorcsby, in his Grecnlan'l voyage, killed a of conical form and obliquely trur

female Narwhal ha^^nf,' an external horn four thickest end, and without the kn(

feet three inches long, twelve inches of which many of the milk -tusks. The hori

were imbedded in the skull. It had also, as left side of tlio head, and the spi

usual, a milk-tusk nine inches long, which was trorsal.

THE DOLPHINS.

100

frequently lies motionless for several minutes. The Xarwhal is captured by shooting
It w.th a ride or it is taken with the harpoon and lance, as are other whales.
The blubber of tlie body yiekls a fnie quality of oil. The Greenlanders and Esqui-
maux utilize the whole creature. The flesh is devoured as excellent food- the oil
IS burned in their moss lamps; the intestines are manufactured into lines and
garments; and the tusks are flishioned into spears and other weapons

PART II.

P I N N I P E D I A .

• .

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-S)

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Sciences
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WHSYIR.N.Y. MS80

(716) 172-4903

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PART II.— PINNIPEDIA.

INTRODUCTION.

A VARiETT of marine animals inhabit the western coast of North America which
are scientifically classed under the head of Pinnipedia, but familiarly known under
the general name of Seals. Those described in the following monograph are enu-
merated, and their technical names given, at the conclusion of the catalogue appended
to this work.

All the pinnipedes periodically inhabit both the water and the land adjacent.
Their food consists of fish, crustaceans, and various other marine invertebrates
found about the shores, and of sea- fowls. All the different species of pinnipedes
bring forth and suckle their young in a similar manne; to other mammals. The
general form of the animal is elongated, with quite full anterior proportions,
exclusive of the head and neck. The posterior part of the body is tapering, and
terminates at the junction with the hind limbs. Their appendages for locomotion
are commonly called flippers. The anterior, or side ones, nearly correspond to the
fore limbs of carnivorous animals ; and, in some species, they take closely the form
of the pectorals of Cetaceans. Where one set of flippers is furnished with claws,
or nails, the other is nearly or quite destitute of them ; and, whether it be the
anterior or posterior members which are thus armed, it is these of which the
animal principally makes use in its movements upon the land. These flippers are
very flexible, and seem much better suited for propulsion in the water chiin for
terrestrial locomotion. The body of the animal is usually covered with short
and bristly hair ; but in some few species their inner coating is a thick, rich
fur, with long, glistening hairs over all. The geographical distribution of the
pinnipedes is unlimited, the family being distributed in difiprent groups over every
iiono and both hcmisphcrea.

llABiiiaIi*nuu.-Mw tWI

small • while ia another posture the creature seems distorted into a swollen form
throughout. Hence we shall introduce a few illustrative figures in addition to the
p ites which represent the general forms of these animals.

CHAPTER I.
THE SEA ELEPHANT.

Maoeobhinot ANOusTmosTBis, GUI. (Plate xx, fig. 1, 2.)

Among the varieties of marine mammals which periodically resort to the land,
no one attains such gigantic proportions as tae Sea Elephant. This animal, which
was sometimes called the Elephant Seal, and known to the old Californians as the
m/ante marino, had a geographical distribution from Cape Lazaro, latitude 24° 46'
north, longitude 112« 20' west, to Point Reyes, latitude 38° north, longitude
122= 58' west on the coast of California ; and, strange as it may appear, we have
no authentic accounts of this species of amphibious animal being found elsewhere
in the northern hemisphere. At the south, however, about Patagonia, Tierra del
Fuego, and numerous islands in both the Atlantic and Pacific, and the Crozets
Kerguolen, and Herd's Islands, in the high latitudes of the Indian Ocean, have
been pomts where the Sea Elephants have gathered ^n almost incredible numbers
and where hundreds of thousands of them have been slain by the seamen, pursuing
then- prey in those distant regions.

The sexes vary mi-ch in size, the male being frequently triple the bulk of the
female; the oldest of the former will average fourteen to sixteen feet; the lo-gest
wo have ever seen measured twcnty-two feet from tip to tip. The following meas-
urements (m feet and inches) and notes were taken of two large females and
new-born pup, obtained on the coast of Lower California:

one

Lengtli from tip to tip

Round the body behind fore flippers 5 lo "fi 9

Ko. I. No. a.

9 0 10 0

Length of tail .

0 2 0 2J

Q <2 Q 01

Breadth of tail at root

Length of posterior flippers - „

Expansiuu of posterior flippers , o

Length of fore flippers

Width of foro flippers q 0

(lUJ

116 MABINE MAMMALS OF THE NOBTH-WESTEBN COAST.

No. I. No. 9.

Bound extremity of body at root of tail 16 17

From tip of nose to comer of mouth 0 7 0 8

Opening of mouth 0 4| 0 4^

From tip of nose to eye 0 8 0 9

From tip of nose to fore flippers 2 7 3 0

Length of fissure between the eye lids 0 0 0 If

Nev-bocn Pop.

Length from tip to tip 4 0

Length of posterior flippers 0 1\

Length of fore flippers 0 7

Breadth of fore flippers 0 2 J

From tip of nose to side flippers 1 6

From tip of nose to eye 0 4

From eye to ear (the minute opening of which is barely perceptible) 0 2

From tip of nose to comer of mouth 0 4^

Opening of mouth 0 3

The posterior flippers of the Sea Elephant are very nearly like those of the
Leopard Seal, except that they are clawless. The fore flippers, however, are fur-
nished each with Ave nails, which, in shape, somewhat resemble those of the human
hand, but in color they are a dull black ; the longest in the two adult examples
examined measured one and a half inches. The two teats of the smaller animal
were twenty inches from the posterior termination of the body. In the larger one
they were two feet and three inches from the root of the tail, which is extremely
short and pointed. The whiskers on each side of the face, in both specimens,
numbered from thirty -five to forty, the longest of which were seven inches; their
color was of a dark brown tipped with a lighter shade. Eight or ten bribtle-like
hairs were present upon or near the upper lid of the eye, and constituted the eye-
brows. The pup, whose measurements are given above, had forty -six whiskers on
one side of its face, and forty -two on the other, and ten frizzly hairs over each
eye. Its color was a dark brown, or nearly a chestnut shade.

The color of the adult Sea Elephant is a light brown, when its thin short hair
is grown to full length ; but, immediately after shedding, it becomes like that of
the land elephant, or of a bluish cast. The average thickness of its skin is fully
equal to that of the largest bullock. A fat bull, taken at Santa Barbara Island, by
the brig Mary Helen, in 1852, was eighteen feet long, and yielded two hundred and
ten gallons of oil. Round the under side of the neck, in the oldest males, the
animal appears to undergo a change with age ; the hair falls off*, the skin thickens
and bocomea wrinkled — the fUrrowa crosaing each other, producing a checkered

•tm^l^^^

*f" ■"■"»*■■. "Ilk ivm^f^mmm^mmm'

Plate .::x.

•«?fe«*-

^.r . 5 ^' i7 rn /n p/i aV/

EA-KLt'.PHANT. i MACRORHIMUP ANOUSTIROSTKIS.! GlI.L.

1 M A L F. . 2 >■ E M .^ '-ir.

tIKA-LloIl lEUMETCPU? HTELLKRi.j Gill

1 MA^t.a FEMALE.

' rJPHANT.

upper 4

**!« It;}-'

. 'jit, iA>fS* ttiujigij.

• ' v.'eth riiailar to .

' -t'. nf't\yeeB extremir

•uo commou \..-.

wofo or less marked with nrfaJH: spote. Its
wi^Ie of the Hicuth forward i^m the larger
. «;rt.uture is jji & state of quk-tude, m<\ the
'^1 the mami mkm sm ewit-ed i-espitation,
(Lu r[df;e# ftt^jriv disftppenr. The mouth is
• lUe asa hmn. The aU.»it femalea averago tun
<-y »m 'Mt^tUkii yf the proboscis, tho nose bo-

'''■* *»^^*' '^^^f^ tL.. lytmth. Their oaruiio

i:«j-ger ftt ilw U'^e, and hollow nerirly
■ tV S..a l:.f j;h&nt grounds, iv.t huvitig
' ' »'>« (j'lilis or leg bones
' ' Slows.

I tii« foaming
'>r,«>rrfc lions

•■, or ■ low-(Wfw,
'■■% » active on

JSKttiniiH 8r.v

* -ating gvut, tti,,'
'^adiug f\mr u
4 «H»tid, fi%'
The pnii

■*^d tbiir . >
•■, mrclv i . ^

,.1. ,.i : . ,

:i\r^

•". t)(<

ooiitiit-.b

-^ nanner thor WiHild a5c<^,] the
•igregnting l.y hundreds, ffer-v
excited to inordiuaty ,W*,,,^^
■ring with thoir o/,t
- .ifessliug 1,'rout. ftittjjijie
?. utd tliom i.ui br.keii *»•'.

. more, ai'e. wlien they aj^ r\ « ,.,

■He Bcasona for "haul^^ j^. & .
jnt ps^rioda ajig kuamp ®eB,.i4j, ,4,,,,
■bull imd M^-,- »«4 -*l|»n.j, ^.4

■ ''ti the iiiJimia,.v. „( cljm; •

^i their jajotliw* »4 t^u

^ may ^.miUy hwe dyi*«a

^iijwim"""'""

'I ■^.

■■/..^i

5r'

'ii^ij* '*y--

'f:

f'f '■

-oil

.*«*"'

THE SEA ELEPHANT. 117

surface — and sometimes ' the throat is more or less marked with white spots. Its
proboscis extends from opposite the angle of the mouth forward (in the larger
males) about fifteen inches, when the creature is in a state of quietude, and the
upper surface appears ridgy ; but when the animal makes an excited respiration,
the trunk becomes more elongated, and the ridges nearly disappear. The mouth is
furnished with teeth similar to those of the Sea Lion. The adult females average ten
feet in length between extremities. They are destitute of the proboscis, the nose be-
ing like that of the common seal, but projecting more over the mouth. Their canine
teeth are shorter, smoother below the sockets, larger at the base, and hollow nearly
to the upper point. The sailors on a voyage to the Sea Elephant grounds, not having
a supply of tobacco pipes, made them of these teeth, and the quills or leg bones
of the pelican ; the former furnishing the bowls, and the latter the stems.

The habits of the huge beasts, when jn shore, or loitering about the foaming
breakers, are in many respects like those of the Leopard Seals. Our observations
on the Sea Elephants of California go to show that they have been found in much
larger numbers from February to June than during other months of the year ; but
more or less were at all times found on shore upon their favorite beaches, which
were about the islands of Santa Barbara, Cerros, Guadalupe, San Bonitos, Nativi-
dad, San Roque, and Asuncion, and some of the most inaccessible points on the
main -land between Asuncion and Cerros. When coming up out of the water, they
were generally first seen near the line of surf; then crawling up by degrees, fre-
quently reclining as if to sleep ; again, moving up or along the shore, appearing
not content with their last resting-place. In this manner they would ascend the
ravines, or "low-downs," half a mile or more, congregating by hundreds. They
are not so active on land as the seals ; but, when excited to inordinate exertion,
their motions are quick — the whole body quivering with their crawling, semi-
vaulting gait, and the animal at such times manifesting great fatigue. Notwith-
standing their unwieldiness, we have sometimes found them on broken and elevated
ground, fifty or sixty feet above the sea.

The principal seasons of their coming on shore, are, when they are about to
shed their coats, when the females bring forth their young (which is one at a
time, rarely two), and the mating season. These seasons for "hauling up" are
more marked in southern latitudes. The diflerent periods are known among the
hunters as the "pupping cow," "brown cow," "bull and cow," and "March bull"
seasons ; but on the Califv)rnia coast, either from the influence of climate or some
other cause, we have noticed young pups with their mothers at quite the opposite
months. The continual hunting of the animals may possibly have driven them to

118 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

irregularities. The time of gestation is supposed to be about three -fourths of the
year. The most marked season we could discover was that of the adult males,
which shed their coats later than the younger ones and the females. Still, among
a herd of the largest of those fully matured (at Santa Barbara Island, in June,
1852), we found several cows and their young, the latter apparently but a few
days old.

When the Sea Elephants come on shore for the purpose of "shedding," if not
disturbed they remain out of water urtil the old hair falls oflF. By the time this
change comee about, the animal is supposed to lose half its fat ; indeed, it some-
times becomes very thin, and is then called a "slim-skin."

In the stomach of the Sea Elephant a few pebbles are found, which has given
rise to the saying that "they take in ballast before going down" (retiu-ning to the
sea). On warm and sunny days we have watched them come up siugly on smooth
beaches, and burrow in the dry sand, throwing over their backs the loose particles
that collect about their fore limbs, and nearly covering themselves from view ; but
when not disturbed, the animals follow their gregarious propensity, and collect in
large herds.

The mode of capturing them is thus : the sailors get between the herd and
the water ; then, raising all possible noise by shouting, and at the same time flour-
i!<hing clubs, guns, and lances, the party advance slowly toward the rookery, when

^^» ■^,-,..^«-^^3^^ii^.«AW^

Club and Lakce used in the CAPrnitk of the Sea Elephant.

the animals will retreat, appearing in a state of great alarm. Occasionally an over-
grown male will giv<> battle, or attempt to escape; but a musket -ball through the
brain dispatches it ; or some one checks its progress by thrusting a lance into the
roof of its mouth, which causes it to settle on its haunches, when two men with
heavy oaken clubs give the creature repeated blows about the head, until it is
stunned or killed. After securing those that are disposed to show resistance, the
party rush on the main body. The onslaught creates such a panic among these
peculiar creatures, that, losing all control of their actions, they climb, roll, and
tumble over each other, when prevented from farther retreat by the projecting
cliffs. We recollect in one instance, where sixty -five were captured, that several'
were found showing no signs of having been either clubbed or lanced, but were

THE SEA ELEPHANT. 119

smothered by numbers of their kind heaped upon them. The whole flock, when
attacked, manifested alarm by their peculiar roar, the sound of which, among the
largest males, is nearly as loud as the lowing of an ox, but more prolonged in one
strain, accompanied by a rattling noise in the throat. The quantity of blood in
this species of the seal tribe i_ supposed to be double that contained in an ox, in
proportion to its size.

After the capture, the flaying begins. First, with a large knife, the skin is
ripped along the upper side of the body its whole length, and then cut down as fur
as practicable, without rolling It over ; then the coating of fat that lies between
the skin and flesh — which may b^» from one to seven inches in thickness, accord-
ing to the size and condition of the animal — is '•'* into "horse -pieces," about
eight inches wide, and twelve to fifteen long, and a puicture is made in each piece
suflSciently large to pass a rope through. After flen?in^ the upper portion of the
body, it is rolled over, and cut all around, as alv "c de'<:ribed. Then the "horse-
pieces" are strung on a raft-roie (a rope three fathoij;s long, with an eye -splice
in one rriV, and taken to the edge of the surf; a loii^ line is made fast to it,
the end of which is thrown to a boat lying just outside of the breakers ; they are
then hauled through the rollers and towed to the vessel, where the oil is tried
out by boiling the blubber, or fat, in large pots set in a brick furnace for the
purpose. The oil produced is superior to whale oil for lubricating purposes. Ow-
ing to the contmual pursuit of the animals, they have become nearly if not quite
extinct on the California coast, or the few remaining have fled to some unknown
point for security.

Thus far, we have been writing of the Sea Elephant and manner of capturing
it on the islands and coasts of the Californias ; and, although thousands of the
animals, in past years, gathered upon the shores of the islands contiguous to the
coast, as well as about the pebbly or sandy beaches of the peninsula, affording full
cargoes to the oil- ships, yet their numbers were but few, when compared with the
multitudes which once inhabited the remote, desolate islands, or places on the
main, within the icy regions of the southern hemisphere ; and even at the expense
of digression, we have thought it well to give an account of the animal in those
regions. Several geographical points have already been mentioned, and among these
Kerguelen Land, or Desolation Island, and Herd's Island, are the great resort-
ing-places of these animals at the present day. The last-named place is in latitude
53® 03' south, and longitude 72' 30' to 73" 30' east. Its approximate extent is
sixty miles. Its shores are somewhat bold, broken, and dangerous to land upon ;
no harbor being found that is secure for the smallest vessel. In the smoothest

120 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE lORTH-WESTEBN COAST.

time/ when landing, the boat's crew are obliged to jump into the water, to hold and
steady the boat, that it may not be staved on the beach, or swept out by the reced-
ing undertow. In fact, a heavy surge always beats upon those frozen, rock -bound
shores, varied only by the combing seas, that dart higher yet up the precipitous
cliffs, when urged on by the oft -repeated gales that sweep over the southern por-
tions of the Indian Ocean.

Captain Cook, the celebrated explorer, on his voyages of discovery in the ^es-
olution, when he visited Kerguelen Land, called it the Island of Desolation, on
account of its barren and uninhabitable appearance, although it possessed flne har-
bors, where the hardy mariner could rest securely with his ship during the violent
winter storms. But not so at Herd's Island. The Sea Elephant oil -ship, breasting
the changing winds and waves to procure a cargo, is officered by the most fearless
and determined men, who have had experience in whaling, sealing, or Sea Elephant
hunting in those rough seas. The majority of the men are shipped at the Cape de
Verde Island ■«, they being of a muscular race, who have proved themselves to be
excellent hands for the laborious work. The ship, when first sent out, is provided
with a "double crew," and is accompanied by a small vessel, of a hundred tons or
less, for a "tender." On arriving at the island, the ship is moored with heavy
chains and anchors, and every other preparation is made for riding out any gale
that may blow toward the land. The sails are unbent, all the spars above the top-
masts are sent down, and, with the spare boats, arc landed and housed during the
"season," whicli begins about the middle of November, and ends in the middle of
February. Quarters are provided for that portion of the ship's company which is
assigned to duty on shore. The habitation is a small hut, properly divided off
into apartments — one for the mates, one for the steerage officers, and another for
the men. This dwelling is no larger than necessity demands. Its walls are built
of the detached pieces of lava, or bowlders, nearest at hand ; rough boards and
tarred canvas, supplied from the ship, form the roof, which must be made water-
proof and snow- proof. During the day, light is admitted to each room through a
single pane of glass, or a spare dock or side light — perhaps found among the
rubbish on board the vessel ; and doors are made after the fashion of "good old
colony times," with the latch -string ever swinging in the wind. In this dank
habitation, planted between an iceberg on one side and a bluff volcanic mountain
Oil the other, these rough men of the sea at once adapt themselves to their several
situations, and all the discipline is maintained that they would be subject to if on
board ship. The high surf at this island renders it impracticable to haul off the
blubber in "rafts," as at Desolation Island and on the coasts of the Californias :

THE SEA ELEPHANT. 121

hence it is usually "minced" (the "horse -pieces" cut into thin slices) and put
into tight casks to prevent any waste of the oil ; then, when a smooth day comes,
they are rolled down the beach, and pulled through the rollers by the boats ; or
the tender is anchored near shore, a line is run to the vessel, and the casks hauled
alongside, hoisted in, and transferred to the ship, where the oil is tried out and
"stowed down" in the usual manner.

As soon as the season is over — or, rather, when the time has come for the
ship to leave, either for home, or to find shelter in some harbor at the Island of
Desolation — the shore -party is supplied with provisions, all the surplus articles
that were landed are re -embarked, the heavy anchors are ut last weighed, and
amid hail, snow, and sleet, the ship under her half- frozen canvas bounds over the
billows, and soon disappears in the offing.

The vessels having departed, the officers and men left on the island resume
their daily occupations. Usually the number is divided into two "gangs," stationed
at separate places, where clusters of huts have sprung up for the use of those
belonging to the different vessels, who have from time to time made it a tempo-
rary abiding- place. Try-works are built, and a shanty is erected for a cooper's
shop. These two habitable spots are known as "Whisky Bay" and "The Point;"
the former being a slight indentation of the shore -line, where the Elephants in
countless numbers were found by the first vessel visiting there, which, as report
says, had a supply of "old rye" stowed in her run. The captain, in the heat
of hip successful prosecution of the arduous business of procuring a cargo, gave
his men permission to "splice the main brace strong and often," so long as the
work went briskly on; and it is humorously told that this noted landing-place was
"christened" at the cost of barrels of the beverage, thus securing to it a name as
lasting as that of the prominent headland on the borders of the Okhotsk Sea, well
known to whalemen as "Whisky Bluff." From day to day the separated parties,
living some thirty miles apart, hunt the animals for leagues along the shores, with
the varied success incident to season or circumstances ; and, although on the same
island, the face of the country is so broken — being rent into deep chasms, walled
in as it were by fjiddy, shelving heights, making it impossible to travel, even on
foot, far inland toward its extremities, and the shores hedged in by sharp ridges
of basalt, stretching out into the sea — the two divir'.ons know nothing of each
other until the vessels return, which is frequently after an absence of from eight
to twelve months, and during that time a thousand or more barrels uf oil nay have
been collected.

Notwithstanding the hardships and deprivations that are undergone to make a

MiBiKi MimiAU. — 16.

122 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

successful voyage, there is no lack of enterprising merchants ready to invest their
capital in any adventure when there is a prospect of ultimate gain ; and no ocean
or sea where there is a possibility of navigating appears too perilous for the advent-
urous seamen to try their luck upon. The very fact of the voyage being fraught
with danger and difficulty tends to stimulate them to action. And in this remote
part of the world of which we have spoken, that was unknown to the early explor-
ers, as well as to those who have more recently voyaged toward the Antarctic con-
tinent— and for the geographical position of which we are indebted to the enter-
prise and nautical skill of those of our countrymen who commenced the life of a
sailor by "coming through the hawse-holes" — we find that rival parties are left on
its bleak shores, who, when opposed the one to the other, watch with greater care
every movement that may be made, than the coming and going of the creatures
which are the objects of pursuit. Many a war of words has arisen, with the brand-
ishing of club and lance in the strife ; but, like the pioneer California miners,
when left to rely on their own good sense for self-government, there was littl to
fear but that all laws made would be simple, just, and strictly adhered to. When
parties from different vessels are located on the same beach, the custom is for all
to wor'.v together when killing the animals, as well as when skinning and cutting
the Liubber from the bodies into "horse -pieces." These are thrown into one or
more piles ; after which, the men of each party arc ranged in squads, and each
one, in turn, draws a piece from the heap, until all is disposed of. These divisions
are made whenever the animals are found and killed in any considerable numbers ;
and, if far from the rendezvous, the blubber is "backed," or rolled in casks to the
main depot. "Backing" is the stringing of eight or ten pieces on a fole, which
is carried on the shoulders of two men ; but if a cask is used, three mer. aru allot-
ted to each one of six or eight barrels' capacity, to roll which the distat.ce of two
miles is allowed to be a day's work. While the ship is away, homeward bound, or
returning to the island for another cargo, the tender may bo at Desolation Island,
picking up what scattering Elephants can be found upon shores that once swarmed
with millions of those huge beasts; or a short whaling- cruise is made, until the
time comes for commencing operations at the island.

Hunting for the scattering animals about the shores of Desolation Island,
"between seasons," is the most exposed and solitary pursuit either in the whalo
or seal fishery. The tender takes a detachment of the crew, and plies along the
island coast, landing one or two men on r^ach of the best beaches, with a supply
of water and provisions ; a tent or shanty is erected, partly of wood, partly of
canvas ; and the skins of the Elephants furnish the floor, couch, and covering of

THE SEA ELEPHANT. 123

the temporary habitation. Here the banished hunter or hunters rest at night,
after the fatigues of ranging along the shores, killing and flaying the animals met
with, and transporting the blubber to a place of deposit, where it is buried, to pre-
vent the gulls from devouring it, until taken aboard. As the season returns at
Herd's Island, the vessels are usually "on the gt:>und;" the treacherous surf is again
passed and repassed in the light, frail whale-boats, landing the fresh crew from
home, who relieve those who have thus literally "seen the elephant." The time
passes quickly away, in the toil and excitement of killing and flensing ; and again
the floating fragment of the world departs for the land of civilization, leaving her
last crew from home to pass an iutarctic winter, amid the solitudes of icebergs
and the snow -covered peaks of the mountain land. No passing sail is seen to
break the monotony of their voluntary exile; even many varieties of sea-birds
found at Desolation Island do not deign to visit them. Multitudes of penguins,
however, periodically resort to the island, and their eggs, together with the tongues
of the Sea Elephants, and one or two kinds of fish, furnish a welcome repast for all
hands, by way of change from that substantial fare called "salt-horse" and "lard-
tack." Beside the close stoves in their apartments, which are heated with coal from
the ship, or the fat of the Elephant pups, and the flickerings of a murky oil -lamp,
the long winter evenings are passed in smoking and playing amusing games — "old
sledge" and "seven-up" being favorites — and the reckless joking that circulates
among adventurers who make light of ill-luck, and turn reverses into ridicule.

The extent and value of the Sea Elephant fishery, from its commencement up
to the present date, is not definitely known, as the ships engaged in the enterprise,
when whaling and sealing was at its height in the southern ocean, were also in
pursuit of the valuable fur- bearing animals, as well as the Cachalot and the ba-
loena ; hence their cargoes were often made up of a variety of the oils of com-
merce. We have reliable accounts, however, of the Sea Elephant being taken for
its oil as early as the beginning of the present century. At those islands, or upon
the coasts on the main, where vessels could find secure shelter from all winds, the
animals have long since been virtually annihilated ; and now they are only sought
after in the remote places we have mentioned, and these points are only accessible
under the great difficulties that beset the mariner when sailing near the polar re-
gions of the globe. Enough data are at hand, nevertheless, to show that hundreds
of thousands of the animals, yielding as many barrels of oil, have been taken from
Desolation and Herd's Islands, by American ships, which for many years have main-
tained a monopoly of the business.

CHAPTER II.
THE SEA LION.

(Plate xxii, fig. 1, 2.)

Among the numerous species of marine mammalia found upon the Pacific Coast
of North America, none excite more interest than the Sea Lion ; even the valuable
and almost domesticated Fur Seal of the PribylofF group of islands fails to equal it
in utility to the Aleutians, who depend upon it not only as a staple article of
food, but obtain, by the sale of its silky skin, their foreign luxuries of every nat-
ure. But the Fur Seal {CaUarhinus) dwells only periodically in isolated places,
while the Sea Lion, although having an extended geograj 'lical range, is a frequent-
er, not only of remote and secluded places, but also of thickly inhabited coasts j
entering inland bays and rivers ; at times disporting among the shipping, and quite
frequently making some detached rock or reef, contiguous to the busy shore, a
permanent abode, where it seems to enjoy its approximate union with civilization.
The Sea Lion is known, among naturalists, as belonging to the sub -family IHcho-
phocirujB, of which there are three genera, and several varieties, said to be distribut-
ed as follows: Otaria jubata, found on the southern coasts and islands of South
America ; Eumetopiaa SteUeri, which inhabits the coasts and islands of the North
Pacific, from California and southern Eamschatka northward ; Zahphus OlUef li, found
on the coasts and islands of the North Pacific, from Lower California and southern
Japan northward ; Zahphus lobatus, of the Australasian seas.* To whatever genus of
the IHchophocituB the animals may belong, their general habits, so far as I have
had opportunity to observe, a.-e the same ; the only difference being that those
among their number who migrate north or south, conform, in some respects, to the
various situations they may be placed in between the equatorial and polar regions.

*The olassification and geographical distri- Eared Seals, lately published; with an account
bution here given, are based upon the authority of the northern Fur Seals, by Oaptain Charles
of the valuable work of J. A. Allen, on the Bryant.

C»«]

THE SEA LION.

125

We are acquainted, however, with only two genera,* one of which {Otaria jubata)
inhabits the coast of South America, and the other (Mimetopias Sldleri) we have
met with between the tropical lines of the Pacific, from the Qalapagos islands —
which are situated about the equator — northward on the west coast of North
America nearly to Behring Strait, and westward to the Island of Saghalien on the
coast of eastern Siberia. The first -named genus has a short, rounded head, prom-
inent above the eyes, and a shaggy mane, which imparts a resemblance to the king
of beasts ; hence the appropriate name, Sea Lion, which was given it when first
described.

The Eumetopas Stelleri is of more symmetrical proportions than the Otaria
jubata, and very nearly resembles the Fur Seal, more particularly the males ; and,

* Since tho publication of the article "About
Sea Lions," in the Overland Monlldy of Septem-
ber, 1871, we have had opportunity of making
additional observations upon these animals at
the Farallone Islands, where wn saw the largest
females we have ever met with on the California
coast. Hence, what we have formerly taken to
be the Eamatopiaa Stelleri may prove to be the
Zalophus Gillespiif; but, if such be the fact, both
species inhabit tho coast of California, at least
as far south as the Farallones. Moreover, both
species, if we may be allowed the expression,
herd together in the same rookeries. On mak-
ing b series of observations upon the outward
forms of Sea Lions, it will be found that a
confusing variety exists in the figiires of these
very interesting animals, espeoially in the shape
of the head : some having a short muzzle, with
a full forehead; others with forehead and nose
somewhat elongated ; and still others of a mod-
ified iiaa^o, between the two extremes.

Within the past five years, several observers
have assured mc that the Sea Lions of the
north, pai-ticularly those of St. Paul's Island,
Behring Sea, were much larger than those on
the coast of California; but this information
proves to be incorrect, for the same observers,
aft«r visiting the island a second time, and in-
vestigating the matter more thoroughly, have
arrived at the conclusion that the male Sea

Lions there found will rarely exceed eleven feet
in extreme length ; while on the coast of Cali-
fornia, animals of that length are frequently
met with, and, as before stated, there is no
lack of cases where the animals have reached
the length of twelve feet, and an instance is
known, as stated by Professor Davidson, of the
U. S. Coast Survey, where the specimen meas-
ured fifteen feet from tip to tip. In any event,
there is no further question about the northern
Sea Lions exceeding in size the Sea Lions of
California, as those inhabiting the last-named
region are at least fully equal in magnitude to
their congeners of the north. The accompany-
ing figures may convey a better idea of their
forms than a written description.

Doubts have been expressed as to the mi-
gratory habits of the Sea Lion ; but we are fully
convinced that there are individuals, at least,
among all the northern herds, that change from
the cold latitudes to the tropics, as wo have
killed several of the animals upon the southern
coast of California, during the month of June,
in which were found arrow or spear heads, such
as are used by the northern sea -coast natives.
Professor Davidson states that in June, 1870, a
spear -head, such as is used by the natives of
Alaska, was found in a large male Sea Lion,
taken at Point Arenas, in latitude 39°, on the
coast of California.

126 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NOBTH-WESTEBN COAST.

iiiui)»7^uyi%t!iS»

Male Sea Lion Sleeping.

Male Sea Lion WAKiNa

THE SEA LION.

127

Appearance of a Male Sea Lion when Roaring.

Female Sea Lions of St Paul's Island.

128 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

at a distance, it is difficult to distinguish between a fully matured Fur Seal and a
Sea Lion of ordinary size. The extreme length of the ful -grown male Sea Lion
of the north may be set down at sixteen feet from tip of nose to end of posterior
flippers, and yield of oil at forty gallons ; but it is seldom they are found meas-
uring twelve feet from tip of nose to tip of tail, and the individual yield of oil
throughout the season would not exceed ten gallons. Its greatest circumference
would not be over eight feet, and its weight about one thousand pounds. Its head
and neck are more elongated, and the latter is destitute of the mane which is
characteristic of the Lion of the southern seas. Its mouth is armed with strong,
glistening, white teeth. Its projecting upper lip is furnished, on each side, with
strong, flexible whiskers, which are generally of a white, or yellowish - white color,
some of which grow to the length of eighteen inches. When the animal is either
excited by curiosity or anger, its eyes are full of expression ; and at such times
they appear large, but when the creature is dozing, these members have quite the
opposite appearance. Its ears are cylindrical at the root, tapering to a point, are
covered with short, fine hair, and lie nearly in a line with the body. Its limbs,
which are incased with a sort of thick shagreen, combine the triple functions of
legs, feet, and fins, and are far better adapted to locomotion in the watery ele-
ment ; where, when excited, its movements are swift and graceful, while on the
land, the creature's imposing, though awkward traveling, requires great effort. Its
body is covered with short, coarse, shining hair. The color of the adult males is
much diversified ; individuals of the same rookery being quite black, with scatter-
ing hairs tipped with dull white, while others are of a reddish brown, dull gray, or
of light gray above, darker below. The adult female is not half the bulk of the
male, and its color is a light brown. One of the average size, taken at Santa Bar-
bara Island, coast of California, in the spring of 1871, measured six feet four
inches from tip of nose to tip of posterior flippers, and weighed one hundred and
eighty -two pounds.

We submit the following measurements, etc. (in feet and inches), of a full-
grown male Sea Lion (No. 1), taken at the Farallone Islands, July 17th, 1872 ; of
an adult female Sea Lio (No. 2), taken at Santa Barbara Island, coast of Califor-
nia, April ^2th, 1871; and of a male Sea Lion (No. 3), about ten months old,
taken at the last-nt.med island, April 4th, 1872:

Ho. 1. No, a. No. 9.

Length of animal from tip of nose to tip of posterior flippers, 12 0 6 4 4 10

Length of posterior flippers 2 2 11 0 llj^

Breadth of posterior flippers (expanded) 0 9 0 8

Bound the body behind the pectorals 7 0 8 8 2 8

THE SEA LION. 129

Ro. 1. Ko. 1. Ho. S.

From tip of nose to pectorals 6 0 2 1 19

Length of pectorals 2 6 14 13

Breadth of pectorals 1 1 0 6 0 4J

Distance between extremities of pectorals 10 0

From tip of nose to eye , 0 3J 0 3^^

From tip of nose to ear 0 8 0 7

Length of ear 0 IJ 0 IJ 0 1

Girth of body at root of posterior flippers 1 6 0 11^

From tip of nose to root of tail 3 lOi

From tip of nose to comer of mouth 0 4^ 0 3|

From end of lower jaw to comer of mouth 0 3 0 2^

Length of taU 0 7 0 2 0 2J

Length of longest whiskers 1 6 0 6 0 6^

Length of longest claws on posterior flippers 0 1^

Breadth of longest claws on posterior flippers 0 Of

From root of tail to genital slit 1 2 0 6

From root of tail to hind teats 1 2

From root of tail to forward teats 1 10

Distance between the two hind teats across the belly 0 5

Distance between the two forward teats across the belly 0 8

Thickness of blubber 0 1 0 OJ 0 OJ

Number of whiskers on each side of the face: No. 1, thirty -one; No. 2, thir-
ty-five; No. 3, thirty -six and thirty -five.

Three other males were measured at the same time of the first example, which
varied but little in their proportions. The number of claws on posterior flippers
of No. 1 were five, three of which were rudimentary. In the adult female example,
(No. 2) the blubber was half an inch thick on the back, and one inch on the
belly.

The following are the measurements, etc. (in feet and inches), of a female Sea
Lion (No. 1), supposed to be a yearling, taken at Santa Barbara Island; and of
a new-born female Sea Lion pup, (No. 2), taken at the same island, May 3d, 1873:

No. 1. Ho. 9.

Length of animal from tip of nose to tip of posterior flippers 4 10 2 4

Length of posterior flippers Oil 0 5J

From tip of nose to root of tail 3 lOJ 111

Length of taU 0 2i 0 H

From tip of nose to pectorals 2 0 0 lOJ

Length of pectorals 1 2J 0 7

Breadth of pectorals 0 4J 0 8

Girth of body behind pectorals 2 7 1 8

Girth of body at junction with posterior flippers 11 0 6J

Mabwi MAmfALa. — IT.

130 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

\ \ No. 1. Mo. a.

; From tip of nose to corner of mouth 0 3} 0 2

From end of under jaw to comer of mouth. 0 2

,. From tip of nose to eye 0 3 0 \%

4 ' From tip of nose to-ear 0 6 0 4

Length of ear 0 IJ

rj Thickness of blubber 0 Of 0 0}

In the first example, the whiskers on each side of the face numbered thirty-
five and thirty -six; length of the longest whisker, four and three -eighths of an
j inch. The color of the second example was black above, a little lighter below,

' with scattering hairs of light brown or dull white. It had three rudimentary claws

] on each pectoral ; and five claws on posterior flippers, two of which were rudiment-

ary. Weight of animals, respectively, eighty and ten and a half pounds.

We give also several zincographic illustrations, which may afibrd a better idea
of the different forms of the animals in varied attitudes, as well as their facial
expression when sleeping, waking, and when in a state of excitement, which is
manifested by howling or roaring.

Both males and females have a double coating of fat or blubber, lying between
the skin and the flesh of the body. These coatings are separated by a thin layer
of muscular tissue. The fat yields the oil of commerce, although inferior in quality
to that of the Sea Elephant. The young pups, or whelps, are of a slate or black
color, and the yearlings of a chestnut brown. An erroneous impression gener-
ally prevails relative to the size of the Sea Lion, which is considered, by many,
to be of mammoth proportions. And, when describing the larger species of mam-
malia found in the vast ocean, there is a manifest propensity to magnify them
until transformed into huge monsters, like the whale of the ancient voyagers, which
"wore nine hundred foot long," or that distinguished specimen of the seal family,
honored with the name of "Ben Butler," who, with his troop, holds possession of
Seal Rock, off the cliffs of San Francisco, and that has been estimated at the great
weight of two thousand pounds.

The habits of the Sea Lion exhibit many striking features. It not only dwells

near the Arctic and Antarctic latitudes, but it basks upon the glittering sands

under an equatorial sun. On approaching an island, or point, occupied by a num-

;, erous herd, one first hears their long, plaintive bowlings, as if in distress ; but,

i when near them, the sounds become more varied, and deafening. The old males

' roar so loudly as to drown the noise of the heaviest surf among the rocks and

caverns; and the younger of both sexes, together with the " clapmatches," croak
hoarsely, or send forth sounds like the bleating of sheep or the barking of dogs;

THE SEA LION. 131

in fact, their tumultuous utterances are beyond description. A rookery of the
matured animals presents a ferocious and defiant appearance ; but usually, at the
approach of man, they become alarmed, and, if not opposed in their escape, roll,
tumble, and sometimes make fearful leaps, from high precipitous rocks, to hasten
their flight. Like all others of the seal tribe, they are gregarious, and gather in
the largest numbers during the "pupping season," which varies in different latitudes.
On the California coast it is from May to August, inclusive, and upon the shores
of Alaska it is said to be from June to October ; during which period the females
bring forth their young, nurse them, associate with the valiant males, and both
unite in the care of the little ones, keeping a wary guard, and teaching them, by
their own parental actions, how to mov€ over the broken, slimy, rock -bound shore,
or upon the sandy, pebbly beaches, and to dive and gambol amid the surf and
rolling ground -swells. At first the pups manifest great aversion to the water, but
soon, instinctively, become active and playful in the element ; so, by the time the
season is over, the juvenile creatures disappear with the greater portion of the old
ones ; only a few of the vast herd remaining at the favorite resorts throughout the
year. During the pupping season, both males and females, so far as we could
ascertain, take but little if any food, particularly the males ; though the females
have been observed to leave their charges and go off, apparently in search of sub-
sistence, but they do not venture far from their young ones. That the Sea Lion can
go without food for a long time is unquestionable. One of the superintendents of
Woodward's Gardens informed me, that in numerous instances they had received
Sea Lions into the aquarium, which did not eat a morsel of nourishment during a
whole month, and appeared to suffer but little inconvenience from their long fast.
As the time approaches for the annual assemblage, thosf^ '•eturning or coming
from abroad are seen near the shores, appearing wild and siiy. Soon after, how-
ever, the females gather upon the beaches, cliffs, or rocks, when the battles among
the old males begin for the supreme control of the harems ; these struggles often
lasting for days, the fight being kept up until one or both become exhausted, but
is renewed again when sufliciently recuperated for another attack ; and, really, the
attitudes assumed, and the passes made at each other, equal the amplifications of a
professional fencer. The combat lasts until both become disabled, or one is driven
from the ground, or perhaps both become so reduced that a third party, fresh from
his winter migration, drives them from the coveted charge. The vanquished ani-
mals then slink off to some retired spot, as if disgraced. Nevertheless, at times,
two or more will have charge of the same rookery ; but, in such instances, frequent
defiant growlings and petty battles occur. So far as we have observed upon the

132

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

Sea Lions of the California coast, there ia but little attachment manifested between
the sexes ; indeed, much of the Turkish nature is apparent. But the females show
some aOection for their offspring : yet, if alarmed when upon the land, they will
instantly desert them, and take to the water. The young cubs, on the other hand,
are the most fractious and savage little creatures imaginable, especially if awakened
from their nearly continuous sleeping ; and frequently, when a mother reclines to
nurse her single whelp, a swarm of others will perhaps contend for the same favor.*
To give a more extended and detailed account of the Sea Lions, we will
relate a brief sketch of a sealing season on Santa Barbara Island. It was near the
end of May, 1852, when we arrived ; and, soon after, the rookeries of "clapmatches,"
which were scattered around the island, began to augment, and large numbers of
huge males made their appearance, belching forth sharp, ugly howls, and leaping
out of or darting through the water with surprising velocity ; frequently diving
outside the rollers, the next moment emerging from the crest of the foaming break-

♦It is positively asserted by the natives of
St. Paul's Island, Behring Sea, that the female
Sea Lion of that locality suckles the male pup
the second year. Special Agent Bryant, who
has passed several seasons upon this island, has
informed us that he has investigated the mat-
ter as far as practicable, and gives credit to the
assertion. There would seem to be nothing im-
probable about the young Sea Lion suckling the
second year, as the fact of yearlings of land
mammals doing likewise is fully established.
But whether the female Sea Lion, of a year's
growth, is denied the nourishment which is af-
forded to the male, would seem a critical ques-
tion; yet, if such is the fact, this may account
for the great discrepancy of size between the
adult males and females.

Although a digression from, yet in a sense
corroborative of, the habits imputed to the Sea
Lion, in nursing its young, we will mention
facts which have just come to our knowledge,
through the whalemen at Monterey Bay, Cali-
fornia, which present nearly a parallel case with
that of the Sea Lions. On the 1st of October,
1873, the whalers captured a cow whale of the
Humpback species; also a calf that was with

her, which was judged to be about one year
old. That this yearling was the offspring of the
captured female, there can be no question, as
she followed close to the calf (which was first
harpooned) until it was nearly lifeless ; and when
the exhausted creature was about to expire, the
mother made an effort to support it by holding
it upon the surface of the water with her head.
These solicitous manifestations on the part of
the female are regarded as unquestionable evi-
dence, that the young whale in question was
her cherished offspring. As soon as it expired,
the mother turned to make her escape, but while
in this act, she was "harpooned" and "bomb*
ed," killing her almost instantly. Both whales
were towed to the station ; and when the calf
was cut in, it was found to be a male ; and on
flensing the mother, a well -grown foetus was
found in her, which proved, in this instance,
that the yearling whale not only follows its
dam, but during that period the mother asso-
ciates with the adult males, and again becomes
pregnant before separating from her former calf.
At the time of the capture of the two whales
above mentioned, an adult bull was in their
company, which was also captured.

THE SEA LION. 133

ers, and waddling up the beach with head erect, or, with seeming effort, climbing
some icelp- fringed rock, to doze in the scorching sunbeams, while others would lie
sleeping or playing among the beds of sea -weed, with their heads and outstretched
limbs above the surface. But a few days elapsed before a general contention, with
the adult males, began for the mastery of the different rookeries, and the victims
of the bloody encounters were to be seen on all sides of the island, with torn
lips, or mutilated limbs and gashed sides ; while, now and then, an unfortunate
creature would be met with, minus an eye, or with the orb forced from its socket,
and, together with other wounds, presenting a ghastly appearance. As the time of
"hauling up" drew near, the island became one mass of animation; every beach,
rock, and cliff, where a seal could find foot- hold, became its resting-place; while
a countless herd of old males capped the summit, and the united clamorings of the
vast assemblage could be heard, on a calm day, for miles at sea. The south side
of the island is high and precipitous, with a projecting ledge hardly perceptible
from the beach below, upon which one immense Sea Lion managed to climb, and
there remained for several weeks — until the season was over. How he ascended,
or in what manner he retired to the water, was mystery to our numerous ship's-
crew, as he came and went in the night; for "Old Gray" — as named by the sail-
ors— was closely watched in his elevated position during the time the men were
engaged at their work on shoi"!'.*

None but the adult males were captured, which was usually done by shooting
them in the ear or near it ; for a ball in any other part of the body had no more
effect than it would in a grizzly bear. Occasionally, however, they are taken with
the club and lance, only shooting a few of the masters of the herd. This is easily
accomplished with an experienced crew, if there is sufficient ground back from the
beach for the animals to retreat. During our stay, an instance occurred, which not
only displayed the sagacity of the animals, but also their yielding disposition, when
hard pressed in certain situations, as if naturally designed to be slain in numbers
eqV'.ai to the demands of their human pursuers. On the south of Santa Barbara

* Belative to the Sea Lions leaping from their own minds, that, by surprising the ani-

giddy heights, an incident occurred at Santa mals, we could drivo them over the cliff. This

Barbara Island, the last of the season of 1852, was easily accomplished; but, to our chagrin,

which we will here mention. A rookery of when we arrived at the point below, where we

about twenty individuals was collected on the expected to find the huge beasts helplessly mu-

brink of a precipitous cliff, at a height at least tilated, or killed outright, the last animal of

of sixty feet above the rocks which shelved from the whole rookery was seen plunging into the

the beach below; and our pf Hy were sure in sea.

134 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

Island was a plateau, elevated less than a hundred feet above the sea, stretching
to the brink of a cliff that overhung the shore, and a narrow gorge leading up
from the beach, through which the animals crawled to their favorite resting-place.
As the sun dipped behind the hills, fifty to a hundred males would congregate
upon the spot, and there remain until the boats were lowered in the morning,
when immediately the whole herd would quietly slip off into the sea and gambol
about during the day, returning as they saw the boats again leave the island for
the ship. Several unsuccessful attempts had been made to take them ; but, at last,
a fresh breeze commenced blowing directly from the shore, and prevented their
scenting the hunters, who landed some distance from the rookery, then cautiously
advanced, and suddenly, yelling, and flourishing muskets, clubs, and lances, rushed
up within a few yards of them, while the pleading creatures, with lolling tongues
and glaring eyes, were quite overcome with dismay, and remained nearly motion-
less. At last, two overgrown males broke through the line formed by the men,
but they paid the penalty with their lives before reaching the water. A few
moments passed, when all hands moved slowly toward the rookery, which as slowly
retreated. This maneuvre is called "turning them," and, when once accomplished,
the disheartened creatures appear to abandon all hope of escape, and resign them-
selves to their fate. The herd at this time numbered seventy -five, which were
soon dispatched, by shooting the largest ones, and clubbing and lancing the others,
save one young Sea Lion, which was spared to ascertain whether it would make
any resistance by being driven over the hills beyond. The poor creature only
moved along through the prickly pears that covered the ground, when compelled
by his cruel pursuers ; and, at last, with an imploring look and writhing in pain,
it held out its fin -like arms, which were pierced with thorns, in such a manner as
to touch the sympathy of the barbarous sealers, who instantly put the sufferer out
of its misery by the stroke of a heavy club. As soon as the animal is killed, the
longest spires of its whiskers are pulled out, then it is skinned, and its coating of
fat cut in sections from its body and transported to the vessel, where, after being
''minced," the oil is extracted by boiling. The testes are taken out, and, with the
selected spires of the whiskers, find a market in China — the former being used
medicinally, and the latter for personal ornaments.

At the close of the season — which lasts about three months, on the Califor-
nia coast — a large majority of the great herds, both males and fcmaleSj return to
the sea, and roam in all directions in quest of food, as but few of them could
find sustenance about the waters contiguous to the islands, or points on the main-
land, which are their annual resorting- places. They live upon fish, moUusks, crus-

THE SEA LION.

135

taceans, and sea -fowls; always with the addition of a few pebbles or smooth stones,
some of which are a pound in weight.* Their principal feathery food, however, is
the penguin, iu the southern hemisphere, and the gulls in the northern ; while the
manner in which they decoy and catch the gaj'ota of the Mexican and Californian
coasts, displays no little degree of cunning. When in pursuit, the animal dives
deeply under water and swims some distance from where it disappeared ; then, rising
cautiously, it exposes the tip of its nose above the surface, at the same time giving
it a rotary motion, like that of a water -bug at play. The unwary bird on the
wing, seeing the object near by, alights to catch it, while the Sea Lion, at the
same moment, settles beneath the waves, and at one bound, with extended jaws,
seizes its screaming prey, and instantly devours it

A few years ago great numbers of Sea Lions were taken along the coast of
Upper and Lower California, and thousands of barrels of oil obtained. Thb uura-
ber of seals slain exclusively for their oil would appear fabulous, when we roalize
the fact that it requires on an average, throughout the season, the blubber of three
or four Sea Lions to produce a barrel of oil. Their thick, coarse-grained skins
were not considered worth preparing for market, in a country where manual labor
was so highly valued. At the present time, however, they are valuable for glue-
stock, and the seal -hunter now realizes more comparative profit from the hides than
from the oil. But while the civilized sealers, plying their vocation along the sea-
board of California and Mexico, destroy the Leon marino, for the product of its oil,
skin, testes, and whiskers, the simple Aleutians of the Alaska region derive from
these animals many of their indispensable articles of domestic use. It appears an

* The enormous quantify of food which would
be required to maintain the herd of many thou-
sands, which, in former years, annually assem-
bled at the small island of Santa Barbara, would
Beem incredible, if they doily obtained the al-
lowance given to a male and female Sea Lion,
on exhibition ot Woodward's Gardens, San Fran-
oisoo, California, where the keeper informed me
that ho fed them regularly, everj- day, forty
pounds of fresh fish. Since those animals have
taken up their abode in the ponds of tho gar-
dens, the male has become quite expert in
catching food within his jaws, as it is thrown
to him or near him, while lyin(; upon a pile of
rocks in the centre of the pond. Sometimes a

piece of sturgeon, upon which fish the animals
are chiefly fed, would be thrown in the water
near by; and, although it would sink out of
sight from tho surface, the huge beast would
make a bound from the rocks, and diving, would
instantly recover it and again return to his ele-
vated position; or when a morsel lodged upon
the rocks, ho would seize and devour it in a
moment, and in the same manner as the ani-
mal picks up a crab, with his mouth, from the
slimy rocks of the ocean, and instantly bolto it.
Tho female was fed in the water; and as the
food was thrown from side to side in the aqua-
rium, tho animal would dart through the (de-
ment with surprising velocity to receive it.

13C MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

instructive fact in the order of Providence, that the northern belt of coast is clothed
with gigantic forests, and swarms with terrestrial animals of the chase, whereby
the natives of the wooded regions find meaus of transport across the inland waters,
and ample clothing from the skins of the animals which range through their hunt-
ing-grounds, while the thousand islands which diversify the shore between the
capos of Mendocino and Ommany are but sparsely inhabited by the I/umetopias,
and those found are turned to little account by the semi -aquatic savage. But ou
the seal islands of Alaska, where the only timber at hand is drifted from the
great rivers draining the wooded main -land, or borne by the Kamschatka branch
of the Kuro Siwo, we find rookeries of the largest Sea Lions met with upon the
shores of the Pacific, gathered with the great herds of Fur Seals which constitutt
the chief wealth of Alaska ; and although the two species differ in their character
still they are found peacefully occupying the saiuo or adjacent breeding -grounds.
The Aleutians even aver that the Sea Lion and the Fur Seal sometimes cohabit
together.

The principal rookery of Sea Lions on St. Paul Island is near its north-east
point ; and to this place the natives resort, between the toils of the Fur Seal
season, to make their annual "drive" to their village, which is clustered about the
slope and glen of the opposite shore. This "drive," to the good-natured Aleuts,
is what the buffalo -hunt has been to the red -skins on the plains of the Platte, or
matanza- time with the old Californians ; for the pi Hy starts out as on a sport' j
foray, and at night they stealthily get between the herd of Sea Lions and the
water; then, with professional strategy, they manage to "cut out" six or eight
of the largest at a time, and drive them a short distance inland, whore they are
guarded until a band of two or three hundred are assembled. Formerly the
implement used in driving was a pole with a small flag at the end ; but, since our
adopted country-folk have become more Americanized, that Yankee production, a
cotton umbrella, has been substituted, and it is said that any refractory siuich in
the "drive" is instantly subdued by the sudden expansion and contraction of an
umbrella in the hands of a pursuing native.

To collect the desired number for the yearly supply involves several days ;
therefore a throng of villagers, it is said, sntfi -out prepared with everything needful
for the campaign. As the work of driving goes on only at night, the Jay is
passed in sleeping and cooking their food by smoldering fires of drift-wood and
seal -fat, sheltered by their umbrellas, or a sort of tent contrived by spreading
bl" ikcts and garments over whales' ribs in lieu of tent- poles — never forgetting in
their repast the fragrant chi, which is quaffed in numberless cups from the steam-

THE SEA LION. 137

ing aam-o-var. At length, the whole troop of animals being assembled, a flt-sh
of umbrellas here and there, with the call of the herdsmen, brings all into moving
phalanx. But the time for driving must be either at night, after the dew is fallen,
or upon a dark, misty, or rainy day ; as the thick mat of grass that covers the
land must be wet, in order that the animals may easily slip along in their vaulting
gait over the green road to their place of execution. Under the most favorable
circumstances, the march does not exceed six miles in twenty- four hours; and it
being a distance of four leagues or more to the village, three days and nights, or
more, are spent before they arrive at the slaughtering place. There they are allowed
to remain quiet for a day, to cool their blood, which becomes much beated by
the tedious journey ; after which, they are killed by shooting. The cead animalo
are then skinned, and their hides packed in tiers until fermented sufiBcicntly to
start the hair, when they are stretched on frames to dry, and eventually become
the covering or planking for the Aleutian baidarkas and baidarras. The fat is taken
off and used for fuel, or the oil is rendered to burn in their lamps. The flesh is
cut in thin pieces from the carcass, laid in the open air to dry, and becomes a
choice article of food, '."^hc sinews are extracted, and afterward twisted into thread.
The lining of the animal's throat is put through a course of tanning, and then made
into boots, the soles of which are the under covering of the Sea Lion's fin -like
feet. The intestines are carefully taken out, cleaned, blown up, stretched to dry,
then tanned, and worked into water -proof clothing. The stomach is emptied of its
contents, turned inside out, then inflated and dried for oil -bottles, or it is used as
a receptacle for the preserved meat ; and what remains of the once formidable and
curious animal is only a mutilated skeleton.

Crossing Bohring and the Okhotsk seas, to the coasts of Siberia, including the
peninsula of Kamschatka and the island of Saghalion, the mode of capture by the
natives changes from that of the eastern continental shores. The inlets and rivers
of those Asiatic regions swarm with salmon from Juno to September, and at this
season the seals follow, and proy upon them as they ascend the streams. The
natives then select such places as will be left nearly bare at low tide, and there
set their nets — which are made of seal-thongs — to strong stakes, so placed as to
form a curve open to the confluence of the stream. These nets are similar to gill-
nets, the meshes being of a size to admit the seal's head — which gives free passage
to the shoals of fish — and the pursuing animal, as soon as entangled in the net,
struggles forward in its efforts to escape, but is held firmly in the meshes, where
it remains till low water, when the natives, in their flat-bottomed skin- boats,
approach and dispatch the victim with their rude bono implements. As the season

M/snii MA1IIUU.-M.

138 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

becomes warm, the animals of both sexes congregate in their favorite rookeries, and
the females climb to the most inaccessible places among the rocks and crags, to
bring forth and nurture their offspring. But here they are hunted by the natives
accustomed to the use of fire-arms, who shoot them for the skins of the young
f ones, which are used for clolaing.

In this region also, during the spring and fall, after the "net-sealing" is

over, great numbers of Sea Lions are captured upon the floating ice, with gun or

I i spear; and during the rigorous months, the seal -hunters cut through the congealed

mass what they terra "breathing -holes." Through these the seals emerge to the

, A frosted surface, and, if the sun peers through the wintery clouds, the creature,

i| warmed into new life, may stroll hundreds of yards away; the watchful hunter,

I secreted behind a cake of ice or a bank of snow, rushes out from his covert, and

I places a covering over the hole, effectually preventing the animal's escape, and then

dispatches it with knife and spear. Its skin is stripped off, scraped clean, closely
jl rolled, and laid away until the hair starts — this process is called "souring;" then

the hair is scoured off, and the bare hide is stretched to season — a process usually

,1 requiring about ten days — when it is taken down and rubbed between the hands

h to make it pliable ; this completes the whole course of dressing it. The prenared

)'i hides are then converted into harness for the sledge -dogs and reindeer, and water-

' If

5'i proof bags; if wanted for the soles of moccasins, or to cover their skin- boats, they

are dried with the hair on, and become nearly as stiff as plates of iron. The blub-
ber of -the animals, if killed in the fall or winter, is preserved by freezing, and is
used for food, fuel, and lights, as desired; while the same part of tl ■«" taken
during the spring and summer is put in the skins of young seals, and piaced in
earthen vaults, where it keeps fresh until required for consumption. The residue
; of the animal is tumbled into a reservoir, sunk below the surface of the ground,

where it is kept for the winter's supply of food for the dogs, which live upon
the frozen flesh and entrails of the seals, whose skin furnishes the tackle by
which they transport the primitive sledge over the snow -clad wastes of Siberia and
Eamschatka

In the southern regions, the Sea Lion is but rarely pursued by the aborigines;
for the Fuegians, who are so little elevated above the beast, have no means of
capturing the animal, as have the Aleuts and Koraks of the north ; and those

ji degraded types of humanity, who wander about the shores of Tierra del Fuogo,

partake of the same food as do the amphibious herds. But the Patagonians are
sometimes found clothed in long mantles of Sea Lion skins, and the seal is other-
wise utilized by them. Along the coasts of Chile and Peru, the inflated skins of

THE SEA LION.

the Sea Lion are frequently used instead of the wooden laha, or catamaran The
vast herds of these marine animals, to the far north and south, do not materially
dimmish, as they are hunted by the natives solely for domestic consumption • but
those on our California shores will soon be exterminated by the deadly shot of the
rifle, or driven away to less accessible haunts.

CHAPTER III.
THE BANDED SEAL.

HiSTiaoPBOcA EQUESTBiB, OUl. (Plate xxi, fig. 1, 2.)

Of this beautifully marked animal, which attains the length of six or eight feet,
there is but very little known. Its geographical distribution is said to extend east-
ward to Amoor land. It is found upon the coast of Alaska, bordering on Behring
Sea, and the natives of Ounalaska recognize it as an occasional visitor to the Aleu-
tian Islands. It is said to be found in greater numbers on the Asiatic coast than
on the American. In April, 1852, we observed a herd of seals upon the beaches
i ,j at Point Reyes, California; these, without close examination, answered to the

1^ i{ description given by Gill, which is as follows: "The species is remarkable for

' color as well as structural peculiarities. The male is at once recognizable by the

color, and this may be said to be a chocolate brown, except (1) a band of whitish
yellow, bent forward toward the crown around the neck; (2), an oval ring of the
J same color on each side, encircling the fore feet and passing in front just before

them ; and ( 3 ) another band, also bent forward above, behind the middle of the
trunk. There is considerable variation in extent of these bands, and sometimes the
puribrachial rings are more or less confluent with the posterior band. The females
are simply whitish yellow, or have very indistinct traces of the pastmidian ba^d."
Although we are quite confident the seals we saw on Point Reyes were the same
as those described by Gill, still it is a remarkable fact that we have never seen
this species on the coast of California since. The Russian traders, who formerly
visited Cape Romanzoff, from St. Michael's, Norton Sound, frequently brought back
the skins of the male Histriophoca, which were used for covering trunks and for
other ornamental purposes.

" V

>»Mf^..-'

^■vfy

l»v

i ■.

'■?■■

ll*

■:*:■

■i.

t.-AI.J,C.iHV
. '1 ■' I. - 'J.

,k.

■*,.■><•■

CHAPrER III.

Of liii. b'*siutiful]y inark.'d a!>ra:il, Mi':!', atliiitss the IcnglJi of si \- or eight fcH,
{!)i;rc !» 'ill vw-_v JiUif kn.'wn, ft- gengriphiiMi! r!i-<i,ri!ji?liiii> i.5 ^ivid to f.--Mi. .:aiti-
wird fa Amoor land. Ii is f.nind uprn the coayt of Alaska, b.irdoriup un Hcl.riiijj
BcT, and I'io natives of Otmalark;). lecotrnize it ts an ocLisionsil visitor to thf Aleu-
u;at inlands \\. is said to be foiiiid in Lrrritor numberfj O" iho. Asiatic ■•oa;t ihan
on t'' : Amoriean. In April. ISoJ, v,o obsor 'ed a herd of swil.-, upon th • bea hes
at Po.it Reyo.s, ('nlif.vrniA ; \\\^^<i, without clo*<' examiliati'-n. unswerod t> the;

do 30

■rq,:i.iOTi «3;u"e:.

IV' li

!.«(

foU

ows :

'The

^p<^^■ H );. K-y-Xi. •■ii'til.' for

i-. Hi4,r jocuapriu"^. Tbo male is ut on;::-! recogm/At »<■ ■• :.!.<>
^7«i_t b.- said *> b'^ ii rhoovUt- l;>ro-.*-;v ex^**!}!: ;!> » H*ad of v,i».«.i^ii

t^. >ii ■ i-i ••■'•■
*«! - rO/'V' ';-T >v>Jir'i ;;.](*) -'«•■■■ *,>ir,ii: Mi;' 'V-i> j;w . v.- ;>;.*s»-u,^, i^ (Xt^i ^Hrf ti.<>f«»>t!'

UuM 1%A ■- i, c; ^;^,f!^M■*i:^f ■!>(>..'■•& 1 ,-Av^'ijJ ■!>( 'bi:--*- bivtids, A\A Eoiiiotiniea the
pnnbr;ii>bijil riu,;? ii!f< ^i\o»..> -i b-^'= ^<)ivrb,«'Hfc with fUu pcsterior band. Tho ^'cmalos
ai.- simjdy wliit; h yo 'o^^ "v uavo vovy ind!stiii<;t tn-os of tiie ■nait.rK'diufi band."
Altliougb n.: ill fiuile eoi. • dent tbo y<^nbi wo ,^iiw on Point Hoy.,-, w r, the fun:.e
a;i t!inj<f> f'csoribed by Ciii- tti!! 3t i.-; a m.'iarkitble fact tbai w> np.' ^.evo? sten
<!:^ >«pocies 0*1 iIm coust uf Califomi.i i-;nce, Tho Burf: m t. iv -% ivbo for/nerlv
vit- ■•.'(; rutie lUmiunvo.'T, from l-it. Mici'-dol's, Korton Soun'' trt*j. -j.i' ■ brought back
th.; >.k- .' -.f tho Ti.iu\^ I'^»tmphoou which wove used for v-iivi-.*^ insuks aud ft>r

other . :V.iK»}.'iUflJl jmrjK>lSf:«.

P'ij.t..' XXl

}3ANl)>':i) Sl'lAl, I IHS'rKIOPlIOCA KQUKSTKI.S ] GIU,

I.MALK- 2 ■ female:

' .'r^^camman del

l''Un .SKrtT,, , rAl.I.OHU INIJS DK.SINU.S. I JHAY

I M -M.i:- 2 1- t MALK

if;

r H -J

CHAPTER IV.
FUR SEALS.

The Nobthebh Tub Seai, (CAixoBHuros ubsinus, Gray.) (Plate xxi, fig. 1, 2.)

The Fur Seals have so wide a geographical range— extending nearly to the
highest navigable latitudes in both the northern and southern hemispheres— and
are found assembled in such countless numbers at their favorite resorts, that they
become at once a source of great commercial wealth ; and, among marine mammalia,
they are the most interesting we have met with. Captain Fanning— one of the
noted sealing -masters in early times— distinguished the different ages and sexes as
follows: "Full-aged males, called 'wigs;' the females, 'clapmatches;' those not quite
so old, 'bulls;' all the half- grown of both sexes, 'yearlings;' the young of nearly
a year old, called 'gray' or 'silvered pups;' and before their coats are changed
to this shade, called ' black pups.' "

The color of the full-grown males, or "wigs," is dark brown— with scattering
hairs of white about the head, neck, and anterior portion of the body— and, in
some instances, nearly approaches to black. At a distance, it is difficult to distin-
guish between an old "wig" and a full-grown male Sea Lion of the California
coast, the former being frequently found measuring nine feet from tip of nose to
extremity of posterior flippers.

The "clapmatches" average fully one-half the length of the largest "wigs," and
the greater portion of them are of a silver -gray color; the very oldest, however,
are dark brown on the back and sides, with scattering white hairs over all. The fur
is reddish brown inside. The thick mixture of black, glistening hairs imparts the
dark hue to the oldest animals, and the white hairs on the younger ones give them
the silvery lustre. Both old and young are of lighter shade underneath, particu-
larly about the pectorals and posterior portions of the body. The layer of fat, or
blubber, between the skin and flesh, may average one and a half inch in thickness,
varying according to the time the animal has been on shore— it being very fat

»-i

[141]

.1 I

! i I .'

142 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

when the season begins, and very lean when the season is over, which changes

the animal's appearance considerably from its former robust condition. When in
full flesh, the adult females weigh about eighty -five pounds.

Following are measurements of five female Fur Seals, taken at the mouth
of the Strait of San Juan de Fuca, in the spring of 18G9 :

No. I. No. 3. No 3.

Length of animal from tip of nose to tip of tail 4 0 4 7 4 0

Length of taU 0 IJ 0 2 0 H

Length of posterior flippers 1 4 1 6 1 4

Extreme width of posterior flippers when expanded 0 8 0 8 0 7

Tvoiu end of posterior flippers to nails or claws on same .... 0 6 06

Length of nails or claws 0 Of 0 Of

From tip of nose to ear 0 6J 0 6^ 0 6

Length of each ear 0 1 J 0 IJ 0 If

Length of under jaw 0 2 0 2^ 0 2

From tip of nose to eye 0 2^ 0 2f 0 2J

Length of fissure between the eyelids 0 1 J

From tip of nose to pectorals 1 11 2 0 1 10

Length of each pectoral 1 2 1 2 1 2

Width of each pectoral 0 5 0 5 0 4f

Circumference of body just behind pectorals 2 7 ^ 0 2 6

No. 4. No. S.

Length of animal from tip of nose to tip of tail 4 9 3 6

Length of tail 0 2 0 IJ

Length of posterior flippers . 1 5 1 3

Breadth of posterior flippers when expanded 0 7

From end of posterior flippers to nails 0 3

Length of nail,? on posterior flippers 0 Of

From tip of nose to pectorals 1 4

Length of pectorals 12 11

Width of pectorals 0 5 0 4J

From tip of nose to ear 0 6

Lengtii of each ear 0 IJ

From tip of nose to eye 0 2J

Length of under jaw 0 2

Circumference of body just behind pectorals 3 1 2 2J

The succeeding figures afford a general illustration of the forms, or proportions,
of the animals, when in various attitudes. The zincograph (No. 1) of the full -aged

male gives a good representation of the animal's anterior figure, as well as imparting.

'- i

FVR SEALS.

143

to some degree, the surly expression ever present with those veterans who have
fought for prestige upon the rookeries many successive seasons. Xo. 2 is an
excellent representation of a female head when seen in that position. Xo. 3
affords a good idea of the outline of the head (side view), and the expression
of the ham. less mother, who bears her offspring, and submits to the harsh treat-
ment of her male companion and master, without manifest complaint or resistance.

No. I. — Full-aged Male Fur Seal, St. Paul's Island. (Drawn hy Elliott.)

Xos. 4 and 5 represent the relative proportions of a female, (view from side and
below, which were drawn from a dead animal, verified by measurements. X"o. C
illustrates the familiar attitudes of Fur Seals of both sexes, more especially the
younger animals, or those supposed to be three or four years old.

It is very rarely that the "clapmatch" has more than one pup. Out of twenty-
two individuals examined, not one was found with twins ; and the Indians about
Fuca Strait say they never have seen two foetuses in the same seal. They have,

144 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

however, two teats each side of the belly, nearly on a line with the corners of the
mouth and the posterior limbs. While taking measurements of some "clapmatches"
at the summer village of Kiddy Kubbit, situated near the mouth and on the south
side of the strait, where the animals lay in one of the large lodges, the women
were engaged in skinning them and trying out the oil from the blubber. The
question arose, whether a Fur Seal ever had more than one pup at a birth. A bevy
of squaws discussed the subject with great spirit, raising such a din about our ears
that nothing else could be heard ; at last, a herculean kbochman clutched a knife,
and slashing into the seals, brought forth one pup only from each individual, and,
with a knowing look as well as a multitude of words, gave us to understand that
this examination, together with past experience in the matter, was proof positive
that the offspring of this species of mammalia did not come in pairs.

The time of gestation has been supposed to be about nine months, but later
observations at the seal islands of Behring Sea prove it to be at least ten months,
or more. The pups, when first born, arc about one -third the length of the mother.
They are covered with a thick mat of coarse fur, which changes to a finer texture
and lighter shade as the animals mature. The time of bringing forth the young
("pupping season"), on the coast of California, is from May to August, including
a part of both months ; on the coast of Patagonia, and the latitudes near Cape
Horn, from October to March.

The flippers of the Fur Seal are destitute of hair, T)eing covered with tough,
black skin, similar to shagreen, which is very flexible about the terminations of
their extremities , the side limbs are shaped much like the fins of the smaller
Cetaceans ; the posterior ones have each five distinct toes, or digits, ai.d three nails,
or claws, project from their upper sides, four inches or more from their tips, accord-
ing to the size and age of the animal. The tail is extremely short, and pointed.
The ears are quite pointed also, slanting backward, and are covered with short, fine
hair. The head, in proportion, is longer and sharper than that of the Leopard Seal.
The number of whiskers on each side of the face may average twenty ; they arc
of difforent shades, from blackish brown to white, and frequently attain the length
of seven inches. The eyes f\VQ invariably dark and glistening, and have a human-
like expression.

The intrinsic value -of the animal does not depend upon the price of its skin
alone ; for the layer of fat adhering to it yields the oil of commerce, and supplies
liglit and heat to the natives in their dismal winter quarters. The flesh, likewise,
affords them a staple article of food. Fanninr;, as well as other early voyagers,
speaks of the flesh of the Fur Seal pups, when six weeks old or more, as being

FUR SEALS.

N
*

tr.

o
u

MARntE &UUMAU. — 1

146

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

equal to the best mutton, :.f properly cooked. Notwithstanding, after repeated
trials, we confess our preference for the latter. The hearts and livers of young
seals, whether of the Fur or Lair species, are excellent ; but we would advise those
fond of fiesh meat not to witness the killing of the animals and the extraction of
those choice portions of them. The employes of the Russian - American Company
frequently salted seal meat for ship's use, when a supply of beef could not be
obtained.

The habits of the Fur Seals differ in several respects from those of the numerous
Hair species. One of their most remarkable traits is their extended geographical
range. To give a clear idea of their varied haunts as regards climate and diversity
of locality, we may mention the following as among their favorite resorting places :
The coast of Patagonia, west coast of Africa, Falklands, New South Shetlands, South
Georgia, southern coast of Chile, island of Masafuero, Lobos Islands (on the coast
of Peru), Galapagos Islands (off the coast of Ecuador), the islands of Desolation,
Crozets, and St. Paul's iu the Indian Ocean, and St. Paul and St. 'leorge islands
(Behring Sea), and Ptobin and Jonas islands in the Okhotsk Sea. Thus it will be
seen that these curious animals are inhabitants of the antipodes of the globe, and
bask in a tropical sun as well as cadure the rigors of the icy regions of the Arctic
and Antarctic.

Some idea may bo had of their numbers in former years, when on the island
of Masafuero, on the coast of Chile — which is not over twenty- five miles in circum-
ference— the American ship Betsey, under the command of Captain Fanning, iu the
year 1798,* obtained a full cargo of choice skins. It was estimated at the time

* At the present day, when the American
Bhipu that double Capo Horn, and the Cape of
Good Hope, are magnificent types of naval arch-
itecture compared with those of the early voy-
ages, a reminiscer' note, relative to the Betsey,
her owners, ctmmander, and ship's company,
is nf peculiar interest, as portraying the char-
acter of i^W those who, at that period, entered
80 praotiaally yiet cqth'isiastically into commer-
cial pursuits. " Iu t|^o rarly part of the month
of May, 1797," w»itp8 Ciiptifii) Fftpijing, "it wos
the good fortune of tljo aifthov to n^oftt ,at New
York with Captain John Wlfotten, a gent|pn)w
distinguished as an able navigator, and at tho
time in command of the ship Ontario, in the
China trade, With him originated, and with

him also was the project first discussed, of fit-
ting out a suitab' vessel, which should proceed
to the South Sc .s, there to procure a cargo of
Fur Seal skins, and with this cargo thence to
cross the Pacific for the Canton market, where
the article wos well ascertained to bo greatly in
demand, and held at prices that furnished good
grounds upon which to hope that a very hand-
some profit would be realized. Another groat
inducement hold out in favor of the attempt,
was the probability that (Captain Whetten him-
self, in the Ontario, would bo at Canton at
^bput tho period of the an'ival there (which
would bo iu our fall part of the year, say the
month of September, October, or November) of
any vessel shortly fitted out. The intimate knowl •

^UR SEALS,

J47

148

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE XORTII-WESTERX COAST.

that thcro wore left on the island at least five huiulrod thousand seals. Subse-
quently, there were taken from the island but littk' short of one million skins.

The seal fishery was extensively prosecuted for many years by our countr3'men.
The sealing fleet on the coast of Chile alone, in 1801, amounted to thirty vessels,
many of which were ships of the larger class, and nearly aii were under the Amer-
ican flag. Up to the present day, American vessels are the pioneers in the moat
remote and unexplored regions, where\xr the migratory animals are to be found in
suflicient numbers to induce that class of our seamen who are fond of a sportsman's
life, in addition to that of sea- faring, to embark in the enterprise.

In the midst of the Crimean War, an enterprising firm in Xew London, Con-
necticut, fitted out a clipper bark, which was oflicered and manned expressly for a

edge Captain "Whetten had of tbo mauiier of doing
business with these iicople, and the great assist-
ance he could afford, being conversant in all
Iheir intricate trade, and in the jiurchasing of
silks and other articles for the New York mar-
ket, as our homeward cargo, were certainly such
arguments as were well calculated to increase
the confidence of success in the contemplated
V03age. This -was an opportunity not to be loft
unimproved ; and to one naturally possessed of
an ambitious and aspiring mind, with a strong
attachment to a seaman's profession, increased
as it had been, since my first visit to the South
Seas, by a perusal of the voyages of such cir-
cumnavigators as Drake, Byron, Anson, Bougan-
villo, Cook, and others, the hope of being able
to add some new discoveries to the knowledge
already in the possession of man relating to
those seas, and the no less flattering hope of
realizing a fortune should the enterprise be well
conducted and successful in its termination, were
sufficient to bind mo to esert myself in bringing
about this de'-irod voyage. Every view was en-
couraging; but funds were necessary, and to
raise these without delay, I applied to that up-
right and liberal merchant, Mr. Elias Ncxscn,
with whom also to consult and advise upon the
best means of securing the early fitting -out and
sailing of the enterprise. To the information
and encouragement given by Captain Whetten,

■\, •.. 1 my own stroug confidence in its

praci 'ty, and the flattering results that such

an adventure held forth. The plan met with
his entire approval, and after some convers.'\tion
with Captain Wlictten, on 'Change that day, in
the afternoon of the same he made the offer of
his brig, the lietsaj, then in port. She was
New York built, a little short of one hundred
tons, and an excellent vessel of her class. 'If
she will answer,' said ho, ' I will put her into
the business, and at whatever price, upon a mi-
nute inspection, her value shall be ascertained
to be, I will take the one -half in the adventure
of the vessel, and hor outfits.' I was imable,"
adds ;he captain, "to take more than one-eighth
myself, but the remaining three worn, by the
evening of the same day, taken by other friends,
and. thus the w'hole amount required to insure
the sailing of the vessel wos made up. An in-
ventory was taken, agreeably to the imderstand-
ing at the commencement, by which the value
of the vessel was ascertained, and made Batis-
factory to all concerned. In less than a month
from the time the enterprise was first enter-
tained, the Betiteij sailed from Now York, to stop
at New Haven (the native place of Mr. Caleb
Brintnall, the first oflicer, a groat disciplinarian),
and afterward at Stonington, to obtain and com-
plete her complement of men, in all twenty-
seven : for it had been concluded to bo the

FUll SEALS.

149

( ..^*»«..jj.i

No. 4. — SiDF, View of Femai.k Fur Seal.

No. 5. — View op Female Fur Seal from p'.low.

No. 6. — Attitudes of Fur Seals,

150

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

sealing voyage in the Okhotsk Saa. The captain was a vetoian in the business, and
many thought him too old to command, but the result of the voyage proved him
equal to the task. The vessel proceeded to Robin Island — a mere volcanic rock,
situated on the eastern side of the large island of Saghalien. Many outlying rocks
and reefs are about it, making it dangerous to approach, and affording but slight
shelter for an anchorage. Here the vessel (of about three hundred tons) lay, with
ground-tackle of the weight for a craft of twice her size. Much of the time
fresh winds prevailed, accompanied by the usual ugly ground - swell ; and, in conse-
quence of her being long, low, and sharp, the deck was at such times frequently
flooded; nevertheless, she "rode out the whole season, though wet as a half- tide
rock," and a valuable cargo of skins was procured, which brought an unusually

most judicious policy, to select the ^eatest pro-
portion of them from the New England States.
Having obtained the number of hands required
for the Betsey, on the 13th day of June, 1797,
the vessel was got under way, and proceeded to
sea, from Stonington, Connecticut. When off
Watch -hill Point, (situated about nine leagues
to the northward of Montague Light, on the
east end of Long Island) she was brcught to,
in order to discliarge the pilot, and the occasion
was embraced, ab the best suited to ascertain
the minds and inclinations of the seamen. All
hands were therefore mustered on deck, aft, and
liberty was given to all such as were disinclined
to proceed on the voyage — to all those who were
un\vMv" , to encounter the dangers, privations,
and sufiurings, usually attendant on similar ex-
peditions— now to return with the pilot. Not-
withstanding this, no one seemed so inclined,
but all, to a man, answered, their desire was to
proceed on the voyage, confirming the same by
three hearty cheers. And here it may be re-
n.arked, that a more orderly ond clieerful crew
never sailed round the world in any vessel. The
pilot accordingly returned by himself. At six
P.M. wo took our departure from Block Island,
with a fine breeze from the southwest." On
their passage to the Cape de Verde Islands, as
related on the ship's log, "At four p.m. fell in
with a mast ; sent the boat to tow it alongside ;

hoisted it on deck, to be made to answer any
purpose that future emergency might require."
"While on the passage to the Cape de Verdes,
by the expressed wish and counsel of the oflS-
cers, it was thought advisable to alter the rig of
the Betsey, and change her into a ship. This,
it was supposed, and afterward ascertained to
be the fact, would be greatly to our advantage;
for while laying off and on at the seal islands,
to procure our cargo of Fur Seal skins, the
cabin-boy alone could tend and work a mizzcn-
topsail, who certainly would be altogether unable
to do anything with the heavy boom of a brig's
fore -cd- aft mainsail. At this place the alter-
ation was carried into effect; the mizzen-mast,
top, spars, rigging, sails, etc., were already in
readiness, and the armorer, ot his forge erected
on shore, forged and made the chains and all
the other requisite iron -work, so that the mast
was stepped, sails bent, and the Bclse\ igged
into a ship all ready for sea, in five days' time.
This was accomplished without one dollar extra
expense to the owners." The Betsey, having ob-
tained supplies at the Cape de Vordes, sailed
on the 23d day of July, 1797, for the Falkland
Islands, whore she arrived October 19tli of the
same year. Not finding Fur Seals there in any
considerable numbers, it was decided to double
Cape Horn and make the best of their way to
the Island of Masafuero ; accordingly they sailed

FUR SEALS.

151

high price in the European market, on account of the regular Russian supply being
cut ofT in consequence of the war. This is only given as one instance of the many
that may be /elated of sealing life.

The "season," as understood by sealers, is the time the animals collect in
herds, or rookeries, on shore : the females to bring forth their young, and copulate
with the vigorous males, while the valiant old bulls guard the rookeries, until all
again return to the sea, and migrate to some unknown quarter. A few days before
the main body arrive, a number of old "wige" come up as if to see that all is
right. Frequently the innumerable herd have been seen, in the southern hemi-
sphere, fr<Hn the high elevations of mountainous islands, as far as the eye could
distinguisli at sea, leaping and plunging like a shoal of porpoises until nearing the

from the Falkland Islands December 8th, 1797,
and arrived at their destination January 20th,
1798. On the 5th day of April following, hav-
ing obtained a full cargo of selected seal -skins,
the little vessel with her valuable freight depart-
ed for China. On the passage thence, through
the trade winds, the ship was unrigged and
rigged again from deck to truck, which inci-
dent Captain Fanning makes mention of as fol-
lows: "Previous to the ship's departure from
New York, a sufiScient quantity of rope for a
new gang of standing rigging had been taken
on board ; this had been prepared, during our
leisure hours heretofore, and fitted, in readiness
to go over the must -head when necessary. For
several days past the trade wind had not veered
more than two points, blowing directly on our
stem, so that all the sails which would be of
service, could be set on one mast. This was a
most favorable opportunity for replacing our old
rigging with the new; we, therefore, hit upon
the expedient of stripping one mast at a time,
and accordingly commenced with the foremast,
securing it well by purchases and tackles at the
hounds, before letting up the lower rigging ;
afterward, putting the new suit on the lower-
mast, topmast, etc., and then setting all taut up
preparatory to spreading sail upon it. As soon
as everything was completely ready, this was
done, and thu mainmast served in a like man-

ner. Our carpenter and armorer "were first-rate
workmen, and had mode a set of machinery, by
means of which, from the old rigging, we laid
a new set of running rigging throughout; thus
equipped, our ship, as respected her rigging,
was in a far better condition than when she left
the United States." We will add, that the Bet-
ney was an armed vessel, which carried "eight
four -pounders, of iron, and two brass long sis-
pounder guns," with a ship's company of twen-
ty-seven officers and men. This pigmy ship
arrived safely at Canton, and disposed of her
valuable furs to great advantage. A China cargo
was purchased, and when received on board, the
vessel Bailed for home by the way of the Cape
of Good Hope. In passing through the Straits
of Sunda, the vessel was attacked by a fleet of
twenty- nine piratical proas, which were badly
punished by her gallant crew. Continuing on
her course, the Belney, which sailed as a brig
upon a voyage of adventure the 13th day of
June, 1797, returned to her home -haven on
the 6th day of April, 1799, transformed into a
full -rigged ship, having accomplished one of the
most successful sealing voyages of those days.
Furthermore, the author states "he believes it to
be the first American vessel, manned and offi-
cered wholly by native -bom citizens, that ever
sailed around the world from the port of New
York."

162 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

shore ; tlioii, passing througli the suvf, tlioy collect upon the beaches, and divide
into families, or rookeries, as far as practicable. These families, or divisions,
are guarded by the "wigs," who can only maintain their authority and position
at the expense of frequent pitched battles with others of their sex who may
attempt to displace them. They also keep a watchful eye over the numerous
"clapmatches" under their charge; and should one attempt to take to the water,
she is immediately driven back, and frequently suffers from the savage bites of her
master for attempting to escape. It is no unusual occurrence, in the height of the
season, to see two full-grown "wigs" fight by the hour, exhibiting much tact in
their assaults upon each other, both endeavoring to gain advantage by some adroit
movement — at times making a savage lock with their mouths, or seizing each other
by the fore flippers, or gashing necks and bodies with their sharp, tusk- like teeth.
Sometimes we have seen several old males together on a separate beach, who
were cut in every direction, and apparently had retired from the main herd, being
imable to continue tlio fight in consequence of waunds received.

Frequently, many thousands of seals congregate on the same island. They
prefer remote, isolated situations, often upon barren rocks or islands, the shores of
wliich are surrounded by a high surf, in which they delight to plaj\ They some-
times ascend high, precipitous rocks, where it is next to impossible for man to
follow them. Their food consists of fish and a variet}' of other marine productions,
and small stones or pebbles are found in their maws. When a great number are
collected on shore, their barking and howling is almost deafening ; and when
passing to leeward of a seal island, the odor arising from it is anything but pleasant.

We have before spoken of the wide geographical distribution of the Fur Seals,
and of their gregarious propensities. We may add, likewise, from our own ol)serva-
tion as well as the expressed opinion of several experienced sealing -masters, that
their natural migrations extend over a great expanse of the ocean ; and if they are
unusually disturbed in their favorite haunts for several successive seasons, they are
quite sure to seek some distant or unknown place, where they can congregate
unmolested by man.

Tiie females have great affection for their young, which maj' bo more manifested
on a coast where, by almost constant hunting from year to year, they have become
wild and shy.

On one of the San I3e..;to Islands, on the coast of Lower California, we once
watched with interest a "clapmatch" and her pup, which was but a few weeks
old. She approached the shore cautiously, with her little one nestling about her ;
and while "hauling" uporA the beach, she was constantly on the lookout, but at

FUR SEALS. 153

the same time caressing and endeavoring to -quiet the object of her care, with a
fondness almost human. All being still about the shore save the "wash" along the
beach, she soon lulled it into quietness, and both lay huddled on a shelving rock,
enjoying the warmth of a midday sun. Now and then a heavier swell than usual
would roll in, varying the otherwise monotonous sound, when instantly the mother
would raise her head and gaze with glaring eyes to make sure that there was no
cause for alarm ; then again she would resume her former posture, with her pup
hugged to her breast by one of her pectorals, as if to sleep.

Some small sticks being at hand, we broke one, to see what effect so slight a
noise might have upon them. The instant it snapped, the young one uttered cries
of alarm, and the mother yelped defiantly ; they soon, however, became quiet again,
and we were on the point of leveling the rifle, when accidentally an old "wig"
was caught sight of, lying on a high rock not far distant : taking sure aim we fired,
then turned to observe the movements of the "clapmatch" and her little one.
With a bound or two she reached the water, but returned again to urge her young
one off as best she could ; soon both were in their chosen element, and disappeared
around a rocky point — and that was the last seen of them.

Our observations having been confined almost exclusively to the Pacific Coast,
and chiefly between Chile and Alaska, what may follow, in addition to personal
knowledge, has been obtained from the most reliable sources within our reach.

In former times, when Fur Seals abounded, they were captured in large num-
bers with the ordinary seal -club in the hands of the sealer, who would slay the
animals "right and left" by one or two blows upon the head. A large party
would cautiously land to leeward of the rookery, if possible ; then, when in read-
iness, at a given signal all hands would approach them, shouting, and using their
clubs to the best advantage in the conflict. Many hundreds were frequently taken
in one of these "knock-downs," as they were called. As soon as the killing was
over, the flaying commenced. Some sealers became great experts in skinning the
animals ; and the number of skins one would take off in the course of an hour
would be a decidedly fishy story to tell. However, to flay fifty seals in a day
would be regarded as good work. It will be readily seen that a sealing -ship's
crew, numbering twenty or more, would make great havoc among a seal rookery
in very short time; and it is no matter of surprise that these valuable fur- bearing
animals soon became comparatively scarce. As early as 1835, about Cape Horn,
Patagonia, and other points in the Antarctic regions, men were left to "watch
out" and shoot the animals as one or more came on shore.

Both officers and men have been frequently landed from sealing -vessels on

Uabihe Maumalh,— 20.

154 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

barren islands, rocks, or points, which would appear quite inaccessible to any but
sealers or sea-elephant hunters, by reason of the heavy surf and surge about them;
and where men occasionally have perished of stai'vation or thirst, by not receiving
the needful supplies from the ship, which might have been wrecked before the time
for her return. One can hardly imagine more desolate habitations than the Diego
Ramirez, off Cape Horn, or the Crozets and Prince Edward's Islands, in the Indian
Ocean ; but these places are no more forbidding in point of gloomy climate, isola-
tion, and barrenness, than scores of others that might be mentioned, where men
were left for months with or without a boat, as occasion required.

On the coast of California, many beaches were found fronting gullies, where
seals in large numbers formerly gathered ; and as they there had plenty of ground
to retreat upon, the sealers sometimes drove them far enough back to make sure
of the whole Jierd, or that portion of them the skins of which were desirable.

On the North-western Coast, south of the Aleutian Islands, but few Fur Seals
are taken, and those are chiefly caught by the Indians with spears of native manu-
facture— the Ashing being almost entirely confined to the mouth of Juan de Fuca
Strait, and the contiguous coast of the Pacific.

The Indian seal -fishers are among the tribes inhabiting the coast from Gray's
Harbor to the southern part of Vancouver Island. The seals appear on the coast
some years as early as the first of March, and more or less remain till July or
August ; but they are most plentiful in April and May. During these two months,
the Indians devote nearly all of their time to sealing, when the weather will permit.

It is but a few years since the Indians have turned their attention to taking
seals solely to procure their skins and oil for barter ; and what may seem surpris-
ing, it is but a few years since the animal? have been known to resort to the
vicinity of the strait in such large numbers. We have it from the most reliable
source, that there were but a few dozens of Fur Seal skins taken annually by the
Indians, from 1843 to 1864 ; after which period, the number of skins sold by them
at Victoria, Vancouver Island, Nee -ah Bay, and points on Puget Sound, has steadily
increased, up to 1869, when the number in the aggregate amounted to fully five
thousand skins.

When going in pursuit of seals, three or four natives embark In a canoe at an
early hour in the morning, and usually return the following evening. The fishing-
gear consists of two spears, which are fitted to a pronged pole fifteen feet in length ;
to the spears a line is attached, which is fastened to the spear -pole close to, or is
held in the hand of, the spearman when he darts the weapon. A seal -club is also
provided, as well as two seal -skin buoys — the latter being taken in the canoe to

FUR SEALS. 155

be used in rough weather, if necessary ; or if a seal, after being speared, can not
be managed with the line in hand, a buoy is "bent on," and the animal is allowed
to take ita course for a time. Its efforts to escape, by diving repeatedly, and
plunging about near the surface of the water, soon exhaust the animal somewhat ;
and when a favorable time is presented, the spearman seizes the buoy, hauls in the
line until within reach of the seal, and it is captured by clubbing. But, generally,
the line is held in the hand when the spear is thrust into the seal ; then the pole
is instantly withdrawn, and the canoe is hauled at once to the floundering creature,
which is dispatched as before described. Indians from the Vancouver shore fre-
quently start in the night, so as to be on the best sealing -ground in the morning.
This locality is said to be south-west of Cape Classet, five to fifteen miles distant.

Frequently, during the early part of the day, in the spring months, fresh
winds come from the eastward, causing a rough, short sea in the whirling currents
about the mouth of the strait. At such times these seal -fishers, or hunters, squat-
ting in their canoes — which have a skin buoy lashed on each side of the bow —
present not only a comical, but perilous appearance, they being continually drenched
with salt water by the toppling seas, and the canoes making as great a diversity
of bourds and plunges as do the seals themselves.

In Bohring Sea, the islands of St. Paul and St. George are now the main resort-
ing places of the Pur Seals, although in former years Copper Island swarmed with
these periodical visitors ; considerable numbers were also inhabitants of Bchring
Island, as well as several of the more isolated points in the Aleutian chain. The
Aleutians, under the direction of officers of the Russian - American Company, were
employed in taking the seals. Under the judicious management of the Russians,
the animals did not decrease in numbers, and, to a certain extent, they became
tamed, for they returned periodically to the islands, and brought forth and nurtured
their young ; and it was the custom to drive thousands of them inland, that their
capture might be more easily accomplishel. The loud meanings of the animals
when the work of slaughtering is going ou beggars description ; in fact, they
manifest vividly to any observing eye a tenderness of feeling not to be mistaken.
Even the simple-hearted Aleutians say that "the seals shed tears."

Our observations about the mouth of the Strait of J 'fi de Fuca lead us to
believe that the unusually large number seen in the vicinity during the past two
years are a portion, at least, of the great herd that resort to St. Paul and St.
George. One reason for this conclusion ie, that no adult males are found with
them. This would naturally follow the careful course adopted by the Russians of
sparing the females, in order to propagate the stock. Moreover, this female herd —

15G MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

for, almost invariably, those of the band which had been taken by the Indians
were females — are found to have foetuses in them that must necessarily be brought
forth in the course of a month or two, which would probably be about the time
they would arrive in that far northern region. The Indiana unanimously affirm
that they come from the south and go to the north. It is quite certain that they
do not resort to any islands in or near the strait, or the adjacent coast. As near
as can be ascertained, the main body pass by the mouth of the strait during the
months of March and April and a part of May, after which comparatively few are
seen ; scattering ones, however, remain till the close of summer, as before men-
tioned. But where these countless herds of fur- bearing animals resort to in winter
seems a mystery. All we know is, that at the proper seasons of the year they
come on shore plump and fat, the females have their young, and all remain about
the land until the little ones are sufficiently matured to migrate.

At the expense of being prolix, we quote the following from the notes of
Captain Bryant,* whose stay upon the Island of St. Paul, Behring Sea, afforded
him ample opportunity to study the habits of the CaUorhinus ursinua:

"The Fur Seals resort to the Pribyloff Islands during the summer months for
the sole purpose of reproduction, f Those sharing in these duties necessarily remain
on or near the shore until the young are able to take to the water. During this
considerable period the old seals are not known to take any food. These, and no
ot^ors, occupy the rookeries (or broef'.lng- grounds) with the females.

"The breeding -rookeries, which are frequented exclusively by the old males
and females, with their pups, occupy the belt of loose rocks along the shores
between the high -water line and the base of the cliffs or uplands. The old male
appears to return each year to the same rock, so long as he is able to maintain
his position. J The native chiefs affirm that one seal, known by his having lost
one of his flippers, came seventeen successive years to the same rock. Those
under six years are never allowed by the old ones on these places. They usually
swim in the water along the shore all day, and at night go on the upland above
the rookeries, and spread themselves out, like flocks of sheep, to rest.

* See Butledn of the Mtiaeum of Comparaiivc nnimala do not iaTariably return eTery year to

Zoology, Harvard College, Cambridge, Mass., Vol. the same rookery, or island. We are informed

II, No. 1 — "On the Eared Seals," by J. A. by Captain Earskin, of the Alaska Commercial

Allen. Company's service, that some young seals which

f Some observers say that they shed their were marked upon St. Paul's Island during

fur. the season of 1872, were found the year follow-

t Subsequent observations prove that these ing on St. George's Island. —C. M. S.

FVR SEALS. 167

"Wherever a long, continuous shore line is occupied as a breeding -rookery,
neutral passages are set apart at convenient dist^^nces, through which the younger
seals may pass from the water to the upland, and return, unmolested.

"Constant care is necessary lest thoughtless persons incautiously approach the
breeding -grounds, as the stampede of the seals that would result therefrom always
destroys many of the young. The old males are denominated by the natives
Seacuth (married seals). These welcome the females on their arrival, and watch
over and protect them and their young uniil the latter are large enough to be left
to the care of their mothers and the younger males. Those under six years old are
not able to maintain a place on the rookery, or to keep a harem, and these are
denominated HoUuschuck (bachelors). These two classes of males, with the full-
grown females, termed Mothi (mothers), form the three classes that participate in
the duties of reproduction.

"By the first to the middle of April the snow has melted from the shore, and
the drift ice from the north has all passed. Soon after this period, a few old male
seals make their appearance in the water near the island, and after two or three
days' reconnoissance, venture on to the shore and examine the rookeries, carefully
smelling them. If the examination is satisf;' tory, after a day or two a few climb
the slopes and lie with their heads erect, listening. At this time, if the wind
blows from the village toward the rookeries, all fires are extinguished, and all
unnecessary noises avoided. These scouts then depart, and in a few days after,
small numbers of male seals of all ages begin to arrive. The old patriarchs soon
take their places on the rookeries, and prevent the younger males from landing.
They thus compel them to either stay in the water or go to the upland above.
In locating, each old male reserves a little more than a square rod of space to
himself and his ten or fifteen wives.

"Msile seals continue to arrive in small numbers daily, a few of which are year-
lings ; those two, three, four, and five years old arrive in about equal proportions.
Those older than this are more numerous than the younger, each one of which
battles his way to his old place on the rookery, or, taking a new one, prepares to
contend for it in case the owner comes to take it. As they acknowledge no right
but that of might, the later comer has to select again, or fight for his rights on
his chosen spot.

"About the 15th of June the males have all assembled, the ground being then
fully occupied by them, as they lie waiting for the females to come. These appear
in small numbers at first, but increase as the season advances, till the middle of
July, when the rookeries are all full, often overlapping each other.

"Many of the females, on their arrival, appear desirous of returning to some
particular male, and frcquoutly climb the outlying rocks to overlook the rookeries,
calling out, and listening as if for a familiar voice. Then changing to another
place, they do the same again, until some ' jachelor' seal, swimming in the water,
approaches and drives her on shore, often compolling iier to land against her will.
Here comes in the duty of the 'bachJor seals. They swim all day along the
shore, escorting and driving the females on to the rocks as fast as they arrive.
A? soon as a feraale reaches the shore, the nearest male goes down to meet her,
making meanwhile a noise like the clucking of a hen to her chickens. He bows
to her and coaxes her, until ho gets between her and the water, so that she can
not escape him. Then his manner changes, and with a harsh growl he drives her
CO a place in his harem. This continues until the lower row of hareris is nearly
full. Then the males higher up select the time when their more fortunate neigh-
bors arc off their guard, to steal their wives. This they do by taking them in
their mouths and lifting them over the heads of the 'her female?, and carefully
placing them in tueir own harem, carrying them as cats do their kittens. Those
still higher up pursue the same method, until the whole space is occupied. Fre-
quently a struggle endues between two males for possession of the same female, and
both seizing her at once, pull her in two, or terribly lacerate her with their teeth.
When the space is all filled, the old male walks arouiiu complacently reviewing his
family, scolding those who crowd or disturb the oUiei'f, and fiercely driving off all
intruders. This survoilli.nce always keeps him actively occupied. In two or three
days after landing, the females give birth to ouo pup each, weighing about six
pounds. It is entirely black, and retains this color for the whole season. Th_
yourg are quite vigorous, even at birth, nursing very soon after they arc born.
The mother manifests a strong attachment for her own offspring.

"In a few days after the birth of the young, tha female is ready for inter-
course with the male. She now becomes solicitous of his attentions, and extends
herself on the rocks before him. Owing to the position of the genital organs, how-
ever, coition on land seems to be not the natural method, and only rarely, perhaps
in three cases out of ten, is the attempt to copulate under such circumstances
effectual. In the meantime, the four and five year old males are in attendance along
the shore. When thf> jealous lord is off his guard, or engaged in driving away a
rival, a female will slip into the water, and an attentive 'bachelor' seal followa her
some distance from shore. Then, breast to breast, they embrace each other, tur iing
alternately for each other to breathe, the act of copulation sometimes continuing
from five to eight minutes. When the fc nolo again returns to the shore, she is

i.,ll ' — '■"-■'- ' ":■ ;■■ ■ ft^n., ..,.,, , lillilllil'

FUR SEALS.

159

treated \v»th indifference by all the males. By the
middle of August, the young are aVi born, and the
females are again pregnant. The old males, having
occupied their stations constantly for four months,
without food, now resign their charge to the younger
males, and go some distance from fehore to feed.

"The fact of their remaining without food seems
so contrary to Nature, that it appears to me propei to
state some of the evidences of it. Having been assured
by the natives that such was the fact, I deemed \c of
sufficient importance to test it by all the means avail-
able. Accordingly I took special pains to examine daily
a largo extent of the rookery, and note carefully the
resul'.B of . ly observations. "I'lie rocks on the rookery
are ^'oru oinooth and washed clean by the spring -tides,
and any discharge of excrement could not fail to be
detected. I found, in a few instances, where newlj*-
arrived seals lind made a single discharge of red -colored
excrement, but nothing wat' seen afterward to show that
such discharges were continued, nor any evidence that
the animals had partaken of food. 1 also examined the
stomachs of several young ones, killed by the nati\es
for eating, and always without finding any traces of
food in them. The same was true of the few nursing
females killed for dissection.

"About the 20th of July, the great body of the
previous year's pups arrive, and occupy the slopes with
the younger class of males, and they continue to be
mixed together during the ren>ainder of the season.
The two-years-old females, wli'ch pair with the young
males in the water near the island, al.»!o now a.ssoc.; ;e
with the other females. The pup.4 are five week old
when the old females go off to feed ; they go with the
mothers to tlie upland, but keep by themselves. The
pups born on the lower edge of the rookery, A'here the
surf breaks over then occasionally, learn to swim early,
but the larger portion of them do not take to the

1 1

leO MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

water until later, and many have to be forced in by the parents. Once in, how-
ever, they soon love to sport in it. The young are taught to swim by the old
males on their return from feeding.

"By the last of October, the seals begin to leave the islands in small compa-
nies, the males going last, and by themselves. In November, the j'oung seals (as 1
was informed by the natives, my own observations ending in August) stop to rest a
few days on the Aleutian Islands, and at Ounalaska the natives obtain several hun-
dred skins annually.

"Man.n'er of Killing the Se.\ls. — It will be recollected that I have described
the yoanger seals as spreading out on the slopes above the rookeries to rest at
night.. A jjarty of men approach these places armed with clubs, and quietly creep
between the seals and the shore. When ready, the men start up with a shout at a
given signal, and drive the seals inland in a body. When at a sufficient distance
from the rookery, they halt to screen the flock of as many as possible that are too
old for killing, only those that are two and three years old yielding prime skins ;
the fur of those older is too coarse to be marketable. The screening is done by
driving the seals slowly forward in a curve; the older, sullenly holding back, force
the more timid forward, Avhcn the men, opening their ranks, let them pass through
and return to the shore. The remainder of the llock is then driven to the killing-
ground, though still containing many too old to be of value.

"It is necessary to drive the llock some distance from the breeding- ground,
as the smell of the blood and the carcasses disturbs the seals. Another object is,
to make the seals carry their own skins to the salt -house ; hence it is sometimes
necessary to drive them six or seven miles. The driving has to be conducted with
great care, as the violent exertion jauses the seals to heat rapidly, and, if heated
beyond a certain degree, the fur is loosened, and the skin becomes valueless. In
a cool day they may be driven one mile and a half per hour with salcty. When
arrived at the killing- ground, a few boys are employed to keep tlieni from strag-
gling, and they are thus left to rest luid cool. Then from seventy to one hundred
arc separated from the flock, surrounded, and driven on each other, so that they
confine themselves \)-^ treading on each other's flippers. Those desired for killing
are then easily selected, and quickly dispatched by a blow on the nose. When
those arc killed, the remainder are allowed to go to the nearest water, whence
they immediately return to the place from which they were driven. This operation
is repeated until the whole flock is disposed of. The work of skinning is per-
formed by all the men on the island, and everyone participating in it is allowed
to share in the proceeds.

FVR SEALS. 161

"As the seals are not wholly at rest until the females (arrive, great care is
necessary in selecting the time and place from which to drivt. These points are
determined by a head-man, who assumes the whole control of this part of the bus-
iness. In the month of May, only the small number required by the natives for
food are driven. In June, when the seals are more numerous, they are driven and
killed for their skins, although the percentage of prime skins is at this time very
small, often not twenty per cent, of the whole flock driven. About the middle of
July, the females go off into the water, and there is a period of general rest among
all tlie seals, during which time the natives desist entirely from killing for ten to
fifteen days. At the close of this period, the great body of yearling seals arrive.
Those, mixing with the younger class of males, spread over the uplands, and {;;reatly
increase the difliculty of killing properly. Up to this time, (here having been no
females with the seals driven up for killing, it was only necessary to distinguish
ages ; this the difference In size enables them to do very easily. Xow, however,
nearly one -half are females, and the slight difference between these and the younger
males, renders it ncccfsary for the head-man to see e\ery seal killed, and only a
strong interest in the preservation of the stock can insure the proper care. Sep-
tember and October are considered the best months for taking the seals.

"Besides the skin, e<ich seal will yield one gallon and a half of oil, and the
linings of all the throats are .saved and salted as an article of trade to other ports
in the territory, these being used by the natives for muking water -proof frocks to
wear in their skin -canoes when hunting the sea- otter or fishing. Tliese parts have
no very great commercial value, though tliey arc conf<idured by the natives as indis-
pensable to them.

"Mode op Curing the Skins. — The skins are .A\ taken to the salt-houses, ;iad
are salted in kenches, or square bins, the skins being Bpn .ul down, flesh -side up,
and a layer of salt spread over them. Thej' remain thus packed for thirty or forty
days, when tbey arc taken from the bins ; the salt is removed, and the skins are
folded together, the flesh-side in, and sprinkled as they are folded with u quumity
of clean salt. They are then ready for shipment.

"Number of Seals frequenting tub Island. — There are at least twelve miles of
shore- lino on the island of St. Paul's occupied by the seals as breeding -ground, with
an average width of fifteen rods. There being about twenty seals to Mn cjuare
rod, gives one million one hundred and fifty-two thousand as the whoh .mber of
breeding males and females. Deducting one-tentli for males, leaves one million
thirty -seven thousand and eight hundred breeding females. Allowing one -half of
the present year's pups to bo females, this will add half a million of breeding females

Mabim Mahhau — n.

162 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

to the rookeries of 1872, in addition to those now there, while the young of last
year and the year before are also to be added. This estimate does not include the
males under six years of age, these not being allowed on the rookeries by the older
males, nor the yearlings. If we now add those frequenting St. George's Island,
which number half as many, and make a very liberal discount for those that may
be destroyed before reaching maturity, the number is still enormous. It will also
be seen that the great importance of the seal-fishery is not to be calculated from
the basis of its present yield, since each year adds to its extent, as vith proper
care the number can be increased until both islands are fully occupied by these
valuable animals.

"Prices Paid for the Skins at the Islands, and their Value in Europe. — Tbc
Russian Company allowed the natives the value of ten cents per skin. This wr.s
the pay they received for their labor of killing, curing the skins, and delivering
them alongside the vessel, ready for- shipment, the company finding salt and mag-
azines in which to salt them.

"The parties who took advantage of the interval between the transfer of the
territory and the enacting and enforcement of the law of the 27th of July, 1868,
to kill and purchase of the natives, paid twenty -seven cents per skin, and had they
been allowed to trade the present year, would have bidden forty cents apiece for
them. To this is to be added the cost of salt, buildings, and the expense of the
agency on shore. Their market value was at that time five dollars, so that, after a
liberal allowance for incidental expenses, the profit must be very large. Previous
to 1866, these skins were worth only three dollars each, but, owing to recent
improvements in thoir manufacture, they have become fashionable for ladies' wear,
and soon after the transfer of the territory to the United States the price rose to
seven dollars. At this time, the Russians had one hundred thousand on hand,
which were fonvarded to London, the only market for seal -skins in the raw state,
and the only place where they are dressed. The different parties which sealed on
the islands in the summer following the purchase, took two hundred thousand,
which so overstocked the market that they are now [1871] worth only three or
four dollars.

"The agents of the Russian Fur Company aimed to cont»"?l this branch of the
fur trade in Europe by regulating the supply. To do this they sent orders a year
in advance to have such a number killed as in their judgment the market might
need, always keeping at the same time one year's supply on hand. At thj time of
the sale of the territory, the annual yield was estimated at eighty thousand skins.
The opinion of the men who have the special care of the seals is, that \t has

FVB SEALS. Ij,

r»chod one hundre,-, th„„«>„d, .„d that the killmg yearly of thi, number will in
no way check their increase.*

ci„al'7'! °r jr ^T" " ™ "^^-The fle,h of the »e.l constituteMhe prin-
opal food of he .nUbitant,, they killing, fron. time to time, such numbere ae re
necessary for that purpose. Before the seals leave in autumj, a number are Hied
sufficent for the r winter's supply. The carcasses are allowed ,„ freeze, and in U
tat they keep them until the return of the seal, in the spring. The flesh of the
yearling seal ,s somewhat darker than beef; it is juicy and tender, but itk. the
swootness and flavor of beef, and is less firm and nuLtious. In Lighy s^onti
d.shes, .t ,s rehshed by nearly all who partake of it. The soldiers on ^hHs ani
l.refe.ed ,t to salt rations. A five-weeks-o.d pup roasted is esteemed a g-'

CHAPTER V.
Tin: LKOPARi? >EAL.

Phoca Pealii,?* GUI. (Plato xxii, fig. 1.)

JIOVIXO ATTITUDE OP A LEOPARD SEAL, ON SHORE

This species of Phoca, known under
the local name of Leopard Seal, inhabits
according to our observation, the western
coast of Xorth America and the contiguous
northern region as far as the most western
islands of the Kurile chain. The adult
animals we have met with in diderent lat-
itudes, were, to all outward appearances,
of the same form and of the same modi-
fied colors. The places of observation were
Plover Bay, coast of Eastern Sibori.i, 1SG5; coast of Tpper California, 1852; coast
of Lower California, 185G; Strait of Juan de Fuca, 18G9. The skeleton of tlie one
examined at Plover Bay was forwarded to the Smithsonian Institution, througli our
friend W. II. Dall, wlio assumed charge of the scientific enterprise connected with
the "Western Union Telegraph Expedition, after tiie death of the lamented Konni-
cott. The Leopard Seal in its proportions may be regarded as under-sized. It
never exceeds six feet in length ; and its tliick body, with its short limbs, gives
the animal a bloated appearance, whicii seems ill adapted to much activity. Its
head is short, broad, and rounded ; the e3-es are large, full, and expressive, with five
coarse, bristle -like hairs placed on a curve one inch above the edge of the upper
lid, which constitute the eyebrows. It has tliirty to tliirty-fivo whiskers on each

* "W. H. Dall, who has had consiilerablo op- but, whether such is the fact or not, we will

jiortunity to observe upon these sealh, is under state that, so far as our observation has oxtend-

tbc impression that several species of them exist ed, the habits of these seals, both north and

upon this coast, in which opinion we con(!ur; south, are the same.

i^"^l

♦•■■••". ire ■

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(

'i iho !(!ca) I'.um) of I.tMifianl S'til tu'isil/'fv^

j ivconlitig to ou>' ob-.(>rvirioii, tJic western

y^j ooasf; of \orlU Aiis ■ricii iumI ibo contiguous

' orthei'ii roividu ns f;i.r as tho irio<t \v<',-ierii

■ huuL-. i-f tin- Km-ilo I'hiiiu. T:io ;ulult

(Ui!al>> ^\l' iinvi ni'.l villi in diiTcroui. !at-

/I ■.\<u\'.}^, \\'.'V(\ '!■ ; !1 (jVit'.vsiii! !if)r'?>c»r:ih(H».

\l t!ii> sii'iK' !■'!■'!! :i:\ ni iho ni'ur. li •■•!;■

. 1, ;!.!> iJiV. . > >^ >^

■»:ih(

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_"^--, 'ii'.: •Mt'U'M-u of ill" i.trn
.:r .-!r-:)n'!<ir 1 !i'';!^m; ion, thrnM;;'i wui'

• -.'liiilK'! al ]M'>i\'i "rtv; , ^ ■■■^^ :■'■:■ \

llif "Wi'Sforii I'lM i![ i' .■!■ •^ijp! !'• ,;.t,'tUiit;t, ,>i':.< c \ k- t:K;;ih (■■;' ih.' luuienti i Ki'nai-
o't Th' liffiparil f^'-iil in ''tri I'lropuniuii-i iii.u- ])0 iVLtarilii! -■ ' 'i.^l-;! ,')'■"). If;
lii vvi o\r i-"\> '-ix 1V( t. ill U'lijtU; arul its thi^'k I'Otly, 'vilh ' -h/?' U.^>\- u;i\"(S
i;" ,: i»'..'rtl a !>ii..a'oil ii}i!'"a>'in.' , wlif:! -. v'U,^ il! iiiiajUi.''! ''■ ,\n' ti'iivity. [t'^
1j •:t'l .- ■ ;,• 'p'riv'. ii i nn.iiili'il ■ !!,(.' (<y"> afo lu-ge, f ill, uw^t ^ » ; - < * -ve, ^ulil fivo
'WV'.'ir^, •- ' -in- <!■.;.■> n!,!' 'd hi n cv.vv- one iu^'li HjOhj ""' '■ 'it; i>'' *«)' upper
'i'i « i,;. i, ■■ '■ ,4', *.••> I'Vt.'n (ixv^. It Inirf liiii'tv t, ■ t!:ir!>\ :, *', wi thi".-^ on r:\ch

^\ l-t 1 ■: • . ■ 't*'- ' 'Vl .M.uvi';' i.iMii pjv- hit, As^.-iliU ,n--i\ ij.*^ *». * or :iot, we v.VA

J1..M llllil'v '..' '>'••'<«-.' :#*i ■ i;-... ...!llK, iS -UiiU-.l' Rtalr: Uilvt> ««) ^t^»• 'i / f f i-»»>S* T iixti- lU luiS (.'.Nl'.'nil-

(lir. iuijllfci-- '^ f'-m\ -I *; » *i • ' ' tliCUl IMk! I;i'l, tlrt» (lalvfS ..: '..):* t«Blli, Ltull llOl'fU 1111(1

\ivoa tliis .-•'h-i a ■>; I jj .1 ;. cuneu!': ;outi», fiiC l)i«* ^i«.^

.»<jt&.

V'.,i:c. XXII.

C. .'./. Sammo:! . J.eL

LEOI'AR!} SPJAL.li'KOCA Pkat.u ?i Gill

•|^;l W^Vil

^^-.Jfj^,

From Wolf .

GKA-GTTER .; EriKVrRA l.rAKIT-lA.lELEMINQ ,

TUE LEOPARD SEAL. 165

side of the face, which protect or screen the mouth. The ears are merely openings
in the surface of the skin, which are placed one and a half inches behind the eyes.
Both side and posterior flippers are covered with the same thick short hair as the
body, and each one is furnished with five sharp, slender claws, those on the pecto-
rals being the longest, the principal of which measure one linear inch. The poste-
rior flippers, when relaxed, may be three and a half inches in breadth, but are
capable of expansion to ton. Two orifices in lieu of teats, placed two and a half
inches apart, are situated on the lower portion of the belly, and nine inches for-
ward from the origin of the tail. . The tail is about three inches long, and is thick
and fleshy. The color of the animal varies but little from a light gray, thickly
mottled with dull black on the back and half-way down its sides, then changing
to a dingy white underneath, with here and there distinct spots of darker shades.
About the throat and breast, the creature at a distance looks to be of a r.niform
dull white.

The following measurements in feet and inches, and weights, were taken of two
adult females caught at Smith's Island, Juan de Fuca Strait, in the months of Feb-
ruary and March, 18G9 :

No. 1. No. 1.

Length of animal from tip of nose to tip of tail 3 10 3 8

From tip of nose to fore flippers 1 1

Length of fore flippers 0 6 0 7

Length of posterior flippers 0 9 0 8

Length of tail 0 3 0 2J

From tip of nose to eye 0 3 0 2J

From tip of nose to ear 0 4

From tip of nose to corner of mouth 0 2J 0 2J-

Distance between the eyes 0 2

Circumference of body immediately behind side flippers 2 C^ 2 3

Weight of No. 1, sixty pounds; weight of No. 2, fifty-six pounds. The time
of gestation with the Leopard Seals is supposed to be nine months. We have met
with the new-born pups about Pugot Sound in the months of July and August;
on the coast of California, in June auii July.

The thick coating of white fat which infolds the body produces the purest
oil of any of the pinnipedos. The Leopard Seal is endowed with no little sagacity,
and, although exceedingly wary, it displays considerable boldness. It is found
about outlying rocks, islands, and points, on sand -reefs made bare at low tide, and
is frequently met with in harbors among shipping, and up rivers more than a hun-
dred miles from the sea. We have often observed them close to the vessel when

166 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

under way, and likewise when at anchor, appearing to emerge deliberately from the
depths below, sometimes only showing their heads, at other times exposing half of
their bodies, but the instant any move was made on board, they would vanish like
an apparition under water, and frequently that would be the last seen of them, or,
if seen again, they would be far out of gun-shot.

The animals come ashore more during windy weather than in calm, and in the
night more than during the day ; and they have been observed to collect in the
largest herds upon the beaches and rocks, near the full and change of the moon.
They delight in basking in the warm sunlight, and when no isolated rock or shore
is at hand, they will crawl upon any fragments of drift-wood that will float them.
Although gregarious, they do not herd in such large numbers as do nearly all others
of the seal tribe ; furthermore, they may be regarded almost as mutes, in compar-
ison with the noisy Sea Lions. It is very rarely, however, any sound is uttered
by them, but occasionally a quick bark or guttural whining, and sometimes a pecul-
iar bleating is heard when they are assembled together about the period of bring-
ing forth their young. At times, when a number meet in the neighborhood of
rocks or reefs distant from the main land, they become quite playful, and exhibit
much life in their gambols, leaping out of the water or circling around upon the
surface.

Its terrestrial movements, howener, are quite difiereirt from those of the Sea
Lion, having a quick, shuiHing. or hobbling gait, onlv using its pectorals to draw
itself along with, while a small portion of the animal's belly alternately rests upon
the ground, the posterior part of the body, inchiding the hind flippers, being turned
a little upward. The head and neck are slightly elevated, also, when the animal is
.n its land -traveling attitude, but the creature is not so erect as, nor does it
present the imposing appearance of, the Sea Lion, in its habits upon the shore.
Its food is principally fish, and its rapacity in pursuing and devouring the smaller
members of the piscatory tribes is quite c^ual, in proportion to its size, to that
of the Orca. When grappling with a fish too large to be swallowed whole, it
will hold and handle it between its fore flippers, and, with the united work of its
mouth — which is armed with incisors, canines, and molars — the wriggling prize is
demolished and devoured as quickly, and much in the same manner, ad a squirrel
would eat a bur -covered nut.

The animal is easily tamed, and very soon becomes attached to its keeper.
We have had several young ones on board ship, and in every instance it was but
a few weeks before they would follow, if permitted, the one who had especial
charge of them, and when left solitary, they would express discontent by a sort of

THE LEOPABD SEAL. jgy

mournful bleating. A very interesting specimen of the Leopard Seal is on exhibi-
tion at Woodwards Gardens. This little favorite has been a resident of that pop-
ular and interesting resort for over three years, and, although a female, as we were
mformed, is honored with the title of "Commodore." The animal generally makes
Its appearance close at hand ^vhcnever within hearing, if called by name, and when
its keeper appears on the lawn, to feed the pelicans, black swans, and other aquatic
birds, which are its companions in the artificial pond, the Commodore does not
wait to be invited, but, knowing a. well as its keeper the meal-hour, is on the
watch, and the moment the food-bearer is seen, the little creature -which is not
over four feet long-lifts itself out of the water over the curb-stones and waddles
quickly to its master's side, then holding up its head with mouth wide open
receives the choice morsels of fish which drop from his hand. '

Leopard Seals are very easily captured when on shore, as a single blow with
a club upon the head will dispatch them. The Indians about Puget Sound take
them in nets made of large hemp-line, using them in the same manner as seir.es
drawing them around beaches when the rookery is on shore. They are taken by
the whites for their oil and skins, but the Indians and Esquimaux make great
account of them for food. The last -mentioned eat them, as they do nearly every
article of sustenauoo, with or without cooking, but the natives of Pu -t Sound
singe them before a fire until the hair is consumed and the skin becomes crisp, .vfter
which It 13 cut up and cooked as may best suit their relish.

CHAPTER VI.
THE SEA OTTER.

(fiate xsii.)

The most valuable fur-bearing animals inhabiting tlio waters of the North-west-
ern Coast of North Americu are the Sea Otters. Thoj' are found as far south as
twenty -eight degreea north latitude, and their northern limits include the Aleutian
Islands. Although never m'gvating to the southern hemisphere, these peculiar
amphibious animals are lound around the isolated point'", of southern Kamscliaika,
and even to the western Kuriles, a chain of islands that separates the Okhotsk Tea
from the north - eastei n Pacific. TIio length of the full-grown animal may average
five feet, including the tail, which is about ten inches. Vlio head resembles that of
the Fur Seal. The eyes of the Sea Otter are full, black, and piercing, and exhibit
inucli intelligence. The color of the female, when "in season," is quite bl.ick ; at
other periods, it is a dark brown. The males are usually of the same shade,
although, in some instanoe^i, they are of a jet, shining black, like their mates.
The fur is of a much lighter shade inside than upon the surface, and, extending
over all, are scattering, long, glistening hairs, which add much to the richness and
l)ea"^My of the pelage. Some individuals, about tlie nose and ey<" ;, are cf a light
brown or dingy white. Tii: ears are less than an inch in length, quite pointed,
standiig nearly erect, and arc covered with short hair. Occasionally, the young
are of a deep brown, \*ith the ends of the longest hairs tipped wlt!\ v.iiite, and,
about the nose and eyes, of a cream color.

The mating season of the Se;: Otter is not known, as the young are met with
in all month * of the year ; hence, it is I'easonable to suppose they differ from most
other species of fur- bearing marine mammalia in this respect. The tiim, uf gesta-
tion • ' .'^apposed to be eight or nine months.

The hind fact, or flippers, of the animal are webbed, much 'ike the seal's.
Its fore legs are sl'.ort, the fore paws resembling those of a cat, being furnished with
five sharp claws, as are the posterior flippers.

(IN)

TEE SEA OTTER. 169

The oldest and most observing hunters about Point Grenville (in latitude 47*
20') aver that the "Sea Otter is never seen on shore unless it is wounded." Nev-
ertheless, we have accounts of their being found on the Aleutian Islands when
the Russians were first engaged in the fur trade, and the animals are still occa-
sionully taken, while asleep upon the rocki. We quote the following from Coxc's
work on Russian Discoveries between Asia and America, and the Conquest of Siberia,
published in 1780: "Of all these furs, the skins of the Sea Otters are the richest
and most valuivble. These animals resort in great numbers to the Aleutian and Pox
islands ; they are called by the Russians Boobrij Morfki, o' sea beavers, on account
of the resemblance of their fur to that of the common beaver. They are taken
four ways : struck with darts as they are sleeping upon their backs in the sea ;
followed by boats and hunted down until they are tired ; surprised in caverns, and
taken in nets." They are possessed of much sagacity, have groat powers of
scent, and are exceedingly imbued with curiosity. Their home is nearly as much
in the water as that of some species of whale? ; and as whalers have their favorite
''cruising- grounds," so, likewise, do the Otter-hunters have their favorite hunting-
grounds, or points where the objects of pursuit are found in greater numbers than
along the general stretch of the coast. About the sea -board of Upper and Lower
California, Cerros, San Ocronimo, Guadalupe, San Nicolas, and San Miguel islands,
have been regarded as choice places to pursue them ; and farther ..orthward, off Cape
Blanco, on the Oregon coast, and Point Grenville and Gray's Harbor, along the
coast of T\' aihingtou Territory. At the present day, considerable numbers arc taken
by whites aad Indians about those noi thorn grounds. Thence, to the northward
and westward, conio a broken coast and groups of islands, whore the animals were,
in times past, hunted by the employes of the Hudson's Ray Company and Russian-
American Company, and whore they are still pursued by the natives inhabiting
those rock -bound shores. These interesting mammals are gregarious, and are fre-
quently soon in bands numbering from fifty up to hundreds. When in rapid move-
ment, they make alternate undulating leaps out of tlie water, plunging again, as do
seals and porpoises. Thoy are frequently seen, too, with the hind flippers extended,
as if catching tho breeze to sail or drift before it.

Tiiey live on clams, crabs, and various species of Crustacea, and sometimes
small fish. When tlio Otter descends and brings up any article of food, it instantly
resumes its habitual attitude — on the back — to devour it. In sunny days, when
looking, it sometimes sliados its eyes with one fore paw, much in the same manner
as a person docs with the hand. The females rarely have more than a single one
at a birth — never more than two — which are "brought forth upon tho kelp," say

MAltlKE MaUHALH. — 3a.

170 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NnRTH-WESTERN COAST.

the white hunters, that abounds at nearly all points known as their favorite resort-
ing-places. The mothers caress and suckle their offspring seemingly with much
affection, fondling them with their fore paws — reclining, in their usual manner —
and frequently uttering a plaintive sound, which may have given rise to the saying
that "Sea Otters sing to quiet their young ones," and gives some credence to the
suggestion that the human -like actions of the animal originated the story about
mermaids. But when they are startled, they rise perpendicularly half their length
out of the water ; and if their quick, sharp eyes discerr aught to cause alarm, the
cubs are seized by the mouth, and both mother and offspring instantly disappear
under water. Males and females are sometimes seen curled up in such shapeless-
ness as to present no appearance of animal form. When in this posture they are
said to be sleeping.

Sea Otters are rarely seen far from shore, their home being among the thick
beds of kelp near the beach, or about outlying rocky reefs and islets. Point Gren-
ville, however, seems to be an exception, as there is no kelp in sight from the
shore.

PuRStnr AND Captitre. — About the period of the establishment of Fort Astoria,
near the mouth of the Columbia River, and for many succeeding years, the Sea
Otter huuters along the coasts of California and Oregon were made up from nearly
all the maritime nations of Europe and America, as well as from the different tribes
of natives that dwelt near the sea- shore. Those of the former were hardy spirits,
who preferred a wild life and adventurous pursuits, rather than civilized employ-
ment. The distance coasted in their lightly constructed boats, the stealthy search
for the game, and when discovered, the sharp -shooting chase, gave these hunting
expeditions a pleasant tinge of Venture. Moreover, the taking of Sea Otters on the
coasts of the Californias was pi'ohibited by the Mexican government, and the hunt-
ers were a"^ re that, if detected, the penalty would be severe ; hence, they ever
kept a watchful eye on all vessels seen, which were carefully avoided or cautiously
approached.

A peculiar sort of boat is used by the hunters, called an "Otter -canoe." It
is fifteen feet long, nearly five wide, and eighteen inches deep. It is sharp at each
end, with flaring sides, and but little sheer. Still, these boats are excellent "sea-
goers," and are regarded as unsurpassed for landing through the surf, their nhapo
being peculiar. So, likewise, are the paddles for propelling them, which are short,
with very broad blades — they being better adapted for use in the thick beds of
kelp. The outfit, when going on a cruise, is limited to nearly the barest necessities.
Three men usually go in one boat — two to paddle, and one to shoot; the latter

THE SEA OTTEB. 171

having two or three favorite rifles, with a supply of ammunition. A little tea,
cofTce, sugar, flour, or ship -bread, is provided, adding pipet and tobacco, and, as
a groat luxury, perhaps a keg of spirits completes their equipment.

All being in readiness, they leave the quiet waters of the harbor, and put to
sea, following the general trend of the land, but at times making a broad devia-
tion, to hunt about some islands, miles from the main -land. When an Otter is
seen within rifle-shot, instantly the hunter fires; and if only wounding the animal,
it dives under the water, but soon re -appears, to be repeatedly shot at until killed.
Sometimes, three boats will hunt together. Then they take positions, one on each
side, but in advance of the third, and all three in the rear of where the animal
is expected to be seen. It is only the practiced eye of the experienced men that
can detect the tip of the animal's nose peering above water, and frequently dis-
guised by a leaf of kelp. Occasionally, a large band is met with. Then every
exertion is made to keep them within the triangle formed by the boats ; and, at
such times, a deal of rapid and sharp shooting ensues, and many a bullet sings
through the air, or skips over the water, almost as near the pursuers as the ani-
mals pursued. Ilowever, six, eight, or a dozen Otters are sometimes secured before
the main body disperses ; and it is rarely any accident occurs by reckless firing.

From day to day, if the weather is pleasant, they cruiee in search of the ani-
mals— landing to pass the night at different places well known to them, behind
some point or rock that breaks the ocean swell. The landings are made by watch-
ing the successive i-oUors as they break upon the beach, and when a favorable time
comes, the boat, under dexterous mauagomcnt, glides over the surf with safety to
the shore. It is then hauled up clear of the water, and turned partially over for
a shelter, or a tent is pitched. A fire is made of drift-wood, or, if this fail, the
dry stalks of the cactus, or a bunch of dead chaparral, servos them ; and, if their
provisions should bo getting short, an excursion is made up some one of the many
ravines or intervals — perhaps to a stagnant water- pool, whore the deer and ante-
lope in that arid region resort to quoncli their parching thirst. The unerring rifle
brings one to the ground, when out comes the hunter's knife, and cutting the choice
pieces from the creature, ho sallies back again to camp, and soon has the venison
broiling over tho coals, and, in duo time, it is added to their evening meal, which
is partaken of with hearty relish ; then follow tho pipes, which arc enjoyed as only
those men of free and easy life can enjoy them. Relieved from all care, these
adventurers talk of past exploits or froUcs, and finally roll themselves in their
blankets for a night's invigorating sleep in the open air. At daybreak they are all
awakened by tho screams of sea-birds and the barking of coyotes, attracted by tho

172 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

scent of the encampment. The morning repast over, they again embark in their
coclile- shell boats, launch through the surf, gain the open sea, and paddle or sail
along the chores in search of "Otter signs." But the scarcity of Otters on the old
hunting-grounds has developed the character of these fearless hunters, who, in order
to still maintain their game -life, have again reluctantly taken to their pigmy sea-
craft — a small vessel of forty tons — in which they have stretched across the Pacific
to the western Kuriles (the extreme geographical limit of the breeding -grounds),
and now successfully pursue them around those rugged islands during summer,
returning again to the California shores with their rich booty as winter approaches.

Hunting from the Sucre. — From San Francisco northward, as far as Juan de
Fuca Strait, the hunting is chiefly prosecuted by shooting the animals from the
shore ; the most noted grounds being between Gray's Harbor and Point Grcnville
— a belt of low coast, lying within the parallels of 46° and 48°, north latitude.

The white hunter builds his two log- cabins; one, near the southern limits of
his beat, and the other at its northern terminus near Point Grcnville. During the
prevalence of the southerly winter gales he takes up his quarters at the last-named
station, as the game is found there more frequently ; but when the summer winds
sweep down from the north he changes his habitation, and pursues the animals
about the breakers of Gray's Harbor. From early dawn until the sun sinks beneath
the horizon, the hunter, with rifle in hand and ammunition slung across his shoul-
c'f ivalks the beach on the lookout for "a shot." The instant one is seen, crack
goes the rifle ; but it is seldom the animal is secured by one fire. A Sea Otter's
head bobbing about in the restless swell is a very uncertain mark ; and if instantly
killed, the receding tide or adverse wind might drift the animal seaward : so that,
even if it eventually drift to shore, it may be far out of sight from the hunters
by day, or be thrown on the rocks by the surge during the night, and picked up
by some of the strolling Indians who run the beach in quest of any dead seal
or Otter that may come in their way.

The difficulty in shooting from the shore, when the marksman stands nearly on
a level with the ever -changing swell, has always been an aggravating annoyance ;
to avoid which, the hunters now use a sort of ladder, or, as it may bo termed,
two ladders, joined near the upper ends by a hinge, spreading at the lower ends,
forming a triangle — when placed on the beach or in the edge of the water — on
which the hunter climbs in order to gain elevation. The ladders are made of light
material, so that they can be easily carried at any time, should the sea bo ruffled
by a local wind or waves from seaward. When an Otter is seen, up go the lad-
ders, and up goes the hunter to the topmost round, and fires. The shot is rei>eated

THE SEA OTTER. 173

very quickly, if the first does not take effect ; and ball after ball is sent after the
animal, until it is far out of I'each. It is esfimated that the best shooters average
at least twenty -five shots to every Otter obtained, and that about one -half the
number killed are secured by the rightful owners ; but, when once in their posses-
sion, it is quickly fleeced of its valuable skin, which is stretched c:i the walls of
the cabin to dry. It is no unusual occurrence for the hunter to pass a week trav-
eling up and down the beach, and he may nhoot sixty or more rounds, and, per-
haps, kill several Otters; but, owing to "bad luck," not one may be secured — the
carcass cither drifting to sea, or to shore, possibly, with the flowing night -tide, and
the object so patiently and eagerly sought for is at last stealthily appropriated by
some skulking savage.

Notwithstanding their propensity to purloin, the Indians of the North-west-
ern Coast not only occasionally shoot the Sea Otters, as do the whites, but in the
months of July and August, when calm weather prevails, they capture them by
night. A small canoe is chosen for the purpose, and the implement used to capt-
ure the animals is a spear of native make, composed of bone and steel, fitted to a
long polo by a socket. Four chosen men make tlio crew for the canoe. Near the
close of day, a sharp lookout is kept for any band of the animals that may have
been seen from the shore, and their position accurately defined before beginning*'the
pursuit. All being in readiness, as the shade of evening approaches, they launch
their pigmy craft upon the calm sea, and three men paddle in silence toward the
place where the Otters were seen, while the fourth takes his station in the bow.
He is either a chief, or some one distinguished ia the chase. He watches intently
for the sleeping Otters. As soon as one is descried, the canoe is headed for it,
and, when within rearli, the spear is launched into the unwary creature. In its
efl'orts to escape, it draws the spear from the pole. There is a small but strong
cord connecting the spear and pole, which admits them to separate a few feet, but
docs not free the GHer. The animal dives deoply, but with great effort, as the
unwieldy pole greatly rounds its progress. The keen -eyed savage traces its course,
in the blinding darkness, by the phosphorescent light caused by the animal's tran-
sit through the water ; and when it rises upon the surface to breathe, it is beset
with clubs, paddles, and perhaps another spear, and is finally dispatched, after
repeated blows or thrusts. The conflict arouses the whole band, which instantly
disappear ; so that it is seldom more than one is secured. As soon as the hunt is
over, the animal is brought on shore, the skin taken off and stretched to dry, and,
when ready for market, the lucky owner considers himself enriched to the value
of ten or fifteen blankets, and the flesh is devoured as a choice article of food.

174 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

The mode of capturing the Sea Otters between Point Grenville and the Aleu-
tian Islands varies with the difierent native tribes inhabiting that coast. The Aleu-
tians, dressed in their water -proof garments, made from the intestines of seals,
wedge themselves into their baidarJcas (which are constructed with a light, wooden
frame, and covered with walrus or seal skin), and, donning their hunting -caps,
plunge through the surf that dashes high among the crag.', and, with almost instinct-
ive skill, reach the less turbulent ground -swell iLat heaves in every direction.
These aquatic men are so closely confined by the narrow build of their boats, and
keeping motion witli them, too, that their appearance suggests the idea that some
undoscribed marine monster had just emerged from the depths below. Once clear
of the rocks, however, the hunters watch diligently for the Otters. The first man
that gets near one darts his spear, then throws up his paddle by way of signal;
all the other boats forming a circle around him, at some distance. The wounded
animal dives deeply, but soon returns to the surface, near some one of the baidarkas
forming the circle. Again the hunter that is near enough hurls his spear and ele-
vates his paddle, and again the ring is formed as before. In this way the chase is
continued until the capture is made. As soon as the animal is brought on shore,
the two oldest hunters examine it, and the one whose spear is found nearest its
head is entitled to the prize.

The number of Sea Otter skins taken annually is not definitely known, but
from the most authentic information we can obtain, the aggregate for the past
three years has been five thousand, one thousand of which came from the Kurile
Islands ; and, valuing each skin at fifty dollars, amounts to the sum of two
hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

Whether these very valuable fur animals have decreased in numbers'within the
past few years, is questionable. The hunting of them on the coast of California is
no longer profitable for more than two or tliree hunters, and we believe of late
some seasons have passed without any one legitimately engaging in the enterprise ;
notwithstanding, olT Point Grenville, which is an old hunting-ground, sixty Otters
were taken by only three hunters during the summer of 18G8 — a great annual
increase over many past years. It is said the Russian -American Company restricted
the number taken yearly by the Aleutian Islanders, from whom the chief supply
was obtained, in order to perpetuate the stock. Furthermore, may it not be that
tiieso sagacious animals have fled from those places on the coasts of the Californias
where they wore so constantly pursued, to some more isolated haunt, and now
remain unmolested?

THE SEA OTTER.

176

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CHAPTER VII.
THE WALRUS.

BosMARUS 0DE8CS, llligeT.

Eminent naturalists have remarked that the Walrus, or Sea-horse, appears to
be the connecting link between the mammals of the land and those of the water.
This bulky and unwieldy animal when on shore has some resemblance to the seal,
yet differs materially in its proportions, as well as in its elephant- like tusks. The
Walrus attains the size of the largest Sea Lion, and measures from ten to four-
teen feet in length, and about eight feet in circumference. Its head is rounded,
small (when compared with the anterior portion of the body), and flattened in
front. Its eyes are diminutive in size, and deeply set ; the small orifices of the
ears are about three inches behind, and two inches below the eyes. The chocks
are studded with four or five hundred spines or whiskers, some of which are
rudimentary, while others grow to the length of three or four inches. They are
transparent, curved, abruptly pointed, and about the size of a straw, but not twisted,
as has been stated by some writers. Its neck is short, and its unwieldy body is
largest about the chest. Its posterior is abrupt.

By the courtesy of Mr. 11. W. Elliott, we present on the following page figures
of the Walrus, copied from his excellent sketches, executed at St. Paul's Island,
Behring Sea, in 1872. The tusks of the Walrus are not only a means of defense,
but are used in obtaining food, and in mounting the ice-floes, when the shore is
not accessible. The canine teeth, as they are sometimes ca^'-^d, may average two
feet in length, including the root, which is imbedded in vUe jaw six or eight
inches. Yet some individuals have been taken with tusks two and a half to three
feet in length, and each weighing from ten to twenty pounds. In shape they are
somewhat bowing, and slightly liollowod, notched, and ridgy at their bases. At
their junction with the skull, they are about three inches asunder ; they project
at an obtuse angle from the upper jaw, and, in some instances, meet at their
extremities ; while others grow perpendicular to each other, or turn outward on each

THE WALRUS.

side. There is considerable diversity in their length, shape, and size, even in the
full-grown tusks, some being very short and stout, while others are elongated and
slender. The Walrus has no sharp incisors like the seal. The nostrils are placed ou
the superior portion of the snout, through which the animal appears to inspire, and
expires through its mouth, as it dips its head below the surface, blowing up the
water into spray, in such a manner as to resemble the spout of a whale. Never
having had an opportunity of taking detailed measurements of the Walrus, we quote
from the most reliable authorities: "Its fore feet, or flippers, are from two to
two and a half feet in length, and about twelve inches in breadth ; they arc webbed,
and the under sides are protected by a tough skin, a quarter of an inch or
more in thickness. The posterior flippers are from two to three feet long, and are

Walruses.

capable of expansion at their extremity nearly equal to their length ; each toe is
furnished with a small nail." The skin of the animal is thick and somewhat spongy,
but exceedingly tough. The hair that covers it in most adult individuals is short
and of a dark brown ; yet there is no lack of examples where it is of a much
lighter shade, or a light but dingy gray. Unlike others of the seal tribe, the
animal is abundantly infested with vermin. Under the skin lies the coating of fat
which yields oil — it is from two to three inches in thickness. The appearance of
the fully developed Walrus in the water, with its long tusks, which seem like an
incumbrance, has a striking contrast with that of the common seal. The young,
however, before its cumbrous canines protrude, resembles the latter in general form,
but is of a black color. On land the Walrus is comparatively inactive and clumsy

Mabihc HAmuta. — U.

178 MJniNE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST,

in its movements ; but in the water its motions are easy and vigorous. Its geo-
graphical distribution quite encircles the globe in that colder belt of the northern
hemisphere, above the latitude of 45®, and but few individuals are met with south
of 47° north. In Behring Sea they are found as far south as the shores of the
peninsula of Alaska, and in the Pacific Ocean about several of the islands which
fringe the central coast of Alaska Territory. They feed upon shell -fish and other
submerged marine productions. The Walrus is gregarious, being sometimes found
in herds upon the ice, and at the proper season the animals collect upon the
beaches, or they clamber upon rocky islets in remote places. They are said to be
monogamous, but we are of the opinion that they are not exclusively so. The sea-
son when the sexes seek each other is in the last of the spring months, or the
first of the summer. The time of gestation ia about nine months. The mother
and her ofTspring manifest a stronger mutual affection than wo have observed in
any other of the marine mammals ; and the cub seeks her protection, clinging to
her back whenever there is cause for alarm,* and she "ill at all times place herself
between the foe and her helpless charge. Frequently has she been known to clasp
to her breast the terrified little one, embracing it with her fore flippers, while
receiving mortal wounds from the whaleman's lance. A male, and a female with
her cub, are often seen together ; yet herds of old and young, of both sexes, are
met with, both in the water and upon the ice. When undisturbt i they are quite
inoffensive, but if hotly pursued they make a fierce resistance ; their mode of attack
is by hooking their tusks over the gunwales of the boats, which may overturn
them, or they strike a blow through the planking, which has repeatedly been the
means of staving and sinking them. Captain Lyon remarks: "Mr. Shirer described
the fury of the wounded animals as being quite outrageous ; but those which were
unhurt quickly forsook their suffering companions." There may have been instances
of a combined attack of Walruses on besieging boats ; but like all other marine
mammals which have been continuously pursued, they soon become wary, and when
there is cause for alarm they give warning to their neighboring associates by loud

♦Captain T. "W. 'WllHams, a whaling master a bowline was easily thrown over it, and the
of much espcnence and observation, states, that bereaved creature taken on deck, when it instant-
on one voyage to the Arctic Ocean, a female ly mounted its mother's back and there clung
Walrus was captured two miles from the ship, with mournful solicitude, until forced by the
and the young cub kept close to the boats that sailors to again return to the sea; but even
were towing its dead mother to the vessel ; and then it remained in the vicinity of the ship, be-
when arrived, made every effort to follow her as moaning the loss of its parent by uttering dis-
she was being hoisted on board. A rope with tressful cries.

THE WALRUS. Wi

roarings, or if asleep, by pecking at them with their tusks, when all make a pre-
cipitate retreat from the ice, or they will tumble and roll over the rocks or rough
ground, if on shore, in their flight to the sea, unless detained with their young.
"The chase of the Walrus is of great antiquity; accordingly, we find that Ohthce,
a Norwegian, about the year 890 gave an account of it to Alfred the Great, having,
he says, 'made a voyage beyond Norway for the more commodite of fishing horse-
whales, which have in their teeth bones of great price and excellence, whereof he
brought some at his return to the King.'"

The capture of the Walrus is made both upon the water and land. It is
stated that a Greenlander will never venture on the encounter alone, nor without
the assistance of three or four expert comrades. Thc^ employ a harpoon, which,
however, from the toughness of the skin, is fixed with difficulty, and hence it is
not so easy an operation as the striking of a whale. When the instrument holds,
the animal is allowed to swim about until it is wearied ; they then try to secure it
and kill it with lances. But even under these circumstancis the process is not an
easy one ; the creature, as we have stated, getting roused and fighting a hard battle.
It is necessary, according to Zorgdrager, to make a selection. Accordingly, the
fishers aim at the eyes, which obliges the animal to turn its head, and then the
fatal blow is aimed at the breast. "In this crisis," remarks Scoresby, "the best
defense against those enraged animals is sea-sand, which, being thrown into their
eyes, occasions partial blindness and obliges them to disperse ; then the captured
one becomes a more easy prey." According to Lord Sheldham's account of the
capture of Walruses upon the land in early times, the hunters, armed with spears,
and under cover of night, with trained dogs, made an eCFort to partially disperse
the main herd ; then falling upon detachments of the animals, which, being bewil-
dered in the darkness, were then slain in large numbers. Godman relates that
one of the Esquimaux modes of killing the Walrus in summer is, when perceiving a
large herd asleep on the floating ice, they paddle to some other piece near by,
which is small enough to be moved. On this they lift their canoes, and then bore
holes, through which they fasten their lines ; and when every thing is prepared,
they quietly paddle their ice -float toward the herd, each hunter sitting by his own
Bpear and line. "When arrived at the place where the animals lie snoring, each
man, if so disposed, strikes a different one, though two generally attack the same.
The stricken creature instantly makes great effort to escape, but, although he tum-
bles into the water, he is held by the spear -lines which are made fast to the ice.
As soon as the victim becomes wearied, the hunter launches his canoe, and at a
Bafe distance spears him to death." According to our observation, the manner of

180 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

capturing the animaU by tho natives about the eastern coast of Behring Sea, and
in the Arctic Ocean, is by shooting them when on shore with a rifle, and pursu-
ing them when in the water with spears and lances. In approaching the animal in
their skin -boats, a paddle formed from a slab of whalebone is employed to gently
beat the surface of the sea, which is thought to servo as a kind of decoy to the
creature ; and when within roach, the spear, with a line of walrus hide attached, is
thrust into the object of pursuit, and subsequently it is dispatched by being pierced
with knives and other sharp instruments. But the natives of the PribylofT Islands,
and also those of the peninsula of Alaska (who have become excellent marksmen),
shoot them with heavy muskets.

Great numbers of Walruses are found about the waters of the Arctic uniting
with Behring Straits, and in Behring Sea, and innumerable herds still resort in the
summer months to different points on tho southern or central coasts of Alaska,
particularly at Amak Island and Point Moller, on the northern shore oi the
Alaskan peninsula. Within the last ten years many of these animals have been
destroyed by the whalers, both in the Arctic and Behring Seas. The mode of
capture was by shooting them when upon tho ice with Spencer rifles, or, if in the
water, by harpooning and lancing them. To the natives of the coasts where the
Walrus frequents, the animal is of indispensable value. Tho flesh supplies them
with food ; the ivory tusks are made into implements used in the chase, and for
other domestic purposes, as well as affording a valuable article of barter ; and the
skin furnishes the material for covering their summer habitations, planking for
their baidarras, harness for their dog- teams, and lines for their fishing - gear. But
tho savage native and the civilized fisherman and sailor are not the only enemies
of the Walrus. The polar bear seeks them in its prowlings, and when meeting
with a herd, tho huge beast selects and seizes one of the smallest individuals with
his capacious jaws, and the resisting struggles of the poor victim to free itself are
quickly suppressed by repeated blows with bruin's paws, which cause almost instant
death. Tho murderous beast then quickly tears the skin from the body by means
of his long, sharp claws, when the remains are devoured. That carnivorous animal
of the cetacean order, known as the Orca, or Killer, also watches for the young
cubs of the Walrus, and if there is floating ice at hand, the mother with her
charge clambers upon it to avoid the pursuer ; if this fails, however, the cub will
mount the mother's back as the only place of- refuge. But the Killer is rarely
baffled in obtaining the object it seeks by this mode of the mother's protection,
for the pursuing animal dives deeply, and then comes head up under the old
Walrus, with such force as to throw the cub from the dam's back into the water,

THE WALSU8. jg.

when it is instantly seized and swallowed by its adversary. Instances have been
known however, where the Orca has paid dearly for its murderous temerity, as the
enn^ged Walnas, when bereft of her young, will sometimes strike her tusL into
her foe with such effect as to cause a mortal wound or instant death

Among the numerous enemies of the Walrus, it is to be regretted that the
whalers are included they having been driven to the necessity of pursuing them on
account of the scarcity of Cetaceans. Already the animals have suffered so gi.at a
lighter at their hands that their numbers have been materially diminished and
hey have become wild and shy, making it difficult for the Esquimaux to success-
fuUy hunt them, m order to obtain a necessary supply of food. It is stated that
there has been much suffering among those harmless people of the far north on
account of this source for supplying themselves with an indispensable article of
sustenance being to an alarming extent cut off.

According to The Friend, published at Honolulu, March 1st, 1872, the whalers
first began to turn their attention to Walrus -catching about the year 1868, and the

the litof th" I '''I' '^^"'"'^^^^ *° ^^P^"^^ ^^^^^^^' ^^-^ ^-g -thin

the units of the icy barrier. Hence, much of the whalers' time during the months

of July and August has been devoted to capturing the Walrus; and it is estimated

that at least sixty thousand of these animals have been destroyed by the whale-

fishers in the Arctic Ocean and Behring Sea during the last five years' which pro-

duced about fifty thousand barrels of oil, with a proportionate amount of ivory

PART III.

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY.

■■ili

PART III -THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY.

CHAPTER I.

ORIGIN AND ANCIENT MODE OF WIIALE-FISHING.

B™> entering upon the history of the A„,erie»„ Whale-fishery, we will intro-
<Iuce a row remark, relative to the origin „„a proscction of whaling i iZ

fo^ow through the nrarrfme history of every nation, there appears to be no post.

.V eeord a, to the .inro when, or place whore, whale-f.shing originated. ,n the

ell t,o„ of varrous whaling a,„l exploring voyages which we have perused, nea W

he authors agree that the Basques and Biscayans wore the ffrst to captu e

whales a, a regular eommcreial pursuit. Eminent writers, however, maintain that

rif; 7:';:,"'"° ,"■" "r: '- '"""^ "-''■■■ '="""-' <" «- ^»i ««' "■»' 'i-y

ca „e on a f.sh ry long before any other Europea.r nation. It may be possible

ncss. llus, however, seems to be very doubtful, when we look to tho shores of
apan and Chinese Tartary, where, ever since we have been in poss ll a^,

01 able knowledge of that region and its inhabitants, wo know that the Japanese
and Tar ar, have snecessfully pursued tho whale in largo boat, from their shores
Am „g „ Amenean authorities relative to the foreign whale-fishery is the Uon
of ol t""T: "''"■,'!'"'"« "»" ■-""■■- '» 'ho Congressional Library at the time

has g„e„, n, the append,., to that work, a concise and somewhat ehronologi:
.1 account of whahng eonnnerce, beginning as early a, 887, and following down
CO the present century, from which we shall quote numerous statistics of th^
.mmcnt wn.e,-, a, also extracts from the works of other authors.

18G MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

Deduction of the Origin of Commerce), or, as ILikluyt thinks, about 890, 'Our
excellent King Alfred' received from one Octher [Ohthere?], a Norwegian, an
account of his discoveries northward on the coast of Norway ; a coast which seems
to have been before very little, if at all, known to the Anglo-Saxons. There is
one very remarkable thing in this account; for he tells King Alfred 'that he sailed
along the Norway coast, so far north as commonly the whale -hunters used to
travel;' which h'mws the great antiquity of whale - fishing ; though undoubtedly
then, and long a'.ter, the use of what is usually called whalebone was net. known ;
so that they fished for whnlos mcrel_) on account of their fat or oil. Octher, .cfter
giving a very curious description of th'j country inhabited by the Finmans, proceeds
to say, 'i;C visited this country also with a view of catching horse-whales, which
had bones of veiy great value for their teeth, of which ho brought some to tlie
king ; that their skins were good for making ropes for ships. These whales are
mucli loss than c thcr whales, being only five ells long. The best wliales were
caught in his own country, of which some were forty -eight, some fifty yards long,
lie said that he was one of six who had killed sixty in two days.'"*

■'These horse -whales, spoken of by Octher, wore what we call sea-horses,
and the Dutch, sea-cows, or morses. It is probable that the length of the
whales caught in his own country is greatly exaggerated. Beale quotes from many
of tlie ancient writers instances of extraordinary exaggerations of this kind, and
doubts whetlicr any whales wore ever seen of a greater length than eighty or ninety
feet, even admitting they were once found of larger growth than any now seen or
captured. The earliest authentic data that I have been able to find respecting the
origin of the whale-fishery, as a regular and permanent branch of trade, is that
furnished by M'Culloch in his Commercial Dictionary; which, although little more
than 'I condensation from the works of Anderson, Macpherson, and others, is of a
more reliable character than any similar compilation I have met with. At the time

♦ This would seem incrcdiblo ; but wben wo Diiines Barrington, in the account of Olrthoro's
investifrntc the Ktiitemoiit, iL in found that Olithero voyapfo, publishcu in liiw Mi:,ciitlamr», translates
was a Fhunish writer. Hcnco, inntoiul of ivikon- ilio i)aHHngo, containinf,' hiti exploit in the whale-
in;; ill« at three feet, we put them down at twen" fishery, in the 'ordf., 'he had I-illed (ome six;
ty-so,en iiicheH, which would make the largest nnd si.xty in two days.' But, conscious of tho
whale one hundred and twelve feet long. As unintelligibloneas of the sentence, he obscrvoa,
to the killing of sixly whales in two days, by in a nc-te, that si/j-d, he conceives, should bo a
six men, as stated by Ohthere, Scoresliy (Arclir second time repeated liere, instead of ."y.WiV/, or
liiv/ioiin, Vol. II, page !)) gives a very plain ac- sixty; it would then only bo assorted that six
(■mint, in a note, of how this .issortion might Vie had been taken in two days, which is much more
truthful; wiiich is as follows; "The H(>;iorablo probable than sixty."

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY. 187

the inhabitants of Massachusetts were making their first attempts in the capture of
the whale (about 1G50), the Biscayans had ah-eady extensively engaged in that
business ; the Dutch and the English had followed their example ; the Russian
Company had obtained an exclusive charter for it, and many other nations of
Europe had directed their attention to the northern fisheries."

"It is probably true, as has been sometimes contended," says M'CuUoch, ''that
the Norwegians occasionally captured the whale before any other European nation
engaged in so perilous an enterprise. But the early cifTorts of the Norwegians were
not conducted on any systematic plan, and should only be regarded in the same
point of view as tho fishing expeditions of the Esquimaux. The Biscayans were
certainly the first people who prosecuted the whale-fishery as a regular commercial
pur.suit. They carried it on with great vigor and success in the twelfth, thirteenth,
and iburteenth centuries. In 12C1, a tithe was laid upon the tongues of whales
imported into Bayonne, they being there a highly esteemed species of food. In
1388, Edward III relinquished to Peter de Puayanne a duty of six pounds sterling
a whale, laid on those brought into the port of Biarritz, to indemnify him for the
extraordinary expenses ho had incurred in fitting out a fleet for the service of his
majesty. This fact proves beyond dispute that the fishery carried on from Biarritz
at the period referred to must have been very considerable jr.deod ; and it was also
prosecuted to a great extent from Cibourre, Vieux Boucan, and subsequently from
Rochellc and other places. The whales captured by the Biscayans were not so
large as those that are taken in the Polar Seas, and are supposed to liave been
attracted southward in the pursuit of herrings. They wore not very productive of
oil, but their flesh was used as an article of food, and the whalebone was applied
to a variety of useful purposes, and brought a very high i)rice."

In 1554, Pierre Belon writes concerning the Right AV'halo, or at least one of
the baljon whales, as follows: "The animal which wo call the whale (baleen) was
named by the ancient Greeks, j)Jialene; by the Latins, hakna; and is designated 1)y
the Italians as the capodoglio (oil -head). It is generally considered to bo the
largest of all fishes, as may well be suppoued from the size of the bones and ribs
of the animal, which is enormous, so that they have been much wondered at when
exhibited. It is for this reason that some Lave called it the Cetc. There is no
ground for believing that the whale has two large horns on its head, as soni(> ha^-n
drawn this animal; but there is a kind of tube on the upper part of I lie head,
which does not, however, rise above the skin, and the existence of wli, I. only
becomes appaient when the animal throws out the water through it, wlsirli has
been taken in by the muzzle. This it docs sometimes with such violence that

I *

188 MARINE MAUMALb OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

ships have been capsized by it" (the jet of water). "It is also believed that the
whale, like the porpoise and the dolphin, jumps entirely out of the water in order
to take breath, and even that it has been heard blowing from a great distance off.
This fish has neither hair nor scales, but is covered with smooth, hard, black, and
thick skin, or hide, under which there is a layer of fat fully a foot in thickness,
and this is what is sold during Lent. The tongue is marvelously large, and excel-
lent eating ; and it is customary to salt and preserve it, as is also done with all
the rest of the flesh of this fish. And that which is called whalebone {coste de
halene — literally, whale's ribs), vnih. which ladies nowadays make their corsets
and stiffen out their drosses, and which the beadles of some churches caiTy as
wands — these ai'c certain pieces cut off and drawn out from that which serves as
eye-lids for the whale, and which covers his eyes, and which is furnished at its
extremity with a kind of long, stiff hair. This is what the Latins call the pretentures,
and which they say enables the animal to direct his course through the sea. As
far as the other exterior and interior parts of the wLale are concerned, they clearly
resemble those of the sea -hog, and, making allowance for size, those of the por-
poise and dolphin."

Although this writer in some points gives us a very erroneous account of the
whalebone whale, yet in a general view it is an intelligible description of the
animal ; and it also establishes the fact that the animal's baleen, fat, and flesh were
utilized at that period, the former being used as at the present day to distort the
figu>'os of women in their dress, and the latter was esteemed as luxurious food.
The author's figure of the bala)na is almost entirely in error, yet it is hardly more
so than the representations of the same animal which may bo found in popular
worki of the present century. Wo continue to quote from ^M'Culloch :

■'This branch of industry among the Basques and Biscayans ceased long since,
and from the same cause that has occasioned the cessation of the whale-fishery in
many other places — the want of fish. Whether it was that the whales, from a
sensr of the dangers to which they exposed themselves in coming southward, no
longer loft the icy sea, or that the breed had been nearly destroyed, certain it is
that they gradually became loss numerous in the Bay of Biscay, and at length
ceased almost entirely to frequent that sea ; and the fishers being obliged to
pursue their prey upon the banks of Newfoundland and the coasts of Iceland, the
Frencli fishery rapidly fell off. Tlie vo)rages of the Dutch and English to the
Northern Ocean, in order, if possible, to discover a passage through it to India,
though they failed of their main object, laid open the haunts of the whale. The
companions of Bare \tz, who discovered Spitzbergen in 160(), and of Hudson, who

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY. 189

soon after explored the same seas, I'opresonted to their countrymen the amazing
number of whales with which they were crowded.* Vessels were in consequence
fitted out for the northern whale-fishery by the English and Dutch, the harpooners
and a part of the crew being Biscayans. They did not, however, confine their
efforts to a fair competition with each other as fishers. The Muscovy Company
obtained a royal charter, prohibiting the ships of all other nations from fishing in
tbo seas round Spitzbergen, on pretext of its having first been discovered by Sir
Hugh Willoughby. There can, however, be no doubt that Barontz, and not Sir
Hugh, was its original discoverer ; though, supposing that the fact had been other-
wise, the attempt to exclude other nations from the surrounding seas on such a
ground was not one that could be tolerated. The Dutch, who were at that time
prompt to embark in a commercial pursuit that gave any hope of success, eagerly
entered on this new career, and sent out ships fitted equally for the purposes of
fishing and of defense against the attacks of others. The Mu&oovy Company having
attempted to vindicate its pretensions l)y force, several encounters took place between
their ships and those of tliu Dutch. The conviction at length became general that
there was room enough for all parties in the northern seas ; and in order to avoid
the chance of coming into collision with each other, they parceled Spitzbergen and
the adjacent ocean in districts, which they respectively assigned to the English,
Dutch, Hamburgers, French, Danes, etc. The Dutch, thus left to prosecute the
fishery without having their attention diverted by hostile attacks, speedily acquired
a decided superiority over all their competitors. When the Europeans first began
to prosecute tlie fishery on the coast of Spitzbergen, whales were everywhere
found in vast numbers. Ignorant of the strength and stratagems of the formid-
able foe by which they Avero now assailed, instead of betraying any symptoms of
fear, they surrounded the ships and crowded ail the bays. Their capture was, in
consequence, a comparatively ' eas}' task, and many wore killed which it was after-
ward necessary to abandon, from the ships being already full. While fisli were
thus easily obtained, it was the practice to boil the blubber on shore in the north,
and fetch home only the oil and whalebone ; and perhaps nothing can give a more
vivid idea of the extent and importance of the Dutch fishery in the middle of the
eevcntoenth century, than the fact that they constructed a considerable village (the

* Doctor Lintleman fitatcs in his ■work upon foi-cncc with their whale - fisheries on the coast of

the whale-fishery (7>i(; nr/7i.s(7ic i'^iw/irrci (/(■/• i>('i(^ Jutland." Ho further mentions, that "the first

ifchcn SfcsUultc, 1G20 (o 1808), "in the thirteenth English whaling -shijis wero sent out from Hull

and fourteenth centuries iho Hunseatio cities car- in 1508, to the coasts of Iceland and the region

ricd on war with Denmark on account of inter- of the North Capo."

190 MAIilNE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

houses of which were all previously pioparcd in ITollaiul, on the isle of Amster-
dam), on the northern shore of Spitzbergen, to -which they gave the appropriate
name of Smeercnberg (from stnecrcn, to melt, and bcrj, a mountain). This was the
grand rendezvous of the Dutch whale-ships, and was amply provided with boilers,
tanks, and every sort of apparatus required for preparing the oil and bone. But
this was not all. The whale- ships wore attended with a number of provision -ships,
the cargoes of which were landed at Smeercnberg, which abounded during the busy
season with well -furnished shops, good inns, etc., so that many of the conveniences
and enjoyments of Amsterdam were found within about cloven degrees of the Pt)le !
It is particularly mentioned that the sailors and others were every morning supplied
with what a Dutchman regards as a very great luxury, hot rolls for broakAist.
Batavia and Smoerenberg were founded nearly at the same period, and it was for a
considerable time doubted whether the latter was not the more important establish-
ment. {.De Jieste, Ilktoira des Peches, etc., tome i, p. 42.)

"During the flourishing period of the Dutch fishery, the quantity of oil made
in the nortu was so great that it could not be carried on by the whale -ships, and
every year vessels were sent out in ballast to assist in importing the produce of
the fishery. But the same cause which had destroyed the fishery of the Biscayans
ruined that which was carried on in the immediate neighborhood of Spitzbergen.
Whales became gradually loss common, and more and more difficult to catch.
They retreated first to the open seas, and then to the great banks of ice on the
eastern coast of Greenland. When the site of the fishery had thus been removed
to a very great distance from Spitzbergen, it was foimd most economical to send
the blubber direct to Holland. Smeercnberg was, in consequence, totally deserted,
and its position is now with difficulty discernible. When in the most flourishing
state, toward 1G80, the Dutch whale-fishery employed about two hundred and sixty
ships and fourteen thousand sailors."

Frederic ^larton, who made a voyage to Spitzbergen and Greenland during the
summer of 1C71, gives a quaint account of the British whalers at that period, from
which wo extract the following :

"Wo ,set sail the 15th of April, 1671, about noon, from the island of Elbe.
The name of the ship was Jonas in the Whale, Peter Peterson, of Frisland, master."
Having arrived at Spitzbergen, the writer continues: "On the 5th of Juno, in
the forenoon, it was moderately cold and sunshiny, but toward noon darkish and
cloudy, with snow and great frost. Wo saw daily many ships sailing about the ice.
I observed that as they passed by one another, they hailed one another, crying
IloUal and asked each other how many fish they had caught, but would not stick

THE AMERICAN WHALE- FISHERY. 191

sometimes to tell more than they had. When it is windy, that they could not
hear one another, they waved their liats to signifio the number caught. But when
they have their full freight of whales, they put up their great flag as a sign
thereof; then if any hath a message to be sent, ho delivers it to them. On the
12th of July wc had a gloomy sun — sunshine all day. We saw but very few
whales more, and those we did see were quite wild, that we could not come near
then.. That night it was so dark and foggy that we could hardly see the ship's
length. Wo might have got sea-horses enough, but we were afraid of losing our
ships, for wo had examples enough of them that had lost their ships, and could
not come to them again, but have been forced to return home in other ships.
When after this manner any have lost their ships, and can not be seen, they .lis-
charge a cannon from the ship, or sound the trumpets or hautboys, accordin-r us
they are provided in their ships, that the men that arc lost may find their ships
again." *

As to the mode of capturing and flaying the mystketus, as well as the process
of extracting the oil from the blubber, the ^u-rator gives the following description,
under the headings respectively of "How they Catch the Whale," "What they do
with the Dead Whale," and "Of the Trying out of the Train-oyl from the Fat."

"First, it is to be obscrv'd, that when it's like to be a good year to catch
whales m, there is many whUe-Jhh to be seen before: but where wc see many
seaks, there wo do not e.xpect to meet with many whales; for they say, that they
eat up the food of the whale, wherefore the whales will not stay in suc.'i empty
places, but go to find out better, and so come to Spitzbergen, for there, at the
shoar, we see great plenty of the small sea-snails, and perhaps some other small
fish. They are caught after the following manner: When they sec whalet^ or
when they hear them blow or spout, they call in to the ship, Fall, Ml; tlien
every body must bo ready to get into the long-boat that ho doth belong to;
commonly six men go into every long-boat, and sometimes seven, according as
the long-boats are in bigness; they all of them row until they come very near
unto the whale; then doth the harpoonier arise, who sits always before in the
boat, where the harpoon, or the sharp iron made like unto an arrow fixed to a
stick, doth also lie on the foremost l.ard of the long-boat, which the seamen
call the Staffen, that is, the broad piece of wood that cometh up before the boat
from the bottom, and stands up higher than all the rest. But when the whale
runs strait down towards the bottom underneath the water, then ho doth draw
the rope very hard, so that the upper part of the long-boat is even with the
surface of the water ; nay, ho would certainly pull it down to the bottom, if thcv

192 MABINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

should not give him rope enough. This ho doth commonly ■whore the sea is
deepest ; and this doth require an incredible force to draw so many hundred
fathoms of rope under water. This gives me occasion to remember, that when
we on the 27th of April, in the year 1672, did fling out our lead, near St. Kilda,
behind Scotland, into the sea, whore it was one hundred and twenty fathom deep,
when the weather was calm, and when we would pull it up again, it was so heavy
that twenty men had much to do to heave it. The harpoonicr takoth his har-
poon, and holds the point, or the iron thereof, togeiher with the rope or line
of five or seven fathom long, about an inch thick, and is laid up round like a
ving, that it may not hinder the harpoon when it is flung, for as soon as he doth
fling or dart the harpoon, this line follows ; for it is more pliable than the rest
that are fastened to it, wherewith they pursue the whale. It is made of the finest
and softest hemp, and not daubed with tar, but it doth swell in the water, and
so it grows hard. The harpoonier darts his harpoon with the right hand at the
fish. When the whale is hit with the harpoon, all the men that are in the
long-boat turn themselves about and look before them, and they lay their oars
nimbly upon the sides of the long-boat. There is a man in the long-boat,
whose business it is to look after the rope; for in each of these long-boats
there is a whole heap of lines, between the two seats or benches ; this heap is
divided into three, four, or five parts, and each of them is of eighty, ninety, to
one hundred fathoms long. The first of them is ty^d to the fore-runner, or small
line ; as the whale runs under the water, they tyo more and more line to it, and
if in one boat there should not be enough, they make use of those that are in the
other long-boats. These ropes or lines are thicker and stronger than the fore-
runner, and are made of strong and tough hemp, and tarr'd over. The line -fur-
nisher, or the man that doth look after the ropes, and also the other men that
are in the long-boat, must have groat care that the ropes or lines may not be
entangled when they run out so swift, or that they may not run towards the side
of the long-boat, for then the long-boat would be overset, and many men lose
their lives, if other long-boats were not near to their assistance. The line must
run just before, in the middle of the long-boat, that is called the Stave by the
seamen, and by reason of this strong and violent motion, the wood and rope
would be set on fire. But to prevent this, the harpoonier hath a wc- /ag ly'd to
a stick (like unto a mop) ready at hand, wherewith he wets the wood without
ceasing. The other three men that arc in the long-boats take also care of the
lines, as well when they are let out, as when they are taken in again ; and when
they can not hold it with their hands, they wind it about the staves of the boat,

TnE AMERICAN JVEALE-FISHERY. 198

and so thoy do stop it from going any further. Another, that is called the steer-
man, stands behind in the long-boat, and steers the boat with an oar, and ho
takes groat care, and minds the rope, to see which way it runs out, for if it doth
go towards either side, and doth not run just before over the stave, lie so guides
the boat, that it may run exactly out before. The whale runs away with the
long-boat as swift as the wind. If the harpoonier can, he doth dart the harpoon
just behind the spout- hole of the whale, or in the thick fat of his back, where
they also do launce him, for that maketh him spout blood sooner than if wounded
in any other place, and die sooner than if you should launce them into their belly,
or through the guts. The first whale we caught spouted blood in such a quantity,
that the sea was tinged by it wherever he swam, whercunto the Mallemucks flock'd
in great numbers, as I have mentioned before. They also launce the whales near
their privy -parts, if they can come at it; for if they are run in there, it doth
pain them very much ; nay, even when they are almost dead, if you run in your
launce thereabout, it causes the whole body to tremble. For the most part the}'
do not much mind where they launce or push them ; for there is no time to take
deliberation, but they strike at him as well as thoy can. But about the head the
harpoon can do him no hurt, because the fat is but very thin there on the bones,
which the whales know as well as we ; for when they find themselves in danger,
so that they can not escape the harpoon, they rather leave their head than their
back undefended, for there the harpoon breaks out easier, and so the whale gets
away, like one that hath no mind to fight any longer. The use of the harpoon
is, to tye, as it were, the whales with them, that they may not run away. It
is shaped like an arrow before : it hath two sharp beards, they are sharp at the
edge, and have a broad back, like unto a hatchet that is sharp before and blunt
behind, or on the back, so that it may not cut with its back, for else it would
tear out, and all your labour would bo lost. The iron handle is thicker behind
than before, and it is hollow, whereinto they put the stick. Before this hollow
part, the fore -goer is fastcn'd or ty'd, that is to say the foremost rope. Those are
the best harpoons that are made of clean and fine steel, and are not hardened too
much, so that you may bend it without sutapping, for oftentimes two hundred
pounds are lost (for a midling whale is esteem'd at so much) in a minute's time
for want of a good and well-temper'd harpoon. The wooden stick is fastened
within the iron collet or funnel of the harpoon, with packthread wound all about
the iron ; somewhat higher up, about two spans ofl", there is a hole made through
the stock. The harpoon is light behind, and heavy towards the point, or before,
like an arrov/, that is made heavy before with iron, and light behind with feathers,

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33 WEST M/ttN STRUT

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1G4 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

so that fling it which way you will, it cloth fall always upon the point. Through
this hole Cometh a piece of packthread, wherewith the end of the fore-runner is
fastened to the handle or stock of the harpoon, but this is soon torn off, and it
servcth for nothing more after the harpoon sticks in the body of the whale ;
neither is the wooden liandle of any further use, and so it doth soon come out
from the iron. When the whale is struck with the harpoon, all the other long-
boats row out before, and take notice which way the line doth stand, and some-
times they pull at the rope or line. If it is stiff and heavy, the whale doth draw
it still with his might; but if it doth hang loose, so that the long-boat is before
and behind equally high out of the water, then the men pull in the rope again,
and the rope -giver laycth it down in very good order, round, and one row above
the other, that if the whale should draw on again, he may have it ready to give
him without being entangled. Ilcro is also this to be observed, that if the whale
runs upon the level, they must not give him too much rope, for if he should turn
and wind himself much and often about, he miglit easily wind the rope about a
rock or heavy stone, and so fasten it to it, and so the harpoon would come out,
and all the labour would be lost, which hath often hapned, and we ourselves lost
one that way. The other long-boats that are towed behind, wherein the men look
all before them, and sit still, and let the whale draw them along. If the whale
doth rowl upon the ground, s: that the long-boats or sloops lye still, they draw
their lines in again by degrees, and the rope -master doth lay them down again in
their proper places, as they hud been laid before. When they kill the whale with
launces, they also pull their lines in again, untill they come near to the whale, yet
at some distance, that the others may have room to launce. But they must have
great care, that all the lines of every sloop may not bo cut off together, because
some whales sink, and others do swim even with the water when they are dead,
which nobody can tell beforehand, whether they will do one or the other. The
fat ones do not sink presently after they are fresh killed, but the lean ones sink
immediately after they are dead, but after some few days they come up again, and
swim on the water. But it would be too long a while for a man to stay till he
Cometh up again, and the sea is never so quiet that one can stay long in the same
place ; and where the sea is quiet, and without waves, there the stream doth carry
the ships and the ice along together, so that we should be forced to leave the
whale unto others, that would find him dead some days after. 'Tis true, this is the
easiest way to catch whales, but it is very nasty and stinking work ; for louj; tnd
white maggots grow in their flesh, they are flat, like unto worms that breed in
men's bellies, and they smell worse than ever I smelt anything in my life. The

TBE AlIEBIOAN WHALE-FIBHEBT. jM

Ir fr,'"'^ "r '"? '° ""^ ""■""■ "'° '''^'■■■"- "'' ■"»* "^^ »'«™ ='; «°-

™,ra a foot Ingh above lh« water, others to their nuddlc, and then they do burst
eas.ly, and g,™ a very great report. They begin immediately to stink, and this
enereases hourly and their flesh boil, and ferments like un.o beer or ale, and holes
break m the.r bell.es, and their guts eome out. If any man is enolined to sore
eye,, h„ vapor mflamos then, immediately, a, if quieklime wa, flung i„,o them
But when the l,v„ whales rise and ,w:m again, ,on,„ of them are astoLhd, othe",
w.ld or star mad. To those that are wild we eome softly or gently from bin
as ve do when we are going to trapan them, for when the wind i, down, th
weather cam and aw serene, so that the sea doth not foam or roar, the whale
hoar mmiediately the striking of the oars

■■If many ,„,all iee-sheets lye near to one another, so that we oun not follow

the whalo w«h our sloops or long-boat., we fetch „> our line with all might and

srength, and ,f w.th one or more pulls „„ „.„ ,,,„,. „„. ,^, „., .^^^^

f not, wo chop off the rope or line. The whale i, best and surest s. nek wi.l a

h rpoon when he spouts water, a, is already said above, for wc do observe ta

:rsom^- ' ""' '"' '"'''■ '""' '"'^ ">™ "*°- "»<■ »™ -etime und:
and somefme, above water, so that their back doth not quite dry, and before wo

n,. aware of .t ho fling, up hi, tail behind out of the sea.lnd so bids u. g od- -

Ino whrlos mav easily bo caufflif wlmn ti,-. >■ • -''

. y.u.mij oc caugiit uiien the air is very serene and clear anrl thn

sea , met and where tbore float neither ,reat nor small ioe-,hee^ so 2 we . ,^

go ,n between them with our boats or sloops, to follow them; fo at the ielflelds

lie: "t tb ': 7"'°°'V>;°, "»■' ™^ '^-»»'- »' '"-, l-haps by reason o 1
.ce that b.te them, lies.des, again,t the ico-sheets the sea beat, dahes and
foam,, w„h small eurling wave,, so that the whales do not observe .'.omM ,
stnkmg of the oars, and so they are easily struck with the harpoon. It s v v
dangerous ,„ kd a female, chiefly when she is big wi.h young for they dc ™d
hen„elvc. very long, and arc harder to be kilfd than « male on . Oft nit he
long.boa,s w„,t s.x or seven hours, nay, » whole day, for a whale, befo,„ th!;

"Where groat quantity of small ico is crowded together, the,^ it is also very

::r:rti:terr;r;r-n^i::: '^ir "'-.'7-
the ,.. f ti long boat, and doth draw on the":;';; to";':!:::;? :;'

:.::n:ei: t:i:r:t^;Ters:^:l::^^"^"

..oops after him. If he doth run LderneathTrtt I^d tl^'^

196 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

a knife in his hand, which they call the chopping- knife, and if the ice-field be
hollow, or spongy, or full of holes in the middle, so that the whale can fetch
breath 'ndcrncath it, and the rope is not long enough to follow him, and if the
ice be several miles long, they draw the rope in as much as possibly they can,
until it be strait, and then he chops it off, loosing the piece of the rope whereon
tlie harpoon is fastened, that sticketh in the body of the whale, yet not without
great loss, for oftentimes they run away with the lines that belong to five and
more sloops. It happens very often, that they run to the ice with the long-boats,
so that they dash againit it, as if they would break it into pieces, which also very
often happens. But when the whale rises again, they oftentimes fling one or two
more harpoons into him, according as they find he is tired more or less ; then he
dives under water again. Some swim or run even all along on the water, and they
play with their tail and fins, so that we must have great care that we may not
come too near them. When the whales fling their tails about in this manner, they
wind the line about their tail, so that we need not to fear the harpoon tearing
out, for then they are ty'd strong and firm enough with the rope. After they are
wounded, they spout with all their might and main, so that you may hear them as
far off as you may a cannon ; but when they are quite tired, it comoth out only
by drops, for he hath not strength enough to force the water up, and therefore it
sounds as if you held an empty mug or bottle iiiidor water, and the water runs
into it. And this sound is a certain sign nf his feebleness, and that he is going to
expire. Some whales blow blood to the very last, after they have been wounded,
and these dash the men in the long-boats most filthily, and d3'c the sloopa red as if
they were painted with a red colour ; nay, the very sea is tinged red all along where
they swim. Tliose whales that are mortally wounded heat themselves, that they
reek while tiiey are alive, and the birds sit on them, and eat on them while they
are still alive. When tlie whales blow up the water, they fling out with it some
fattish substance that floats upon the sea like sperm, and this fat the Mallemucks
devour greedily, of which several thousands attend him, so that a whale often hath
more attendants than a king hath servants. Sometimes also the harpoons break
out I then often long-boats of other ships attend, and as soon as they see that the
harpoon is come out, they fling their own into iiim, and the whale is theirs, altho'
the first harpoon hath almost kill'd the whale, yet if he doth get loose, the second
party claims him, and the first must look for another. Sometimes at the same time
two harpoons, belonging to two several ships, are struck into the whale ; such ones
are divided equally, and each one haih half: the other two, or three, or more sloops,
as many as there is of them, wait for the whales coming up again, and when they

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY. 197

see that he is tir'd, they kill him outright with laimces. In doing this is the
greatest danger, for the first that do fling the harpoon into him are drawn along by
the whale, and are at a good distance from him, but those that kill him with
launccs are as well upon his body as at his sides, according as the whale turns and
wmds himself, and they receive many severe blows. Here the steerman must take
care to observe how the whale runr, and turns himself about, that the harpoonie-
may reach him with his launces ; all the other men in the sloops row diligently
sometimes forwards, and sometimes backwards, which they call rowing on and strik-
ing, and when the whale lifts up himself out of the water, he commonly doth strike
about with his tail and fins, that the water dasheth up like dust. A long-boat he
values no more than dust, for ho can beat it all into shatters at a blow; but a
great ship is too hard for him, und if he strikes against it with his tail, he 'feels it
more than the ship, for he doth .0 paint the ship with his own blood, that it maketh
him vc-y feeble. A good steerman is next unto the harpoonicr most useful in the
sloop ; he Lteers with one oar and doth look out before ; the other four men turn
their back to the head, and look towards the stern, therefore doth the steerman
and harpoonier always cry, row on, or strike, that is to say, row near to the whale
or else keep farther off. The launces have a wooden stick or handle above two
fathoms long, or somewhat shorter than a pikestaff; the iron thereof is commonly
a fathom long, and pointed before like unto a pike; it is made of steel or tough
iron, that it may bend without breaking. For after you have made a deep hole in
his body with your launces, you poke into it with them one way and the other
way, as they do when they poke for eels, but if he doth get one or more out
of your hands, you take another, for every sloop hath at least five, si:: or seven
and yet sometimes be has them all out of three, four, or more boats sticking in
his body.

"After the whale is killed they cut off his tail; some keep the tail and fins,
and hang them up at the outside of their ship, for that defends them from the ice
when it prosseth upon the ship. The tail hinders the boat in its course, because
It doth lye across, and that is the reason why they cut it off Before the tail they
fasten a piece of a rope, and at the other end at the stern of the last s'oop.
There is in all four or five sloops fastened to one another behind, and so they row
one behind the other to the great ship. When they have brought the whale to the
ship, they tye it with ropes fast to the ship ; that part where the tail is cut off
they fasten to the fore-part of the ship, and the head towards the stern, about
the middle, near the great shrowds of the mainmast on the larboard of the ship ;
it is seldom that a whale doth reach farther than from the poop to the middle of

108 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NOItTH-WESTERN COAST.

the ship, except the vessels are very small. By the larboard is to bo understood
that side of the ship that is at j-our right hand as you go from before towards the
stern ; but that side of the ship that is on your right hand as you go from the
stern towards the fore -part is called star -board, because you go from the steer
forward.

"Whoever of the ships' crews sees a dead whale, cries out Fish mine, and there-
fore the merchants must pay him a ducat, for his care and vigilance. Many of
them climb often up into the mast, in hopes to have a ducat, but in vain. When
the dead whale is thus fastened to the ship, two sloops hold on the other side
of the fish or whale, and in each of them doth stand a man or boy, that has a
long hook in his hands, wherewith he doth hold the boat to the ship, and the
harpoonier stands before in the sloop, or upon the whale, with a leathern suit on,
and sometimes they have boots on. Underneath the hook are some sharp nails
fixed, that they may be able to stand firm, for the whale is very slippery, so that
one may easily fiill, as upon slippery ice. These two men that cut the fat off have
their peculiar wages for it, viz: about four or five rix- dollars. First, they cut a
large piece from behind the head, by the eyes, which they call the Renter - piece,
that is as much as to say the winding- piece ; for as they cut all the other fixt all
in I'ows, from the whale towards the end, so thi'y cut this great kenter- piece larger
and wid'H" than all the rest. This piece, when it is cut round about from the
whale, reaches from the water to the cradle, (that is the round circle that goeth
round about the middle of the mast, and is made in the shape of a basket), from
whence you may guess at the bigness of a whale. A strong and thick rope is fixed
to this kenter -piece, and the other end is fixed underneath the cradle, whereby the
whale is as it was born up out of the water, that they may come at it, and by
reason of the grout weight of the whale, the ship leans towards that side. One
may judge how tough the fat is, for in this piece an hole is made, through which
the rope is fastened, yet not deep into the fat, wherewith they turn the fish at
pleasure. Then, as is before said, they cut another piece down hard by this, tliat
is also hauled up to the ship ; and then in the ship they cut it into less pieces
about a foot square. These two men have in their hands, as well as those that
stand on the whale, long knives, wherewith they cut these square pieces. These
knives are, with their hafts, about the length of a man ; and the more the fat of
the whale is loosened, just as the hide is flea'd from an ox, the higher must they
pull up tho fat with their pulleys, that they may cut it the easier. And when
they have drawn up this fat, the men take it to them into the ship, and loosen
the rope that it was fastened unto. The rope is fastened with a ring whcreinto they

TUE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY.

X 4/ (7

! M • T','""™''- "^ "'-' »'""J» »"otl,cr, that ,.„i|, . rtort hook „ , '

larboard. Whe„ .t i. a g„„d ,;,„„ („ „„,^.|, „,,,,,„ „j j. no 0.7 , T

toiv Bomot hues several fish behind li.ei,. i ■ . . ' "'"^

tho great piece, of Uo^^Zt^T^^C' "T '"T '■ ""' "'°^ ""' °"'^
when the,, I ' ^ """ >"iJ«rao.'tli into the sjiip But

whn they have no „ore vessob to put their fat into, they ,ail into an h,rbor 1

to a Aeet of ,ce and ,o they drive along with Iho >,.re„,„. The other „,en ,
h fat ,nto .nail pieeo,, on a table; on the further side of the e "■ ,

fastened, whereunto they fasten a hook, which they put into the f, t la. ii

pieces are less than the other, about three foot long witl ijl h t. The u I

- the soft and tough fat into sS';::! :: j^: ::^z :::::z
":X:i 1 :,;: :r:r rrr'° ": r '- '*™' -- "" "-

and of some red. The wllfat is l^n f '"'"n ' " "''"°' "' °"""' >•'"<'"■

...0. oy, as the yeiiow."t "w Liirtr,:; t.t:: xtsn,:

out the blood set.les ,n ,ts roon,, and yield, the worst and least oyl. Before I
mi' ed f„ if ul"'"h f /•": '""'■'" "°"°" '°^°"'"' "l--.'o\ho .Jl

n :.:; t? : lvti^::^^ ^ '- ^^ "«-- ■-- « .»«

roaches down into the sh p o o ' t Z^M " ""I""'"""'' '° '""' "
wooden funnel which they^'ut upon c;"!!!; t'cll rtCcIll'l:
and the n.cn that are below in the ship fill the. with it, .nd' so it is kept m

200 3IARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

they try it up into train -oyl. When the fat is cut off from one side of the whale,
before they turn liim they cut out the whalebone in one entire piece ; and this is
so heavy that all the ship's crew hath enough to do to pull it up. They make
use, for that purpose, of a peculiar sort of hooks, two whereof they fix on the
sides, and one on the middle of it, very well provided with strong tackle, and
afterwards they cut out the whalebone of the other side of the fish, and draw it
up also witli pulleys into the ship, where it is cut into such pieces as they bring
it hither in. The whalebone doth only belong to the owners of the ship, and the
others that run their hazard, whether they catch few or many whales. The rest,
which take their pay by the month, receive their money when they come home,
whether they have caught many or none, and the loss or gain falls upon the
merchants. The hooks that they crane up the whalebone withal, are made on
purpose for it, like a beam of a pair of scales ; on each end are two sharp points,
which they knock in between the whalebone ; in the middle of the beam is
fastened a long handle with a ring, whereon the ropes are fastened ; on this handle
there are fixed two other crooked hooks like bird's claws ; in the ring where the
ropes are fastened is another crooked hook, at the top fastened by a ring, such a
one as we make use of here when we wind anything up by a crane ; but in the
middle between these two hooks is fastened another rope, which keeps the lower-
most hook steddy ; the two hindmost points arc knocked into the whalebone
behind, and the two foremost short ones before, which hold the whalebone fast
between them when it is wound or pulled up.

"The dead whales, when the fat is cut off of them, they let float, and are the
food of the birds of prey when they are hungry ; but they liad rather have dead
whales that have still their fat left on them. The white bear is generally not far
off, whether there be any fat left on them or no, and look like dogs that only
feed upon carrion, and at that time their white fur is turned into a yellow colour,
and at the same time they shed their hair, and their skins are worth very little.
Where a dead whale is near, we see it by the birds, whereof .u'o many, and also
the white bears discover it, chiefly in the spring, when but few whales are caught,
for then they are greedy of their prey ; afterwards, when many whales float on the
sea, they have their bellies full, and we do not find so many by a whale, because
they are dispersed.

"Formerly the Dutch did try out their train-oyl in Spitzbergen, at Smecron-
berg, and about the Cookery of Harlingbn, where still, for a remembrance, all sorts
of tools belonging thereunto are to be seen, whereof I have made mention before.
Ihe Frenchmen try up their train-oyl in their ships, and by that means many

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY. 201

ships are burnt at Spitzbergen ; and this was the occasion of the burning of two
ships in my time. They try out their train -oyl at Spitzbergen, that they may
load the more fivt in their ships ; and they believe it to be very profitable, for
they go their voyage upon part, that is to say, they receive more or less, according
to what they catch : but I do not account it wisdom to fill up the room of the
ship with wood, where they might stow vessels. But our countrjTnen, as I told
you before, put the fat into the vessels, wherein it doth ferment just like beer ;
and I know no instance that ever any vessel did fly in pieces, although they are
stopt up very close, and so it becometh for the greatest part train -oyl in them.
Of the fresh fat of whales, when it is burnt out you lose twenty in the hundred,
more or less, according as it is in goodness. At the place where they try up the
fat into train -oyl, near Hamburg, they try up the fat out of the vessels into a
great wooden trough or tub, and out of this two men empty it into a great kettle
that stands near it, that doth hold two cardels of fat, that makes one hundred and
twenty, one hundred and thirty, and sometimes one hundred and forty gallons.
Underneath this copper that is made up with bricks they put the fire, and so they
boil it, and try it up into train -oyl, as you try up other fat. This copper is very
well secured, as the dyers' coppers use to be ; it is very broad and flat, just like
a frying-pan made of copper. When the fat is well tryed or fryed out, they take
it out of the pan with small kettles, into a great sieve, that the liquid only may
run through ; the rest is thrown away. This sieve stands over a great tub, which
is above half filled with cold water, that the hot train -oyl may be cooled, and
that what is unclean and dirty of the blood and other soil may fall to the bottom,
and only the clear train -oyl swim at the top of the water, like other oyl. In this
great tub or trough is a small spout or tap, which doth run out over another as
big as a tub, out of which the train -oyl runs into another tub, when it is almost
ready to run over, which is also filled with cold water to the middle, wherein it is
more cooled, and becomes clearer, and more refined than it was before. In this
trough is another spout, through which the train -oyl runs into the warehouse into
a vatt, whoreout they fill it into cardels or vessels. Some have but two tubs.
A cardel or hogshead holds sixty -four gallons. A true train -oyl barrel doth liold
thirty -two gallons. The greaves they try up the second time, and make brown
train-oyl out of it; others that think it not worth their while, fling them away."
Having submitted a brief sketch of primitive European whaling commerce, de-
duced from the most reliable papers and publications accessible to us, we will now
enter upon an account of the American whale-fishery.

Mabims IUhhau.— M

CHAPTER II.
THE AMEllICAN WHALE-FISHERY.

The American Whale-fishery began as early as 1614. According to Captain
John Smith, the enterprise was prosecuted by the colonists along the New England
coast prior to that date, and it was among the first pursuits of the colonial inhab-
itants of New York and Delaware.* The right of whale -fishing "was guaranteed
by the Royal Charter of 1629 to the proprietors of Massachusetts, as being within
their waters."! Yet, according to Cheever, "the first person that is recorded to
have killed a whale, among the people of New England, was one William Hamil-
ton, somewhere between 1660 and 1670;" J and as early as 1700 they began to
fit out vessels from Cape Cod and Nantucket, to "whale out" in the deep sea for
sperm whales. These treasures of the ocean were of great value to the early settlers,
both commercially and in a domestic point of view. One John Iligginson, of Cape
Cod, writes: "We have a considerable quantity of whale-oil and bone for exporta-
tion." Even in those primitive times, among the few inhabitants of the coast who
were engaged in the exciting adventure, it was not without its strifes, for, in 1692,
Mr. Higginson, one of the spiritual advisers of those days, and Timothy Lindall,
wrote to Nathaniel Thomas : §

"Sir, we have been jointly concerned in seuerall whale voyages at Cape Cod,
and have sustained greate wrong and injury by the unjust dealing of the inhabitants
of those parts, especially in two instances ; y* first was when Woodbury and com-
pany, in our boates, in the winter of 1690, killed a large whale in Cape Cod harbour.
She sank, and after rose, went to sea with a harpoon, warp, etc., of ours, which have
been found in the hands of Nicholas Eldridge. The second case is this : Last
winter, 1091, William Edds and company, in one of our boates, struck a whale,
which came ashore dead, and by y« evidence of the people of Cape Cod was the
very whale they killed. The whale was taken away by Thomas Smith, of Eastham,
and unjustly detained."

*Amuils of Salem, vol. ii, p. 223. XWhale and his Captorg, p. 23.

fVide Annals of Salem, vol. ii, p. 223. %Annala of Salem, vol. ii, p. 228.

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY. 203

These remarks show that shore -whaling was pursued at the Cape previous to
1690. About 1748, the whales, having been driven from the contiguous shores,
were pursued farther seaward in sloops and schooners of fifty tons, each of which
had a company of thirteen men, and lowered two boats in the chase. In 1765, the
whale-fishery from Boston and adjacent ports amounted to one hundred small
vessels,* vhich cruised as far to the northward and eastward as the Straits of Belle
Isle, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and to the Western Islands. But at the island of
Nantucket, or among the Nantucket men, originated the grand whaling enterprise
which has reached every accessible point around the world, f The colonists who
had come hither to settle were, like all other New Englanders of their time, made
up of those characteristic spirits, who believed in God, and maintained the right
of worshiping Him according tc the dictates of their own convictions. Moreover,
they were inured to frugal habits, but were alive to industry and adventure. Their
first whaling from the island was in boats from the shores, which occurred as
early as 1690. J A tall spar was erected, upon which the whalemen in turn
ascended to watch, for whales. As soon as the spout of the animal was seen in
the distance, the signal was given, when immediately the boats were manned,
launched through the surf, and with sturdy stroke they plied their rudely fashioned
oars, and away flew the primitive whaling squadron, which was soon invisible from
the island hamlet. The capture being made, the prize was towed to the beach and
stripped of its blubber, which was transported in carts to the try -houses, where
the oil was extracted and put into casks ready for market. The shore -whaling
continued for over fifty years, but eventually it was abandoned, for the same reason
that the Spitzbergen and Smeerenberg fisheries were — the scarcity of whales near

*Annah of Salem, vol. ii, p. 225. navigation, which they have an opportunity of

fj. Hector St. John, who published a book practicing on the spot. They learn the great

in 1793, entitled Letters from an American Farmer, and useful art of working a shij} in all the dif-

gives many interesting facts concerning the Nan- ferent situations which the sea and wind so oft-

tucket people and the whale-fishery of the pe- en require; and surely there can not bo a better

riod, from which we extract a few paragraphs, or a more useful school of that kind in the

Belative to the children, he says : world. Then they go gradually through every

"At school they learn to read, and to write station of rowers, steersmen, and harpooners;

a good hand, until they are twelve years old; thus they learn to attack, to pursue, to over-

they are then in general put apprentices to the take, to cut, to dress their huge game : and

cooper's trade, which is the second essential after having performed several such voyages,

branch of business followed here; at fourteen, and perfected themselves in this business, they

they are sent to sea, where in their leisure are fit either for the counting-house or chase."

hours their companions teach them thb art of X Hunt's Merchants' Magazine, vol. iii, p. 364.

company, except the captain, were Indiana; and the "Xattick" language was, in a
great measure, adopted on board.f With these vessels, thus manned, and with the
addition of an occasi-mal representative of the African race, the fishery was success-
fully pursued up to 174G,J wh'?n larger ones, schooners and brigs, from one hun-
dred to one hundred and thirty tons, were employed. These more capacious whaling
craft stretched across the Atlantic, in their voyages, to the coast of Africa, traversed
the Banks of Newfoundland, and contended with the ice of Baffin's and Hudson's
bays, in search of their mammoth prey, and in open seasons reached the latitude
of 8P.

According to Ricketson's History of New Bedford, the founder of that city,
Joseph Russell, Esq., was the first to engage in the whale-fishery at that point,
which dates back to 1755. In 1765, he, with others, employed in the enterprise
the sloops Nancy, Polly, Greyhound, and Ilannah, each of which was about fifty tons
burden. Their cruises were extended during the milder months of the year as far
south as the "Capes of Virginia." In these primitive voyages, the oil was not
extracted from the blubber until the vessel's return, when the hoy -like craft was
hauled broadside upon the shore, and an ox -cart was the means of transporting

^Pitkins mentions that the American whal-
ing-fleet, in 1731, amounteu to thirteen hundred
tons. — Piikina on Commerce, p. 43.

fit has been stated by sereral 'writers that
the American colonists followed up the Indian
mode ot capturing the whale, by first striking
it with a harpoon having a log of wood attached
to it by a line, even as late as the commence-
ment of the Sperm Whale fishery. It is quoted
that the Hon. Paul Dudley stated: "Our peo-
ple formerly used to kill the whale near the
shore, but now they go o£f to sea in sloops and
whale •hoaU. Sometimes the whale is killed by
a single stroke, and yet at other times she will
hold the whalemen in play near half a day to-
gether, with their lances; and sometimes they
will get away after they have been lanced and

spouted thick blood, with irons in them, and
drags ("droges") fastened to them, which are
thick boards about fourteen inches square." It
was considered presumption to attempt to capt-
ure the huge creatures "in small boats, and by
the aid of lines, from the end of which was
attached the harpoon, by which they could draw
themselves to the harpooned whale whenever
they wished to destroy it with the lance." We
ore of the opinion, however, that the colonial
whalers did not follow the Indian mode of
whale - fishing ; for it is well known that the
British whalers, as early as 1670, used the line
attached to the boat, and, bo far as the drags
or "droges" are concerned, they are used at
the present day in cases of emergency.

XSurU'a Merchants Magaiine, vol. iii, p. 866.

'!"'■ '^

m-*^'

HE AMERK ly \ni A!. K .FISHERY.

205

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THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY.

205

the reeking fat from the vessel to the " try - houses." This was the custom with
all the whalers of those times.*

About 1770, other vessels of larger tonnage were added to the whaling squad-
ron,! which extended their voyages, like the Nantucket -men, across the Atlantic.
Among them were the Xew Bedford Lrigs Patience and N'o Duty on Tea. In September,
1791, the ship Rebecca, owned by those veteran merchants, Joseph Rassell & Sons and
Cornelius Ilowland, was among the first, if not the first, of American whalers which
doubled Cape Horn and obtained a full cargo in the Pacific. The chronicler states:
"Although iha Rebecca was only one hundred and seventy -five tons, she was consid-
ered a very large vesse', and was visited as an object of wonder." Tlius began the
commercial enterprise at New Bedford — or, as the town was first named, Bedford —
which has since become, and still is, the whaling metropolis of the world. Between
the years 1771 and 1775, Massachusetts alone employed annually, in the northern
whale-fishery, one hundred and eighty- three vessels, tonnaging thirteen thousand
eight hundred and twenty tons ; and one hundred and twenty - one vessels, with an
aggregate burden of fourteen thousand rwA twenty tons, were engfged in the south-
ern fishery,! 'i^d many places along the sea- board of New England, as well as towns

* The plato facing this page, representing a
whaling-scene of 1763, was copied by permissiou
from the celebrated painting by William H. Wall.
The author of the Historij of New Bedford de-
scribes it in his work, from which wo extract
the following: "Upon the shore lies keeled over
on her side one of the small vessels then em-
ployed for whaling; the model of the craft, a
sloop, indicates a primitive idea of naval archi-
tecture. By t.»>o side of this sloop, but other-
wise concealed from view, is seen the sail of
another vessel, with the union-jack of old En-
gland drooping from the mast-head. The river
lies peacefully outstretched, with a view of P»\lm-
er's Island and the shore along by the 'Smok-
ing Bocks,' and Naushon in the distance. Where
now fif^nd our wharves and warehouses, the pri-
meval forest trees are seen extending their roots
to the water's edge. In the foreground of the
picture, and that which will l>e to most its chief
interest, is seen a group of the early inhabitants
of New Bedford, busily employed. Under an
old shed is seen the try -pot, with its attend-

ants ; and also the jaw of a whale thrown upon
the roof;" and between the she I and the sloop
may be seen the ox -teams, hitched to a sort of
sled (in lieu of the ordinary wheeled cart), on
which the whale -fat is transported in casks to
the trj'- works. "More conspicuous, and nearer
the beholder, stands one man in a red shirt
with a patch on the breast, pouring oil from a
long -handled dipper into a wooden -hooped bar-
rel ; another handling over the blubber ; und
still more prominent, a fine -looking fellow is
coopering a barrel, in conference with an In-
dian, who, with his baskets and moccasins for
sale or barter, is seated upon a broken mast.
Farther on, seated upon the frame of a grind-
stone, and giving directions to a colored man,
who is holding his master's horse by the bridle,
is seen, in his broad -brimmed hat and Friendly
coat, the founder of New Bedford and father of
her whale-fishery, Joseph Russell."

f History of New Bedford, p. 59.

JSeo Hunt's Merchants' Magazine, vol. iii, p.
36G.

206

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

farther north and south, became whaling -ports. The subjoined table gives the
number of American vessels annually engaged in the enterprise, with the amount
and value of oil taken each year from 1762 to 1770, inclusive:

Year.

No. Vessels.

No. of Barrels.

Value of Imports.

1702.

9,440

$102,618 40

1763.*

9,238

100,324 68

1764.

11,983

131,135 38

1765.

101

11,512

125,020 32

1766.

118

11,969

129,983 24

17G7.

108

16,561

179,852 40

17G8.

125

15,439

107,667 54

1769.

119

19,140

462,996 60

1770.

125

14,331

346,666 89

906

119,013

$1,746,165 51

About 1774,t the fleet was augmented by st'U larger vessels, J some of which
crossed the equator, and obtained full cargoes upon that noted ground called the
"Brazil Banks," while others cruised around Cape Verde Islands or the West Indies,

* Scoresby, in his account of the Whale- Fish-
ery of the British Colonies in America, states that
there were eighty vessels employed in the Amer-
ican fisheries during the year 1763.

t Histoi <j of Nantucket, p. 233.

J St. John, in his Letters, published in 1793,
which have previously been referred to, thus de-
scribes the mode of whale -fishing at that time:

"The first proprietors of Nantucket, or rath-
er the first founders of this town, began their
career of industry with a single whale-boat, with
which they went to fish fc cod ; the small dis-
tance from their shores at which they caught it,
enabled them soon to increase their business,
and those early successes first led them to con-
ceive that they might likewiuo catch the whales,
which hitherto sporied undisturbed upon their
banks. After many trials and several miscar-
riages, they succeeded : thus thoy proceeded,
step by step ; the profits of one successful en-

terprise helped them to purchase and prepare
better materials for a more extensive one : aa
these were attended with little costs, their prof-
its grew greater.

"The south sides of the island, from east to
west, were divided into four equal parts; and
each part was assigned to a company of six,
which, though thus separa .J, still carried on
their business in common. In the middle of
this distance they erected a mast, provided with
a su£Scient number of rounds, and near it they
built a temporal^ hut, where five of the asso-
ciates lived, whilst the sixth, from his high sta-
tion, carefully looked toward the sea, in order
to observe the spouting of the whales. As soon
as any were discovered, the sentinel descended,
the whale-boat was launched, and the company
went forth in quest of their game.

"It may appear strange to you that a vessel
so slender as an American whale-boat, coutoiniug

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY.

in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, or upon the coast of the Spanish Main.
Soon after, they extended their voyages to the South Atlantic, around the Falkland
Islands, and to the coast of Palagonia, where Fur Seal skins and Sea Elephant oil
were sometimes obtained. In such instances these whaling and sealing expeditions
were called "mixed vo3'age8." "Between the years 1770 and 1776," according to

BIX diminutive beings, should dare to pursue and
to attack, in its native element, the largest and
strongest fish that Nature has created. Yet by
the exertion of an admirable dexterity, improved
by a long prantica, iu which these people are
become superior to any other whalemen; by
knowing the temper of the whale after her first
movement, and by many other useful observa-
tions, they seldom fail to harpoon it, and to
bring the huge leviathan on the shores. Thus
they went on, until the profits they made ena-
bled them to purchase larger vessels, and to pur-
sue them farther, when the whales quitted their
coasts. * * By degrees they went a -whaling
to Newfoundland, to the Gulph of St. Lau-
rence, to the Straits of Belleisle, the coast of
Labrador, Davii's Straits, even to Capo Desola-
tion, in 70° of latitude ; where the Danes carry
on some fisheries, in spite of the perpetual sever-
ities of that inhospitable climate. ♦ * Would
you believe that they have already gone to the
Falkland Islands, and that I have heard several
of them talk of going to the South Sea! Their
confidence is so great, and their knowledge of
this branch of business so superior to that of
any other perple, that they have acquired a
monopoly of this commodity.

"Such were their feeble beginnings, such the
infancy and progress of their maritime schemes ;
such is now the degree oi boldness and activity
to which they are orrived in their manhood.
After their examples several companies have
been formed in many of our capitals, where
every necessaiy article of provisions, implements,
and timber, are to bo found. Dut the industry
exerted by the people of Nantucket hath hither-
to enabled them to rival all their competitors;

consequently this is the greatest mart for oil,
whalebone, and spermaceti on the continent.

"The vessels most proper for whale -fishing
are brigs of about one hundrca and fifty tons
burden, particularly when they are intended for
distant latitudes; they always man them with
thirteen hands, in order that they may row two
whale-boats; the crews of which must necessa-
rily consist of six, four at the oars, one stand-
ing on the bows with the harpoon, and the
other at the helm. It is also necessary that
there should be two of these boats, that if one
should be destroyed in attacking the whale, the
other, which is never engaged at the same time,
moy bo ready to save the hands. Five of the
thirteen are always Indians; the last of the
complement remains on board to steer the ves-
sel during the action.

' As soon as they arrive iu those latitudes
where they expect to meet with whales, a man
is sent up to the mast-head; if he sees one,
he immediately cries out, 'Awaite paicana' (here
is a whale); they all remain still and silent
until he repeats ' Pawana' (a whale), when in
less than six minutes the two boats are launched,
filled witli every implement necessary for the
attack. They row toward the whale with aston-
ishing velocity ; and as the Indians early became
their fellow -laborers in this new warfare, you
can easily conceive how the Nattick expressions
became familiar on board the whale-boats. For-
merly it often happened that whale -vessels were
manned with none but Indians and the master;
recollect also that the Nantucket people under-
stand the Nattick, and that there are always
five of these people on board.

"There are various ways of approaching the

208

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

Macy's History of Nantucket, "the whaling business increased to an extent hitherto
unparalleled. In 1770 there were a little more than one hundred vessels engaged,
and in 1775 the number exceeded one hundred and fifty, some of them large
brigs." The following table briefly exhibits the state of the fishery from 1771 to
1775 (showing the annual average), which at that period was prosecuted chiefly
from Massachusetts, although Sag Harbor had three sloops cruising for whales in
high northern latitudes as early as 17G0:*

Porta from which tho cquipuionta
wore made.

Northern
FiHhfry,
vt'Bseli.

Tonniigt.

Stiuthem
Fitihenr,
TesaeU.

TonDftge.

Sp^men
employed.

Barrels of

Bpcrm OU

Uken.

BnrrelB of

Wll»le OU

taken.

Nantucket

65
20
60

1
12

2
15

4,875

1,600

4,600

720

150

1,300

300

10
20

10,200

1,000

2,000

120

700

2,025

420

1,040

156

260

26,000

2,250

7,200

200

900

240

1,800

400

4,000

2,250

1,400

100

300

600

Wellfleet

Dartmouth

Lynn

Martha's Vineyard

Barnstable

Boston

Falmouth, Barnstable Co.
Swanzey

Total

183

13,820

121

14,020

4,050

30,390

8,650

The first voyage made across tho equinoctial line into the South Atlantic was
by tho brig Aj7uizon, of Nantucket, under the command of Uriah Bunker, who
returned with a "full ship" April 19th, 1775.t

whales, according to their peculiar species; and
this previous knowledge is of the utmost conse-
quence. When these boats are arrived at a
reasonable distance, one of them rests on its
oars, and stands off, as a witness of the ap-
proaching engagement; near the bows of the
other tho harpooner stands up, and on him
principally depends the success of the enter-
prise. He wears a jacket closely buttoned, and
round bis head a handkerchief tightly bound;
in his hands ho holds the dreadful weapon,
made of the beat steel, marked sometimes with
tho name of their town, and sometimes with
that of their veBsel ; to the shaft of which the

* Thompson's History of Long Hand, vol. i,

end of a cord of due strength, coiled up with
the utmost care in tho middle of the boat, is
firmly tied; tho other end is fastened to the
bottom of the boat. Tlius prepared, they row
in profound silence, leaving tho whole conduct
of tho enterprise to tho harpooner and to the
steersman, attentively following their directions.
When the former judges himself to be near
enough to the whale, that is, at tho distance
of about fifteen feet, he bids them stop ; per-
haps she has a calf, whose safety attracts all
the attention of tho dam, which is a favorable
circumstance ; perhaps she is of a dangerous
species, and it is safest to retire, though their

p. 349. fSanford's LeUera.

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY.

200

The breaking- out of the Revolutionary War paralyzed the whaling commerce,
which nearly proved ruinous to all those who were embarked in it. Nrntucket, at
that time, had one hundred and fifty vessels. But on the return of peace it was
resumed, and but few years elapsed before it was again pursued with great vigor.
The first whale -ship that ventured into the Pacific was sent by the Nantucket
colony of whaling -men from England, in 1787,* and the first officer of the vessel,
Archclus Hammond, struck the first Sperm Whale known to have been captured in
that ocean.

In the year 1789, a gentleman from Cape Cod, who had returned from service
in the East India Company, having seen Sperm Whales near Madagascar, communi-
cated the fact to some of the Nantucket whalemen, who, profiting by the knowl-
edge, in due time dispatched ships to that coast, which proved to be a rich whaling-
ground. From 1787 to 1789, inclusive, the American Whale-fishery was prosecuted
from the ports, and to the extent set forth in the following statement if

Ports from which tho equipments
were made.

Northern
FiBhery,

TCBKla.

Tonnage.

Bouthem
FiBhery,
vesnela.

Tonnage.

Rpftmen
employed.

Barrels of

Sperm Oil

taken.

Barrela of

Whale oa

taken.

Nantucket;

1
2
G

1,350

720
2,700

GO
120
450
420

4
.5
2

2,700

400
750
350

100

487

212
C50
28
13
39
78
104

3,800

2,700

100
220
300
800

8,2G0

1,920
1,750
1,200

Wellfleet;, and other ports
at Cane Cod

Dartmouth and N. Bedford
Cane Ann

Plymouth

Martba'a Vineyard

Boston

Dorchester and Wareham. .

Total

5,820

4,390

1,G11

7,980

13,130

In 1791, t six whale-ships wore fitted out at Nantucket for "ihe Pacific — the
first that ever sailed from the United States for those distant grounds. Their

ardor will seldom permit them; perhaps she is
asleep ; in that case ho balances high tho har-
poon, tiying in this important moment to collect
all the energy of which ho is capablo. Ho
launches it forth — she is struck: from her first

* Proceedings American Antiquarian Society,
No. 57, p. 28-29.

MaaiNi Mammals. -17.

movement, they judge of her temper, as well as
of their futuve success. Sometimes, in tho im-
mediate impulse of rage, she will attack the
boat, and demolish it with one stroke of her
tail; in an instant the frail vehicle disappears,

t Hunt's Merchants' Magazine, vol. iii, p. 370.
{ Proc. American Antiquarian Society, p. 29.

210 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTU-WESTERN COAST.

names wore the Beaver, Washington, Hector, Warren, ^ebecca, and Favorite, and the
names of their captains were those characteristic ones among the settlers of the
islands, as follows : Worth, Bunker, Brock, Barnard, Header, and Folger. Those
ships wore only two hundred and fifty tons burden, dull sailers, having no copper
on their bottoms, and but scantily fitted with whaling appliances or provisions.
The scene of their first exploits was upon the coast of Chile. Those pioneer voy-
ages, through the persistent daring of the hardy men who led them, were eminently
successful, which induced the people of the neighboring settlements of other New
England ports to extend their whaling commerce, and but few 3^ears passed before
a numerous fleet were plying over those rough waters. Gradually, however, they
extended their cruises toward the more distant but smiling regions of the tropics.
As early as 1800,* American whalers were plowing the sparkling waters along the
coast of Peru, and their keels cut the equatorial line, north and south, in the
Pacific. A favorite cruising -ground was from the Spanish Main, westward, around
the Galapagos Islands. There a rich harvest rewarded them, where they labored in
a genial climate, with an almost uninterrupted succession of fine breezes and pleas-
ant weather. At certain seasons, north of the equator, the north-east trades blew
fresh, and at the south they aould frequently increase to a brisk gale ; but these
periodical breezes, compared with tiie heavy gales of the Atlantic and the tedious
weather about Cape Horn, served only to enliven thom into renewed activity under
the heated rays of a tropical sun, when in pursuit of the vast herds of Cachalots
which were mot with, bounding over or through the crested waves. During these
long voyages, it became unavoidably necessary to occasionally go into port, in order
to "recruit ship." When arrived at these places of supply, good store of fresh
meat, water, and vegetables was laid in, and the ship's company were allowed to
pass, in turn, a few days of liberty on shore. In duo time those ports along the
coast of Chile and Peru, which were suited to the requirements of the adventurers,
became famous places of resort for Amor'^an whale- ships. The principal ones were

aucl the aBsailants are immerRed in tho dreadful upon as a sure prey. The blood ^vhich she has

elemcr * * At other times she will dive lost in her flight we<Ujens her so inuch, that

and disappear from human sight ; and every- if iho sinks again, it is but for a short time ;

thing must then give way to her velocity, or the boat follows her course, with an almost

else all is lost. Sometimes she will swim away, equal speed. She soon ro - appears ; and, tired

as if untouched, and draw tho cord with such at last with convulsing the element, which she

swiftness, that it will set tho edge of tho boat tinges with her blood, she dies, and floats upon

on fire by the friction. If she rises, before she the surface."

has run out the whole length, she is lookod * Nantucket paper.

THE AMERICAN WHALE- FISHERY. 211

Talcahuano and Valparaiso, in Chile, and Payta, Callao, and Tumbez, in Peru. At
those places usually could be obtained any needed recruits, and the picturesque
scenery, blended with those sunny climes, together with the charms of the beautiful
women, made their periodical visits to the coast peculiarly attractive, and wrought
an entire temporary change from the life on "blue water." The abrupt and lofty
group of islands — the Galapagos — which extend into both latitudes from the equa-
tor, and the little island of Cocos, situated in the rainy region on the border of
Panama Bay, were frequently visited, and became more familiar to the whalemen,
in many instances, than their Atlantic homes. Every ragged mountain and verdant
valley of the former were traversed in hunting the galapago, or "elephant terrapin,"
which furnished them with ample supply of the most delicious meat, and the
latter was resorted to for fresh water, which was dipped from cascades flowing out
of their natural reservoir beyond the wooded bluirs. And upon the rocks about
the beach of Chatham Bay, rudely chiseled, are the records of those pioneer whale-
fishers, together with the dates of the visits of transient vessels, from the pigmy
shallops of Drake's time to the magnificent national ships of the present century.
The War of 1812 caused another cessation in American whaling, yet it was revived
simultaneously with the declaration of peace; and, as early as 1815, ships were in
pursuit of the balffinas amid the icy regions of the north and south, and the Cacha-
lots in both hemispheres. Not unfrequently American whalemen were the discoverers
and pioneers to distant islands and coasts when engaged in their legitimate pursuits ;
and they were often the first to display our national flag in commercial marts
remote from their homo havens. In this connection we will mention the fact that,
in 1792,* at the peak of the ship Washington, of Nantucket, under the command
of George Bunker, was hoisted the first American ensign ever spread to the breeze
in the port of Callao. Characteristic of the life they led, the love of adventure
tempted the whalers to turn their prows even from the sunny shores of Peru, and,
with flowing sheets, they coursed over the Pacific until, in latitude 5° to lO'' south,
and longitude 105° to 125° west, the objects of pursuit were found in countless
numbers, whose huge forms blackened the waves, and whoso spoutings clouded the
air as far as the eye could discern. This discovery was made by Captain George
W. Gardner, in the ship Globe, of Nantucket, in 1818. f The captain named it the
"Ofl"- shore Ground," and ere long this circumscribed spot in the ocean was whitened
by the sails of fifty ships.

Captain Winship, of Brighton, Massachusetts, reported to his friends at Nan-
tucket, that on a voyage from China to the Sandwich Islands, he had seen large

* Proceedings American Antiquarian Society, No. 57, p. 29. f Nantucket paper.

212 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

numbers of Sperm Whales on the coast of Japan. Upon this information, in 1820,
ships were dispatched to what is now known as the Japan Ground. The two first
to arrive were the Nantucket ship Maro^ Captain Joseph Allen, and the English
ship Enderhj, which was commanded by Frederick Coffin, of Nantucket. Here they
were successful in soon filling their vessels with sperm oil, and two years after
there were more than thirty ships upon that coast. About this period nearly the
whole coast of western North America, as for as the land known as New Albion,
was traversed by the sperm -whalemen, and it is said that more than a hundred
ships were literally spanning the North Pacific in their eager search between the
two continents for the coveted Cachalots. In 1828, four ships were sent from
Nantucket to cruise for Sperm Whales off the coast of Zanzibar, around the Chy-
chile Islands, and about the mouth of the Rod Sea ; and one of the number, with
the very appropriate name of Columbus, through the skill and energy of the captain,
sailed up the Red Sea in quest of the objects of pursuit.

But while the explorations and the chase for both the Cachalot and the Right
Whale were being vigorously prosecuted in the North and South Atlantic, and
through the temperate and torrid zones, not only by American whalemen, but by
vessels wearing the flags of the principal maritime nations of Europe, those 'emote
and forbidding latitudes of the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific had received
due attention. As far back as 1803, ships were cruising around Kurguelen Land
for Right Whales, in the season, and sometimes a portion of their crews were
engaged in sealing along the surf -beaten shores of Desolation and the Crozet
islands, making up "mixed" but profitable voyages. Subsequently the coasts of
New Zealand and New Holland (now Australia), became prolific whaling -grounds.
Yet, with all the vast extent of both sea and ocean known to the whalemen for
prosecuting their vocation, there were adventurous spirits among them who were
ever in deep study and eager for a new field of pursuit, and plying their vessels to
the far north in the Pacific, an unparalleled success awaited them. In the year
1835,''' the American ship Ganges took the first Right Whale on the Kodiak Ground.
This was the beginning of the great whaling of the North-western Coast; and in
1839 the fleet of the United States engaged in whaling numbered five hundred and
fifty -seven vessels, which were distributed among the Northern Atlantic ports in
the proportions set forth in the subjoined table. In 1842 the number was six
hundred and fifty -two. At this time the foreign whaling- fleet amounted to two
hundred and thirty sail, and the combined fleet of the world, engaged in the enter-
prise, numbered eight hundred and eighty -two ships, barks, brigs, and schooners.

* ride! Nantucket jiaper.

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY.

213

PUcea where owned.

New Bedford . . .

Fairhaven

Dartmouth

Westport

Wareham

Rochester

Nantucket

Edgartown

Hohnes' Hole. . .

Fall River

Lynn

Newburyport . . .

Plymouth

Salem

Boston

Dorchester

Falmouth

Provincetown. . .

Portland

Wiscasset

Bblpi

And

Buki.

169
43
3
5
2
6

77
8
3
4
4
3
3
14

1
1

Brlg>

and

Schn.

8
1

1
3

Amonat

of
Tonnage.

56,118

13,274

874

1,443

904

2,615

27,364

2,659

1,180

1,604

1,269

1,099

910

4,265

125

581

2,490

172

388

380

PUeea where owned.

Portsmouth . . . .

Newport

Bristol

Warren

Providence

New London . . .

Stonington

Mystic

Sag Harbor . . . .

Greenport

New Suffolk. . . .

Jamesport

Bridgeport

Now York

Hudson

Poughkeepsie . .
Cold Sjiriug. . . .
AV'ilmington . . . .
Newark

Shipa

and

Barka.

Brlga

ana

Schra.

Amoant
of

Tuniuiie.

. ,

348

3,152

1,782

6,075

1,086

11,447

2,912

1,797

10,605

1,414

274

236

913

710

2,902

2,043

629

1,578

366

In 1846, the American force engaged was six hundred and seventy -eight ships
and barks, thirty -five brigs, and twenty -two schooners, aggregating two hundred
and thirty-three thousand one hundred aiad eighty- o tons, valued at $21,075,000.
At the same time, all the investments connected with the business are sjiid to have
been at least $70,000,000, and seventy thousand persons derived their chief support
from the whaling interests. The first Bowliead Whales taken in the North Pucific,
or in Behring Sea, were by the American ships Hercules, Captain Ricketsou, and
Janus, Captain Turner, which were on the coast of Kamschatka in 1843. In 1847,
Bowheads were discovered in the Okhotsk Sea; and in 1848, Captain Royco, in the
bark Superior, of Sag Harbor, was the first to pass through Behring Strait, and
capture the Bakena mysticetus of the Arctic Ocean. From 1846 to 1851, inclusive,
the whale-fishery of the United States may be regarded as having been in its most
flourisliing condition, the average number of vessels annually employed for these
years being six hundred and thirty -eight, with an aggregate tonnage of two hun-
dred and two thousand two hundred and seventy -two tons. This immense fleet

was scattered around the world, plying upon the well-known cruising -grounds,
which wore familiarly named as follow :

Sperm Whale Grout; ds : Atlantic Ocean and contiguous waters. — Around the Azores
or Western Islands ; about the Capo do Verde Islands ; the Charleston Grounds ;
north of the Bahama Islands; in the Gulf of Mexico; in the Caribbean Sea; about
the West India Islands ; on the coast of Aft-ica ; and the Carrol Ground, whicli is a
space of ocean situated between the island of St. Helena and the coast of Africa.

Sperm Wiiale Grouxps: Indian Ocean and neigliborimj waters. — To the south of
Madagascar, and between that island and Africa ; off the northern end of Mada-
gascar ; along the coast of Arabia, including the mouth of the Rod Sea ; on the
coast of Java; Malacca Straits; on the north-western coast of Australia; on the
southern coast of Australia, and botwon it and Tasmania or Van Dicman's Land.

Sperm Whale Grounds: Pacific Ocean and adjacent imters. — The On-shore Ground,
which includes the whole extent of ocean between the southern boundary of Chile
and the northern limits of Peru, and west to the island of Juan Fernandez and the
Gallapagos group; the Off-shore Ground, which extends to latitude 5' and 10'
south of the equator, and from longitude 90' to 120' west ; off Cape Ilorn ; around
the Sandwich Islands ; in the vicinity of the Society Islands ; in the vicinity of the
Fiji Islands ; in the vicinity of the Navigator Islands ; about the King's Mill
group ; about and to the south of the equator, from the coust of Ecuador to the
King's Mill group ; across the South Pacific between the latitudes of 21° and 27' ;
across the North Pacific between the latitudes of 27' and 35' ; off the Bashce
Islands ; off the east coast of New Zealand ; on the Middle Ground between Aus-
tralia and Now Zealand ; Sooloo Sea ; China Sea ; on the coast of Japan, and
between it and the Bonin Islands; on the North-western Coast of America; on the
coast of Upper and Lower California. Sperm Whales are also found in as high lati-
tudes as GO' south and 50' to GO' north. All these whaling- grounds, it will be
seen, were the resorting -places of the Sperm Wliales, and consequently of their
captors, nearly all of them being in the temperate or tropical latitudes ; but the
Right Whales' feeding - grounds are chiefly in the colder regions, although some of
their resorts were upon coasts or banks in common with their congeners. The
principal grounds, however, of the Right and Polai* Whales were designated as fol-
lows:

Northern Right Whale Grounds : Including those of the Bowhead or Polar Whak.
— On the Atlantic coast of North America, from Newfoundland south to the Bahama
Islands; on the North-western Coast of North America, which includes Behring Sea;
on the coast of Kamschatka ; the Okliotak Sea ; the Japan Sea ; the Gulf of Tar-

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY. 215

tary; through Behring Sea into the Arctic Occm, and as far north as the icy bar-
rier, which, in some seasons, was found beyond Point Barrow: in Hudson's Bay •
in Baffin's Bay; in Davis Straits; on the Coast of Greenland;' about Soitzbergen'
Southern Right Whale Grounds. -On the Brazil Banks; on the coo.st of
Africa; on the coast of Patagonia; around the Falkland Islands; the Tristan
Ground, which was around the island of Tristan d'Acunha in the South Atlantic •
around Gough's Island ; around St. Paul's, the Crozet and Kerguelen islands • coast
of New Holland; south coast of Chile; coast of New Zealand; off the Cape of
Good Hope. Many of the whaling- grounds mentioned have long since been aban-
doned, as the animals p-.rsued have been literally exterminated by the harpoon and
lance; and many of the names to the grounds arc only given in the familiar appcl-
lations of whalers, which embrace large tracts o; ocean, sea, or gulf, within the
limits of which, in many cases, are found choice feeding -grounds where the animals
congregate. This is well-known to all careful observers, and is a foct that proves
the theories establishing the legitimate r^ .rts of whales on purely scientific princi-
pies, in connection with the ocean currents, to be erroneous. These places can only
be known, or have been discovered, by practical observation ; and many a ship has
been filled with oil by cruising on a favorite spot, while others but a few leagues
distant, on the same general ground, may have met ^vith indifferent success. Besides
the Cachalots and the Right \7hales, two species of the rorquals were occasionally
pursued, which are known as the Humpback, and the California Gray or Devilfish-
the former are found t"oadcast over the waters of the globe, but many have been
taken in some of the bays on the coa^s of Africa, Chile and Peru, Central America
and California, about the Rosemary Islands, and at Tongataboo (one of the Friendly
group); and the latter were, and still are, taken on the coast of California in the
Arctic Ocean, and Okhotsk Sea. With the Humpbacks and California Grays may
be mentioned the Blackfish, which were sometimes taken on Sperm Whale grounds •
these, included with the Right Whales and Cachalots, were all the different species
of Cetaceans sought after by the whalers.*

•Tho great rorqual, commonly called the greatest of great shales, has been devised. The

Sulphurbot torn has been occasionally taken on manner of capturing those obtained on the coast,

the CO St of Cah fomia of late years, but as yet is given with the description of the aaimal in

no really successful mode of capturing this, the this work.

CHAPTER III.
SHIPS, OUTFITS, AiND iMAX^ER OF TAKING THE WHALE.

It is the general impression among those imacquaintod, that a successful whal-
ing-voyage is inordinately remunerative; or rather, that a '"full sliip" insures great
profit. This, however, does not always follow, for the success of the American
Whale-fishery is due, first, to the economical but efficient manner in which the
ships were fitted out for their long and tedious voyages ; secondly, the perseverance
and good management of the captains and chief officers, and, when the voyage ter-
minated, the disposition of the "catch" to the best advantage.

There has been as great a revolution in the mode of killing whales during the
past twenty years, as there has been in the art of naval warfare ; were it not for
this, but few whalei^ would now be afloat; and the "well -'pointed" whale -ship of
the present day, in all her appliances, shows a corresponding improvement when
compared with the whaler of the seventeenth century. Relative to those oldcn-
timo vessels, we quote the following from Macy's IFistory of Xmitucket: "The ship
Beaver, of two hundred and forty tons, sailed from Nantucket on a whaling -voyage
to the Pacific Ocean, in the year 1791. The whole cost of said ship fitted for the
voyage, together with the cargo, amounted to $10,212. She carried seventeen men,
manning three boats of five nien each, which left two, called ship -keepers, on board
the ship when th'- boats were out in pursuit of whales. The principal part of her
cargo, when fitted for sea, consisted of four hundred barrels iron -hooped casks (the
remainder, about fourteen hundred barrels, were wooden -hooped), forty barrels salt
provisions, three and a half tons of bread, thirty bushels of beans and peas, ono
thousand pounds ol rice, forty gallons of molasses, and twenty -four barrels of flour.
All the additional provisions during the \'oyagc were two hundred pounds of bread.
The ship was seventeen months out, and was the first belonging to tlie island that
returned from the Pacific Ocean." The ships of the present time which engage in
whaling arc from throe hundred to five hundred tons, and when ready for a three
years' voyage, their estimated value may bo set down as ranging from $30,000 to
$G0,000. The variety and quantity of nrtiolos which go to make up the entire

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY.

Ill

outfit of a first-class whaler, would swell a list too lengthy to be mentioned hero.*
But instead of the small boats, pulling four oars each, as did those of the Beaver,
the modern ship lowers foiu" uuai.:- with five oars each to pull ; and two or three
spare boats are taken on board as a reserve ; and instead of the old stylo windlass,
which was "hove 'round" with handspikes, they now have the patent purchase.
The try- works, which in former times smoked the whole ship's company when
''boiling-out oil," are now so fitted with portable pipes, as to carry the smoke
clear of the decks; in fact, there is hardly a fixture, or an implement, pertaining
to the "outfit," that has not been improved upon, which will bo further described
in subsequent pages.

History is replete in portraying the toils and hazards of the whaleman; but
very little is said about the merchant who embarks his capital in this branch of
industry, which to no little extent is a game-pursuit of chance: and the irksome
detail of preparing a whale- ship for sea is only known to those who have had the
trial of it. The success of this particular branch of our national commerce inny be
directly traced back to the persistent elTorts of those sterling business gentlemen,
who have been, or still are, the leading merchants of the chief whaling- ports of the
Lnited States. And first and pre-eminent among them were the Rotches of Xan-
tucket,t and the llussells and Rodmans of New Bedford. Yet there are scores of

* For a ilctaileil list sco Appendix.

t A i-cmiiiisceuco of Mr. William Rotch, who
•".as the grtat leader in tho early days of Amer-
ican wbaliMSf commerce, may bo interesting, as
relatinpr fo his business career both in Ent,'land
and France. After tho Revolution, Mr. Rotch,
found his losses to bo very heavy on account of
the war, and tho Nantucket -men experiencing
great difHouHy in prosecuting whaling to any
profit, owing to tlio vexatious restrictions of En-
gland relative to tho import of oil and whale-
bone, induced Iho distinguished pioneer whaling
merchant to visit England, hoping by direct per-
sonal communication with tho British Ooverument
that some arrangement might bo brought about to
lessen tho burdens of himself and his compeers.
Accordingly, ho, with his son Benjamin, fitted
out tho ship Jl/iiria— which was commanded by
one of tho favorite captains, William Mooors ;
and both father and son sailed from Nantucket,

Makini Mahhals. - 39.

for London, tho 1st of July, 1785, where thoy
arrived ou tho 21th of the same month. Among
Mr. Botch's influential friends in London was
Robert Barclay, and this gentleman introduced
him to Henry Beaufoy, a member of Parliament,
and that dignitary presented him to the Chancel-
lor of tho Excheciuor, tho groat imi)crial William
Pitt (then about twenty -seven years of age).
Mr. Pitt received him witli great politeness, and
listened attentively to Mr. Rotcii's remarks, which
are reported to have been as follow ;

"'When tho war commenced, wo declared
against taking any part in it, and strenuously
adhered to this determination, thus placing our-
selves as a neutral island. Novorthelcss, you
have taken from us two hundred b,uI of vessels
— valued at ono million dollars — unju.<tly and
illegally ! Had tho war been founded on a gen-
eral declaration against America, n-i' should have
boon included, but it was predicated ou a vchd-

I (

218

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

morcantLlc gentlemen, who followed in the same field, that have emulated them in
every point of thorougli business transactions connected with the enterprise. Among
the most distinguished, we will mention the Ilowlands, Parkers, Robinsons, Boin-nes,
Swifts, Joneses, Aliens, Woods, Wings, KnoAvleses, and Tuckers, of Now Bedford ;
tli(> Coffins, Stiirbucks, Sanfords, and Gardiners, of Xantucket ; also, the names of
Williams, Barnes, Chapel, Havens, Perkins, and Smith, of Xew London ; and the
Icadiug men of Fairhavcn — Church, Whitwell, Gibbs, Jenney. And Provincetown,
one of the oldest whaling- ports in Xew England, which is distinguished for its
numerous fleet of small vessels, has upon her record tlio Cooks and Nickcrsons.
Stonington speiilo of her Williams and Trumbull ; Edgartown of her Osborne and
Worth ; Greonport of her Ireland, Wells and Carpenter ; Warron of its Childs and
Johnson ; Westport of its Hicks ami Wilcox. Sag Harbor had her Deerings,
Howells, Huntings, Sleights, and Browns ; Mystic her Mallory, Randall, Smith, and
Ashley ; and Mattapoisctt her Barstow.

lion I consequently, nono could have been in*
eluded in it but such ns were in arms, or those
who were aiding such. We have done neither !
As a proof of our being without the reach of
your declaration, yo<i sent commissioners to re-
store jK>acu to i\jacrica, in which, any province,
county, or town, that should make submission
and receive juinlon, should bo reinstated in its
former situation. As we had not oflfcnded, wo
had no submission to make, nor pardon to ask,
and certainly it is very hard if wo do not stand
on better ground tliau those who have offended ;
consequently, wo remainotl a part of your do-
minions until separated by the peace I' After a
long pause, Mr. Pitt replied : ' Undoubtedly you
oi'e right, sir. Now, what can bo done for you?>
'I ansAvcred him,' said Mr. Rotch, 'that in the
present situation of tilings, the principal part of
our inhabitants must leave the islan 1 Some
wcmld go into the cw^ntry, and a part would
remain, and contiiiuo their legitimate business,
uud I wish to continue the whale-fishery wher-
ever it can be pursued to advantage ; thcreforo,
my eliief business Ijeforo this nation is, to as-
certain if the fishery Ih an object worth giving
BUcU cncourogement for a removal to England

as the subject deserves.' Thus our conversation
ended, and I withdrew with my friend Hany
Beaufoy.

"The subject was laid before the Privy Coun-
cil, as the secretarj", Stephen C tterel, sent mo
a note, soon after this conversi.cion, saying the
Council would sit at an early day, when they
would licar what I had to say. I waited for
that early day a mouth, and then I waited on
Secretary Cotterel to know what occasioned do-
liiy? His answer was, that so much business
lay before tlio Council, that they had not time
or had not bo/;u able to attend to it, but would
soon. Thus I waited, i.ot desiring to leave town
lost I slioidd bo called for. This state of things
continued for more than four months, during
which time I received several, what I called un-
meaning, c(«irt mcsa.igos, such as 'Thej' wore
sorry they wore not able .o send for mo,' etc.,
etc. I then desired them to appoint some per-
son for mo to confer with, that the matter might
bo brought to a close. This was done, but un-
hapi)ily Lord Hawkosbury was tlio poi-son. A
greater enemy to America could not be found, 1
believe, in that body, nor hardly in the nation.
I waited on him, and informed him what on-

THE AMERICAN WHALE -FISHERY.

219

Wg speak of the whaling merchants as being not of that class who anticipated
largo profits and quick returns, but only a legitimate compensation for their labors,
and a fair interest upon the capital invested in the voyages, wlucli required from
one to four years' time to accomplish ; and often, thougli the expedition terminated
unsuccessfully, the ship waa again sent out on another voyage, trusting that con-
tinued perseverance would bring about final success, which in many cases was fully
realized. There are over one thousand different articlos required to complete the
outfit of a first -class whale -ship, many of them of trifiing value to be sure, yet all
important to the success of the voyage. Then there are the officers and crew to
bo shipped, "on a lay." The latter may bo without much difficulty obtained from
the shipping agents ; but to solect and engage a set of officers, of the liighest char-
acter and unu^ubted skill in their profession, is not so oasy a matter, and it is
but rarely accomplished. If half tlicir number are really "crack whalemen," the
voyage will usually be a successful one, if whales are found ii\ sufficient numbers.

couragemont I thought would induce a removal,
which I ostimatod at one hundred pounds ster-
ling transportation for a family of five jjersons,
and one hundred pounds sterling settlement —
say twenty thousand pounds sterling, for a hun-
dred families. 'Ah I' said ho, 'that is a great
sum ! and at this time, too, when we are all
endeavoring to encourage our own expeditions.'
I replied, 'Thou mayst think it a great sura
for this nation to pay —I think two- thirds of it
a great suui for you to have taken from mo as
an individual, unjustly and illegally!' Wo had
a long conversation, and I left him, to call again
in a few days, which I did. I then added to
my demand the liberty to bring thirty ships —
American ships — for the fishery. 'O, no!' said
he, ' that can not bo ; our carpenters must bo
employed.' I mentioned that we had some ships
that were built before the war, ' those can sure-
ly be admitted?' 'No; they must be British-
built.' 'Will it be any advantage, if an emigra-
tion takes place, for tho emigrants to bri.ig
property witli them?' I replied. 'Yes, certainly.'
•If they can invest their money in articles that
will be worth doublo hero to what they are at
homo, will that bo any additional advantage to

this country?' 'Yes!' 'Then why not bring
ships, when two of ours will not cost one of
yours?' 'O! we don't make mercantile calcu-
lations; 'tis seamen wo want!' 'Then, surely,
two of our vessels will answer your purpose
better than one of yours, as they will make
doublo tho number of seamen, which is tho thing
aimed at?' He saw that ho was in a dilemma,
out of which ho could not reason himself, and
stniggled through with some violence. He had
made his own nice calculations of eighty - seven
pounds ten shillings for transportation and set-
tlement of a family, and said he, 'I am about
a fishery bill, and want to C(nne at something I
can insert!' INIy answer was, 'Thou canst go
on with thy fishery bill. Thy offer is no object
to mo!' 'Well, Mr. Rotch, you will call on me
again in two or threo days?" 'I soo no neces-
sity for it.' 'But I desire you would.' 'If thou
dcsirest it, perhaps I may call.' However, ho
let mo rest but one day, before he sent for me
again. Fe liad tho same story over again, but
I told him it was unnecessary to enter again
upon the subject. I then iuform(>d him that I
had heard a rumor that Nantucket merchants
had agreed to furnish Franco with a quantity of

220

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

"When the ship is nearly in readiness for lier voyage, she leaves the Avharf, and is
anchored in the effing, to complete her necessary requirements. When the last
article is taken in, the crew and officers embark, the pilot goes on board, and the
man.iging agent informs the captain that the vessel is ready to sail ; he gives him
his general instructions for the vo3T»ge, shakes him by the hand, and wishes him a
"full ship" and a safe return; and he (the agent) feels relieved to get the expe-
dition temporarily oT his hands ; but not so the captain, for he keenly feels his
responsibility. A long, anxious, and tedious voyage is before him ; if successful, he
may return to be amply rewarded for his toils ; if unfortunate, he meets with
reproach and an empty purse. But there is no time for dallying, and he acknowl-
edges the compliments of his employer, bids him a hurried good -by, steps into the
waiting boat, and repairs on board. The pilot gives his orders, the ship speeds
away under a press of canvas, and at length she is plunging and reeling on the
broad expanse of waters. The pilot is now the only connecting link between them

oil. Ho stepped to Lis bureau and took out a
file of papers, from which he pretended to read
au entire contradiction of the report, tliougli I
was Batisfiod there was not a line there on tho
Bubject. I said ' it was only a vague report that
I heard, and I can not vouch for tho truth of
it, but wo are like drowning men, catching at
every straw that passes by. Therefore, I am
determined to go to France and see what it is.
If there be any such contract, euflScient to retain
us at Nantucket, neither you, nor any other na-
tion can liavo us ; and if it is insufficient, I shall
endeavor to culargo it.' 'Ah!' said ho, 'Quak-
ers go to Franco?' 'Yes, but with regret!' I
then parted with Lord Hawkesbury for the last
tino.

' ' I immediately embarked Avith my son Ben-
jamin, for Dunkirk, whoro I drew up my pro-
posals and sent them to Paris, not wishing to
proceed farther until I found tho disposition of
tho French Court. They sent for us to come
immediately. Wo lost no time in answering tho
summons, and proceeded at onco to Paris. Tho
Master of Requests, who was the proper minis-
ter to receive our proposals aud make his re-
marks on the soToral articles, had examined them

and made his remarks- accordingly, ^he propo-
sals were :

'"Ist. A full and free enjoyment of religion
according to tho jirinciples of tho people called
Quakers.'

"To which ho annosod, 'AccordW

" ' 2d. An entire cxem-^tion from military reg-
ulations of every kind.'

"To this ho annexed the following just re-
marks : ' As they aro all jieaceablo people and
meddle not with tho quarrels of princes, neither
internal nor external, this proposition may bo
granted.'

"Tho other proposition related to tho regula-
tion of tho whale-fishery.

"Wo next proceeded to tho several ministers,
five in number, at Versailles. First, to Calonno,
Comptroller of Finance. Wo gave our reanons
for not taking off our hats on being introduced
to them all. Calonne replied : ' I caro nothing
for your hats, if your hearts aro right.' Nest,
wo went to tho aged Vorgonnos, Minister of For-
eign Affairs ; then to tlio Marshal do Castro,
Minister of Marino ; then to tho Prince of Rubcc,
Ghjneralissimo of Flanders ; at last, to tho In-
tondant of Flando.-a — who all agreed to my pro-

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY.

221

and the shore. He gives the word to "haul aback," bids a hasty farewell, jumps
into his boat, and returns to liis secure and quiet haven. Quickly the order is
given on board to "fill away," and before the fresh, fair wind the floating fragment
si^eeds with swelling sails, and soon the receding land, teeming with blissful life
and plenty, sinks from view beneath the undulating waves.

Sea life is such a change from that on shore, one fully realizes the transition ;
and the monotony, as well as the thrilling incidents associated with a sailor's
career, have been so often and so vividly portrayed, it would be useless to attempt
here to add any new features; hence, we shall only give a somewhat terse account
of the present manner of conducting a whaling voyage. The company of a four-
boat whale -ship number at least thirty- five persons, viz.: a captain, four mates, a
cooper, a carpenter, four boat-steerers, a cook, and a steward, with twenty -two
men and boys. When the vessel is making a passage, the officers and crew are
divided into two watches, with the exception of the captain, and in some instances

posala. We then retm-ned to Paris, and were
to visit "Versailles to take leave according to the
etiquette of the Court.

"Before wo set out, one of the ministers ask-
ed us if we did not wish to visit the palace.
We excused ourselves, as we did not think curi-
osity would justify us, if our plain way would
give offense. While we remained in Paris, wo
received a note from the minister, saying he had
spoken to the King, 'who gave full liberty to
the Nantucket Friends (they avoided the name
of ' Quaker I ' when they found it was given in
reproach) to visit the palace, both its public and
private apartments, when ho was out— which
happened almo-t every day.' To view the pri-
vate apartments was a great privilege not often
grunted, except to persons of note. But unfa-
vorably for us, the King did not happen to bo
out on the day we went to take our leave, which
was a disappointment ; but wo went through the
public apartments and into the Chapel I When
we hesitated at the latter, the officer iusintod on
our entering in our own way, showing us ev-
erything remarkable, and pointing out the place
occupied by the royal family in time of mass, etc.
"Wo now took leave, and returned to Lon-

don. After I was gone to France, Lord Hawkes-
bury became alarmed, and inquired of Harry
Beaufoy, and asked hira if I had gone to France.
He replied in the affirmative. 'Why has he
gone there?' 'For what you or any other man
would have gone; you would not make him an
oflfer worthy his acceptance. He will now try
what can be done in France!'

"AI xander Champion wrote to me (I sup-
pose at Lord Hawkesbury's request) to inform
me that ho had made provision for us in his
fishery bill, and inserted liberty for us to bring
in forty ships instead of thirty! which I had
demanded, ho having forgotten the number ; but
it was too late. This letter was brought to our
apartments, and wo understood the bearer to
inquire if a Dutch gentleman resided there. He
was answered in the negative, and my letter
was lodged in a small letter -office, always an
appendage to a large hotel. The very evening
it was brought to me, we left Paris.

"Wo now returned to London. I was soon
sent for by George Rose, who was one of Pitt's
secretaries. He inquired if I had contracted
with France? I told him, 'No! I did not
come to make any contract! Propositions were

222

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-^> ESTERN COAST.

the chief mate, Avho stand no watch, but arc up at any time of niglit, if occasion
require, and tlirougliout the day. The two watches arc designated as the starboard
and port, tlic second mate being officer of the starboard, and tiie tiiird mate of the
port watch. There being four boats, there are as many mates, or "boat- headers,"
one of which has charge, or, as it is termed, heads eacli boat, except when the
captain chooses to go in his own boat, which is tlie starboard one ; at such time,
tlie fourth mate acts as boat-stcerer. The cliief mate's is tlie port boat, the second
mate's tlie waist boat, and tlie third mate's the bow boat. All the boats are sus-
pended from tall, stout wooden davits, with two cranes under each for the keel to
rest upon ; the last mentioned three usually hoist on the port side of the ship, and
the captain's on the opposite quarter. Besides the boat- header, there is a boat-
stcerer and four men, who complete the crew. The boat-stoerers are shipped as
such ; but the men for each boat are selected from the hands, having duo regard
to their physical strength, activity, and intelligence, and the remainder of the

the extent of my business.' 'You then are at
liberty to ajjree vrith us, and I am authorized
by Mr. Pitt to tell you, that you may make
your own terms!' I told him it was too late!
' I made very moderate proposals to you, but
could not obtain anythinfj; worth my notice. I
went to France, and sent forward my proposals,
which were doubly advantageous to us, com-
pared with what I offered yo\u' government.
They considered them a veiy short time, and
on my arrival in Paris, were ready to act. I
had separate interviews with all the Ministers
of State necessary to the subject, who all agreed
to, and granted my demands.' He still insisted
that I was not bound to France, ond I should
malio my own terms. But all in vain; the time
had passed over ! Lord Litchfield also sent for
mo on the same subject, but was soon convinced
that it was too late. The minority caiuo to mo

ir materials to attack Lord Hawkesbury, but I

'fused to supply them."

It was at one of these interviews that Mr.
i 't, or his majesty George III, asked Mr. Rotch
wliat equivalent would bo given in return for all
these favors now sought from his government.
"I am going to give England and bia majesty

the services of our young men from my native
place — the island of Nantucket." And fullj* was
this assertion verified in subsequent j'oars. Nan-
tucket-mcn went to England, and her great su-
premacy in whaling was carried forward by these
promised whalers ; and for years she held sway
through all difficulties in this branch of commerce
in Europe. The island was well represented in
London bj* more than five hundred ship -masters,
the hist of whom (Win. Swain, Esq.) died in 18G8,
upwards of ninety -two years of f.ge.

Mr. Eotch's son Bonjaniiu was left in Dunkirk
as a partner of his son-in-law, Samuel Rodman,
who resided at Nantucket. Ships were soon aft-
er fitted out from Nantucket, on distant whaling
voyages, manned and officered by Nantucket-men,
who, after filling their vessels, repaired to Dun-
kirk, where their oil and whalebone fouml a
ready market for Franco and Holland. The busi-
ness was pursued wilh great energy by Mr. llotch
and ills associates. All their ships cnme from
America with the necessary outfits for their voy-
ages, as they could not bo easily obtained in
France. Many arti.sans immediately connected
with the business loft Nantucket witli their fami-
lies to take up their residence in Dunkirk.

THE AMERICAN WHALE- FISEESY.

223

company are termed "ship -keepers." Due care is taken, as far as practicable,
that two boats' crows sliall bo in the same watch, so that in the event of mooting
with whales on the passage to the cruising -grounds, they may be immediately
lowered in pursuit. But usually a few days pass, after getting to sea, before a
perfect organization of all hands can be obtained ; for a portion of them being
green, are generally so debilitated or entirely prostrated by sea-sickness, and a
majority of the old sailors so demoralized by their last excessive potations of "part-
ing drinks," that little can bo accomplished under such circumstances. But it is
not long before Jack gets a sufficiency of substantial food, instead of being soaked
with the vile stimulants of a sailor boarding-house, and the work of "fitting ship"
for whaling begins in good earnest. The hold is "broken out," and casks contain-
ing linos, cutting- gear, harpoons, lances, etc., are unhoaded, and their contents laid
under contribution as may be required. The cutting -gear, which consists of heavy
tackles, pendants, etc., is to be overhauled or fitted anew, and the implements
belonging to the try-works must be looked after; but the first and most important
duty is the proper fitting of the boats. It may bo a mat^^er of surprise, even to
an old whaleman, when he sees before him the number of things required to fit
out a modern whale-boat, which is only twenty -eight or thirty feet in length, and

Mr. Rotch with his \nte and children remained
In Franco through all the troublesome times of the
Revolution of 1702, and sufl'ered much in his busi-
ness, wliich had become extensive in the fishery
and iu the imiwrtation of other oils into France.
Mr. Eotch had seen that a war between England
and Franco was inevitable. With these views, ho
began early in 1793 to make arrangements for
leaving France and returning to Nantucket. Go-
ing over to London on his way home, he found
that two of his ships had already been captured
full of oil, and condemned by the British Govern-
ment as French prizes; but being present with the
authorities, he was able to recover them again
through his English friends. "My going to
Franco," said he, "to inirsuo the whale -fishe/y,
so disappointed Lord Hnwkcsbury that ho under-
took to bo avenged upon mo for his own follies;
and, I have no doubt, gave directions to his cruis-
ers to take any of my ships that they might meet
going to Franco. For, when the ship Ospratj

was captured by the king's ship, the officer sent
on board to examine her papers, said to the cap-
tain; 'You will take this vessel iu, sir; she be-
longs to Mr. Rotch.'"

Mr. Rotch, with many other Americans, em-
barked secretly from Dunkirk in a ship bound for
America, but he and his family were landed in
England, where, he remarked, " I had the comfort
of receiving these ships of mine four months after
I left France."

On the 24th of July, 1794, Mr. Rotch, with his
family, embarked in the ship liarkiay, and after
a passage of sixty -one days, arrived at Boston.
They soon proceeded to Nantucket, whore they
remained one year, after which they removed to
New Bedford. Hero ho died May 28th, 1828.
Through a long and eventful life of usefulness,
ho was greatly beloved and respected, and was
di'oply lamented when ho departed for the spir-
itual world, at the advanced oge of ninety -four
yeara.

k. I.

V,)-

224 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

six foot wide. It is sharp at both ends, with flaring sides, and is of a model that
insures groat smftnoss, as well as the qualities of an excellent sea -boat. At the
bow (or ''head," as whalers usually term it) is a groove, in which is placed a
metal sheave, over which tiio line runs ; near the end and upper edges of the
groove, a slender pin, of tough wood or whalebone, passes across through holes
above the lino, to prevent it from fl>"ing out when running. This groove is called
the "chocks." About three feet from the stern is the " clumsy -clcet," a stout
thwart with a rounded notch on the after side, in which the officer or boat-steerer
braces himself by one leg against the violent motion of the boat, caused by a
rough sea, or the efforts of the whale while being "worked upon." The space
between the clumsy -cleet and the chocks is covered witli a sort of deck, six inches
below the gunwales, and is called the "box," or "box of the boat." Five thwarts,
or seats, for the accommodation of the rowers, are placed at proper distances apart,
between the clumsy -cleet and stern sheets; and opposite each rowlock, near the
bottom of the boat, is a well -fastened cleet, to receive the end or handle of the
oar, which is called a " peak- cleet ;" and when fast to a whale, or when the crew
are resting, the end of the oar is placed in the hole of this cleet, while the
heavy portion still rests in the rowlock, thereby elevating the blade far above the
water. About four feet of the stern is decked over, through the forward part of
which, a little to one side, is placed the loggerhead, shaped like a post with a
largo head, which projects six or eight inches above the gunwales, and by this log-
gerhead the lino is controlled when the boat is fiist to the object of pursuit. The
equipment belonging to a modern whale-boat consists of one mast and yard, or
sprit, one to three sails (but usually a jib and mainsail), five pulling- oars, one
steering -oar, five paddles, five rowlocks, five harpoons, one or two line -tubs (into
which the lino is coiled), three hand-lanccs, three short-warps, one boat-spado,
tlu-eo lance -warps, one boat -warp, one boat -hatchet, two boat -knives, one boat -waif,
one boat - compass, one boat-hook, one drag, one grapnel, one boat- anchor,* one
sweeping -line, lead, buoy, etc., one boat -keg, one boat -bucket, one piggin, one
lantern -keg (containing flint, steel, box of tinder, lantern, candles, broad, tobacco,
and pipes), one boat-crotch, one tub-oar crotch, half a dozen chock -pins, a roll

* Tbo full equipment ns hero enumerated, is tho bays or lagoons, the anchor is indispensable,

modified to suit tho particular branch of whaling and tho grapnel, sweeping-line, lend, and buoy,

l)ursued, as for instance, in deep-sea whaling aro of much service. But many other articles

there is no use for tho anchor, and in sperm aro left out or supplied to a limited extent, so

whaling tho sweeping -lino, buoy, etc., aro not that tho boat may be as light as possible, and

leciuired; whilo in California Gray whaling in work easily and quickly in shallow water.

1, nar,2 Boat-waif.3,Soat-honk. 4Padd!e, 5,Boat-sails, 6. Sweeping line -
buo/ ZLead let Sweepm^-line.S Chock-pm.S Snort-warp. 10.Boat-pi^§ir.,
11 Boat-keiie, lantern-key. 13.SweepiTi§ line. 14.Boathalchei,lf).Lanr,e-waTp.3(

le.Boat^rapnfiUZ Roal-knifelS.Fo^-hnTn.lS I.metul]. 2Q,Boat-l)ucket,aDr4
2S;.Nipper, 2S Boat-crotch, 24 Baatcompa3,s 25,Boat-anchnr.26,Rnw-lock,27.Tub-
uar crotch, 28.Hand-lance. 29. Dne-nued-harpcGn 30.To6§le-harpoon.3l Boat spade,
'S7. A 33 GreeruirsGim-harpoon, 34, Greener's Harpoon-^ari.,35,Bonib-l;i:ir.--;

36. Bnn-ib-i£i.i.i;.: (juri

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THE AMERICAN WUALE-FISUEItY. 226

of canvas, a paper of tacks, two nippers, to wliicli may be added a bomb -gun and
four bomb -lances ; in all, forty-eight articles, and at least eighty-two pieces. The
oars, sails, and paddles, of course, are to propel the boat, yet we may say that the
two last mentioned are of much more importance now tlum formerly, by reason of
the objects of pursuit becoming more wary. The rowlocks confine and support the
oars in their proper places when rowing; the harjjoorLs with the line are the instru-
ments used to fasten the boat to tiie whale; the line -tub holds the lino; the hand-
lances arc used in killing the whale after being hai-pooned ; the lance-warp, when
connected to the lance- pole, is hitched to the cluuisy-cleet to prevent its loss wiicn
darted at the whale; the boat-warp is the painter to the boat; the short-warps
are to connect the second hnrpoon to the main line when a second iron is thrown
into the animal; the boat-spade is for cutting the cords about the "small" of the
victim, or that portion of the body which connects with the flukes, crippling it,
thereby retarding its progress through the water; the boat-liatchet and knives are
to cut the line should it get foul and endanger the boat, when fast ; the boat-
waif if? a small flag, used as a signal, or placed in a dead whale to indicate its
whereabouts. The boat-hook is one of those indispensable implements, wiiich is
put to a variety of uses, but especially to liook up a whale's fin or stray lines, or
to hold the boat in position; and the boat -compass is used to find the true course
to any object not visible from the boat. The ''drag" is for "bending on" to the
line to assist in impeding the whale when running, or is itvstened to the line when
compelled to let it go from the boat. With the grapnel, the dead animal's flukes,
or its head, are hauled up, in order to cut a hole and reeve the tow-rope, or to
hook up lines which can not be reached with the boat-hook; and the sweeping-
line, lead, and buoy, are used for getting the fin and fluke chains on to the whale
when alongside the ship, or otherwise. The boat -keg is for carrj'ing a supply
of fresh water. The boat -bucket and piggin are for bailing the boat. The lantern-
keg is for holding in reserve a small supply of broad, a lantern, and fire -works,
in case the boat should be caugiit out at night, that the crew may be able to set
a light to indicate to the ship their whereabouts, and in extreme necessity to have
a small supply of food, with the luxury of a quid of tobacco or a smoke of a pipe.
The boat-crotch is to rest the end of the iron or lance-pole on; it ships in a hole
through or on the side of the gunwale. The tub -oar crotch is to receive the tub-
oar and raise it above the line -tub, when the boat is fast to a whale; the chock-
pins are to keep the whale -line in the chock. The canvas and tacks are to cover
holes Avhich may be staved in the boat ; the nippers are several luvors of canvas
stitched together, and are used for holding on to the line when it is swiftly run-

ItUtlNE MaMIUI.3. — 29.

226

MAIIINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

ning out. The bomb -gun sind lances are for killing the whale at a greater distance
than could be done with the hand -lance; it does good execution within a range
of twenty-five yards. Greener's harpoon -gun is also used b}' whalers to some
extent, and quite successfully when the sea is smooth. It is similar to a small
swivel -gun. The barrel is three feet long, with a bore of one inch and a half;
when stocked and complete, it weighs ''event}' -five pounds. The harpoon, four and
a half feet long, is projected with considerable accuracy to any distance under
eighty -four yards. It is mounted on the bow of the boat, and was formerly fired
by the boat-steerer, who pulls the "harpooner oar." This was the old Scotch
plan, the gun being first used by the Scotch whalers ; but at the present time it
is more successfully managed by the ofliccr m charge of the boat, who takes the
boat-steerer's pLace for the time being.

The whale-boat being properly equipped, the crew take their places as follows:
the officer in charge (or boat- header) in the stern, who steers the boat with the
sleering-oar, which is usually twenty-two feet long; the boat-steerer, who pulls the
oar farthest forward, which is called the liarpooncr-oar, its length being usually
seventeen feet, and who also darts the harpoon, and after the boat is fast changes
ends with the boat -header and steers the boat, while the latter attends to killing
the whale. The next man is called the "bowman," with an oar seventeen and a
half feet in length, and besides his general duties he attends to the line when
"bowing- on." The next man is the "midship -oarsman," .vhose oar is eighteen
feet in length; then comes the "tub -oarsman, " with an oar the same length as
that of the bowman, whose special duty is to see that tlio line runs clear from the
tub The last is the "after -oarsman," who is the lightest of the crew, and pulls
a correspondingly liglit oar ; his particular duties arc to attend the line as it is
hauled in and coiled in the stern -sheets, or when it is "paid out," and to bail the
boat. The whole outfit of the boat has two general and rather indefinite names,
"bat-gear" and "cruft;" but the word "cn\ft" applies pai'ticularly to the weapons
immediately used in the capture.

When the boat is lowered for the chase, the line (which is nicely coiled in
tlie tub or tubs, as the case may be) is placed between the two after thwarts.
Tlic men being seated in their proper places, the line from the tub is taken aft
around the loggerhead, then forward over the oars, and a few fathoms of it i\.o
coiled in the box of the boat; it is then termed a "box -warp." Two harpoons
are placed at tlio head of the boa^, the staves or poles of which rest in the "boat-
crotch." The end of the box- warp is made fast to the "first iron;" the "second
iron" is connected with the main lino by a bowline in the cud of a short -warp

THE A ME It ICA N WHA L E - FKUIEU Y.

22^

which is bent on to the second iron. The lances
arc in their places at the head of the boat, on the
starboard side; the boat- spado on the side opposite;
the boat- hatchet and a knife in tlieir proper places
in the head of the boat, and the other knife ready
at the stern.

When pursuit is made, the whale is approached
in the most cautious manner, to avoid "gallying"
it. If necessary, the oars are used ; but in calm
wcatlier the paddles are resorted to, as pulling v/ith
the oars is adopted only when sails or paddles can
not be made available. When nearly within dart-
ing distance, which is about three fathoms, the
order is given to the boat-stecrer to "stand up."
At this command he instantly springs to his feet,
and seizing the hurpoon, darts it into the whale ;
if opportunity ofTers, the second iron is also thrown
before the animal gets out of reach. When the
harpot)ns are dart'jd. word is given to "stern all,'
and the oarsmen make every edbrt to force the
boat astern, in order t.o be well clear of the animal
in its painful convulsions from the first wounds re-
ceived. Xotwithslanding every precaution is taken,
it is by no means an unusual occurrence to have
the boat itaved by the whale when harpooned.
Should the boat l)o nuich injured, the line is cut,
or a dra- or buoy is bent on to the end of it, and
nil is lot s:;o. The boat nearest tlu^ whale usually
continues the piu-suit ; the next boat pulls for the
one that has become disabled, and rescues the
crew.

When struck, the whale nniy attempt to escape
by running; if so, every exertion is made by the
boats' crew to haul up to the auinial so as lo shoot
n bomb into it, or work upon it with a haiid-lance ;
or if the creature descends to the depths below,
wliioh is called "sounding," every effort is made to

228

MARJAE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

check the movement by holding on to the line, or by slowly slacking it. In this
m.aneuvre the boivt is occasionally hauled bow under water. Sometimes all the line
is talcen out almort instantly, when it is cut to prevent the boat from being taken
down, and the whtilc escapes. At other times the animal Avill "bring to;" that is,
it will stop and roll from side to side, or thrash the water with its ponderous
flukes and fins, when the boat may be pulled withiu bomb -shot, and the creature
dispatched by one or more of these missiles.

Hand -lancing for the purpose of killing a whale is now going rapidly out
of practice, and the same may be said relative to boat- spades, and "loose irons"
to stop a whale from running. By the use of "Pierce's bomb -lance,"'" the Bow-
head or Polar Whale is now frequently captured in tl c Arctic Ocean, close to the

* It is a m.atter of surprise that so ingenious
an invention for killing whales has no appropri-
ate nanifi, the whole apparatus being only known
as "Pierce's bomb-lnnco;" hence, to facilitate
description, we will give it the provisional des-
ignation of Pierce'^ Hni-poon-bomb-lanco Gun.
The weapon, wi.ich is of brass, is fourteen inches
long in the barrel, r.nd tlie square portion in-
closing the lock, together with the socket which
receives the iron -pole or harpoon - statl', increases
its linear dimensions to about one and a half
feet. On one side, and near the muzzle of the
gun, are two lugs with holes, which receive the
end of a harpoon, to which the whale -lino is
attached. On the other side is a steel rod bent
in the form of a staple, at the socket end of
tlv" gun, which passes through tubes attached
to the socket and lock -case, as represented at
G and H ( in the ilhistration upon the preceding
page), then, passing through a hole in the
lug at I, it extends past the muzzle about ten
inches. Upon the upper part of the rod, at J,
rests the trigger to the lock. The whole appa-
ratus, exclusive of the lines and iron - jmle,
weighs about ton pounds. This wc^apon is load-
ed with n light chaige of powder, and projects,
■when discharged, a bonib-lanco sixteen inches
long, and seven -eighths of an inch in diameter.
The lance is loaded with powder, which is ig-
nited by a percussion - cap placed upon a nipple

at B, as seen ni diagram B, at the end of the
cylinder ( which 's connected rvith the point of
the lance by a screw), Ihi., nipple (at B) <mites
with a time -fuse that leads to the powder with
which the bomb is charged. One end of a small
line is "seized" to the socket of the gun, then
"stopped" along the iron-polo with twine — the
other end being fast to the boat, in order that
the instrument may be recovered after being
thrown and discharged. The whale -line is also
stopped along the polo, or it is secured by
bockets. The manner of using the gun, is to
dart it l)y hand from the boat, and when tho
h, ■•<)oon penetrates the whale beyond the lino
F, the steel rod (which holds tho trigger to tho
lock) comes in contact, and is pushed back,
thereby springing tho hammer against a percus-
sion-cap which rests upon a nipple in tho breech
of tho gun, by means of which it is tired off,
SI nding tho bond)-lanee into tho whalo ; and at
the same time tho concussion brings a plunger
(which is held temporarily by a wooden pin
wit)Ain tho head of the lance, as seen at A)
upon the cop at U, the flash of which, commu-
nicating with tho time - fuse irabeddod in the
powder contained in the cylinder, causes tho
bomb to explode, usually killing tho whale ir
Btantly; and tho harpoon being already fastont'
in tho body of the animal, it may be easily
secirrcd.

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY. 229

icy barrier, as that weapon shoots an explosive misfsile into the animal at the same
time the harpoon is fastened.

Mention has been made in the preceding pages of the manner of standing
watches, and the general routine of duty on board the ship when making a passage ;
but it is only when they arrive on the cruising -ground that systematic whaling
really begins. The ship's company, or that portion of it who "stand a watch," is
divided into what are called "boat's-crew watches," each watch remaining on deck
its allotted time between dark and daylight, and during the day one -half of the
ship's company alternate (which is called "watch and watch"), unless whaling
is going on, wheu all hands are engaged. A day's routine of a whale- ship's duty,
whew on whaling -grou.id, begins at a very early hour. All hands are called in
time to get breakfast by sunrise, after which all required sail is set, the decks are
washed off, and the lookouts are stationed at the mast-heads. If a four-boat ship,
an rrticcr and a boat-stecrer stand at the main -topgallant cross-trees, two men at
the fore -topgallant mast-head, and one at the mizzen- topgallant mast head, who are
relieved every two hours, as also arc the men at the wheel, who steer the ship.
Should no whales be seen through the day, at sunset all hands are called to shorten
sail, when the light sails are furled, the mainsail taken in, the topsails reefed, and
the watch is set for the night. But should wl.alos bo "raised," the hours of rest
are governed entirely by the amount of necessary work to be performed. From
sun to sun the boats may be engaged in the exciting chas^' ; and the few ship-
keepers left on board strain every muscle to work the vessel and make the required
signals. This is no easy matter when the wind is fresh and the vessel is being
continually maieuvercd, as the pursuing boats change their positions. An endless
variety of signals are used in the whaling- fleet in connection with the capture of a
whale, more especially when there is a largo fleet cruising on the same ground, for
then the signals from each ship are kept private, in order to gain advantage in the
pursuit.

The ship -keeper in charge of tlu vessel may be the captain. At present few
whaling-masters make a practice of '^oing in their boats; while formerly it was the
custom for the captain to be firs'; in the water when lowering for whales. In
such cases, the person left in charge of the ship was cither chosen from among the
crew, or he was shipped for that particular duty. In any event, his services are
important, for the safety of the boats or the capture of the whale may depend
upon his vigilance and good management. The boats being down, the object of
pursuit can bo seen but a comparatively short distance, while from the ship's
mast-head an oxtcusivo view is obtained j hence, when the boats arc away, the

230

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

person in charge of the vessel takes liis station at the main-topgaUant cross-trees,
where a sharp watch is kept, both on the whales and boats. When the whales are
upon the surface of the water, a flag is usually hoisted at the main -topgallant
uiast-head; and when they go down, the flag is lowered; and to indicate their
bearing from the ship, ihe following signals are made with the sails: "Whales on
the weather bow," weather clew of the fore-topsail or fore-topgallantsail is hauled
up; "Whales on the lee bow," lee clews of the same sails are taken up; "Whales
on the weather beam," weather clew of main -topsail or topgallantsail up, and gen-
erally with a waif* pointed to windward ; "Whales on the lee beam," lee clew of

Mast-head VVaik.

the same sails up; "Whales ahead," jib down; "Whales between the boats," flags
at the fore and main mast-heads; "Come on board," flag at the peak; "Boat
stove," flag at the fore and mizzen mast-heads. In sperm-whaling during light
weather, the crews sometimes go a long distance from the vessel, at least ten or
twelve miles; but this is not the regular practice. In right- whaling, however, it
is expected that the ship and boats will keep near enough togetiier to communicate
by signals, unless enveloped in fog, rain, or snow, Avliich occurs in high latitudes,
where this species of baliena are chiefly sought ; and the moment a bank of fog
obscures the vessel, the rule is to "haul aback," if practicable, or in other words,
to keep the ship as near the same position as possible where she was last seen b"
the people in tiie boats ; who, having previously taken the bearings, And their way
back by the aid of the compass, and the sounding of horns, or the flring of guns
from the vessel ; or, if the boats are caught out at night, lights are set, and some-
times a fire is made on the "back arches" of the try -works, by which means the
whole ship is illuminated, when every spar glistens in relief upon a dark, misty
background, with the sails flapping against the masts as the ship rolls and tumbles
over the sea, or the swelling canvas yields to the dank blasts tiiat are sweeping
by in fitful moaning sounds, as if to render the scene more ghastly. From the
time a whale is discovered until the capture is made, and the animal cut in, the
scene is one of laborious excitement. If the whale is first seen spouting, the man

♦The mast-hoad waif iH n lifjlit jiolo six or covered with canvan ; it is Honietiiueis cnllod n
oight feet long, with a hoop fastened at the end "yonder" by Enf^linh wlialorK.

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY.

231

m
0

232

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTEltN COAST.

on the lookout calls out, "There she blows;" if breaching, he calls out, "There she
breaches; ' if turning flukes, he reports, "There goes flukes." Instantly the officer
of the (lock, or the captain, inquires, "Where away?" when he is immediately
answered, "Right ahead," or "On the beam," or "Two points on the beam," oi*
quarter, as the case may be. Tlie next question is, "IIow far oil'?" which is quickly
answered. If near by, should it be calm weather, all hands are called, the sliip is
hauled aback, if noces.sary, and the boats are immediately dropped into the water
for the chase ; if a long distance olf, and a good breeze is blowing, all sail is sot
to reach the locality of the object of pursuit before lowering. The capture being
made (should there be a commanding breeze), the sliip is run alongside the whale;
or if it bo calm, the animal is towed to the vessel. Then the fluke -chain or flid<e-
rope is fastened (as at A, in the diagram showing the manner of cutting- in the

I!r.t!IlllER-HOOK AND FiN- CHAIN.

Bowhead and Right Whale), aiul is then hauled in througli the fl'': -(-chain chock,
which is at the bow, and well secured to the sampson-post, Die head of the animal
being toward the stern. The cutting- tackles, which comprise two heavy purchases,
arc then sent aloft, and shackled to chain or rope pendants at the mainmast-
head, where they are placed in position by rope guys from the foremast- head, and
the falls of the cutting- tackles are then taken forward to the windlass. The cut-
ting-stage, which is so constructed as to admit of the officers standing upon it
immediately over the carcass when using the cutting- spades, is put over tlie side
and lowered into position; meanwhile, the rest of the cutting- gear is being got in
readiness, which consists of toggles, spades, boarding and leaning knives, gaffs,
pikes, blubber -hooks, head-straps, fin-chain, throat- toggle, hoad-axos, etc. If the
prize bo a Right Whale, or Bowhead, the fin-chain is put on the fin, as at B (in

THE AMERICAN WHALE- FlSHEllY.

Mabimi: MAHUALa,— iOi

234

MARINE MAM3fALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

diagram of Bowhead); one of the cutting- tackles is then hooked or shackled into
the ring at II ; the fall to the tackle is then taken to the windlass and hove taut,
which brings the whale fairly on its side; then, with a cutting- spade, a hole is
cut in the root of the lip at F, and a scarf is cut along the lower jaw-bone from
E to D. A blubber- hook being shackled to the second cutting- tackle, it is over-

Head-Stkai',

hauled down, and hooked into the hole in the lip, and the tackle is then hauled
taut by means of the windlass, and a man with a cutting- spade cuts the lip from
the jaw-bone as it is being hoisted up; and when coming to the end of the jaw,
near D. it is cut off and hove in on deck. A scarf is then cut through the blub-

TiiROAT- Chain Toggle.

Toggle.

ber, across one side of the head forward of the eye,

around under the fin, and across the body ; and the

fin is then raised by the first cutting-tackle, which

is the starting-point of the first blanket - piece ; the

•'knuckle -joint" being disconnected from the shoulder-

l)lade with the "piece" from the body bj* cutting the

tendons, which conne^^t between the flesh and the blubber. This is called "leaning

up ;" and when the piece is hove up, so as to bring the whale's back up, the

"head-strap" is rove through the spout-holes between the skull-bone and the

blubber, as seen in the diagram at OG ; then with an axe the skull is cut through

to the epout-holos, on one side. This being done, the blanket-piece is raised still

higher, and the other cutting- tackle is hooked to the head-strap and hove taut;

when the skull -bone is cut on the other side, and the head with the baleen

attached is hove up and lowered on deck. As soon as the piece comes high

•Mil

THE AMERICAN WHALE- FISHERY.

235

enough to fasten the tackle under the fin, the order is given to "board," which i.«
done in the following manner : The second tackle, which took in the head, now
being free and again ready for use, a boat-steerer or officer cuts a hole in the
blanket -piece well down to the plank -sheer, and through this hole the strap of the
tackle is thrust, and a heavy wooden glut, called a toggle, is passed through the
thimble of the block -strap (as seen in the accompanying figure), which secures it
firmly to the blanket-piece and completes the "board." Then the order is given to

"take to and heave away," when the fall of the tackle is
taken around the windlass and hauled taut, the men at
the windlass -brakes heave upon the tackle until the sec-
ond blanket -piece is raised two feet or more above the
plank -sheer, and the first is cut ofl' and lowered down
the m-" hatch into the blubber- room. The second
blanket -piece is then hove up, until the whale again lies
on its side, when the other lip is taken in by the same
process. The carcass is now turned back down, by heav-
ing up on the piece, and in doing this, the throat -blub-
ber is cut clear from that of the trunk ; and with a
spade, a hole is made through both the throat and
tongue, when the throat -chain toggle is inserted
at C, as seen in the diagram. The tackle being
hooked to the ring of the chain, the throat is cut
from the flesh that adheres to it as it is drawn up,
and when hoisted high enough, it is lowered on
deck, or into the blubber -room. Then the body,
blubber is cut in spiral folds — as represented in
the diagram by diagonal lines — and rolled off
down to the dotted lines behind the vent, where
the whole flesh of the carcass is cut through ; and
the backbone being unjointed, the main portion
of the mutilated remains of the animal floats clear of the ship, or it sinks to the
depths beneath. The residue of the fatty covering of that portion of the creature
known as tiie small, is soon stripped. The flukes arc cut off close to the fluke,
chain, and the chain hauled in, which completes the modus operandi of cutting-in a
whalebone whale. The animal having been cut in, the head, being on deck, is
next cleared away. This is done by stripping the blubber from the skull -bone;
then, with spades and axes, the baleen or bone is cut, with the gum, from the

ClTTINC. -TACKLE TOGGLED TO THE
lU.ANKKTI'IKCE.

236 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

jaw, in sections of several layers, and stowed below, where it remains until an
opportunity occurs, in fine weather, to again take it on deck, when the slabs are
separated and the gum scraped off; after which they are washed and dried, and
when packed in bundles, are ready for market.

But the cutting - in of a Sperm Whale differs materially from that of the
whalebone whale, although it would appear that the latter was forced into nearly
every conceivable posture, during the systematic process of mutilation in order to
obtain its covering ; yet, in addition, the lifeless form of the Sperm Whale is
made to assume a nearly vertical attitude during the course of flensing, as it
was wont to do when filled with animation. The first procedure after the animal
is fastened co the ship by the fluke-chain and head -rope, is to cut a hole through
the blubber, between the eye and fin, at A, as seen in the accompanying outline
sketch ; then, after cutting the scarfs on each side and around the end of the first
blanket -piece, a blubber- hook, attached to one of the cutting -tackles, is inserted
into the hole at A, and the piece raised by means of the tackle until the whale is
rolled on its side ; then the line of separation between the upper jaw and junk is
cut, as from L to C, and if a large whale, the line of separation is cut between
the junk and case, as from B to E, and a cut is made across the root of the case
from E to F ; a scarf is also made around the root of the lower jaw, from near
the corner of the mouth to G. A chain -strap is then put on the jaw near H, and
hooked or shackled to the second cutting- tackle, and raised by that purchase;
while the other tackle, attached to the piece, is slackened off if need be, so as to
let the whale roll upon its back ; when, by means of the tackle attached, and by
cutting away the tongue and the adiicring flesh, the jaw is wrenched from its
socket, and placed on deck. This being accomplished, the first tackle, whicli is
attached to the piece, is hove up by means of the windlass until the whale is
rolled over to its opposite side, when the lines of separation are cut to correspond
to those made opposite ; holes are then morticed through the head close to the
upper jaw-bone near I, at the end of the junk near J, and at the root of the case
near K, and through those holes straps are rove, and lines are made fast to those
of the junk and case. The second cutting -tackle is then hooked in the strap which
is around the upper jaw at I ; the fluke -chain is slackened off, and the first tackle
fastened to the piece is lowered, when all hands heave on the head -tackle, forcing
the whale down again, and thus bringing the creature's head up, and the body
nearly to a vertical position. The officers upon the cutting - stage, with their keen
spades, cut away between the bones and junk from L to C ; and the enormous
weight of the whole fatty mass of the head hanging down, opens the gash between

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY.

237

o
•n

X
0

-)
m

0
I

238 MARINK 2IAMMALS OF THE XORTII-WESTERN COAST.

it and the skull -bono; then, cutting across the end of the junk and root of the
case, from E to F, oomplotcs the process of cutting off the head, which is tempo-
rarily made Aist to the ship's quarter. The fluke- chain is then hauled in again,
and the blubber is rolled from the body in the same manner as that of a baleen
whale, until coming to the region of the small, when it is unjointed just behind
the vent, and the remaining posterior portion of the animal is hoisted on board in
one mass. The head, as it is termed, is then hauled to the gangway, and one of
I the tackles is hooked into the junk -strap at J, and by means of this cutting-

i tackle purchase, the head is tak«n in whole, if the whale is under forty barrels ;

but if over that size, it is raised sufficiently out of the water to cut the junk from
the case, when it is hoisted on deck. The case is then secured by one or both
tackles, hove up to the plank -shoe;', and an opening is made at its root, of a
suitable size to admit the case- bucket, when the oil is bailed out, or the v. hole
case is hove in on dock before being opened, which finishes the cutting- in of a
Sperm Whale.

The entire blubber being now on board, preparations arc immediately made for
trying -out the oil. The blanket -pieces are cut into horse -pieces, which are about
fifteen or eighteen inches long, and six or eight inches in breadth and thickness.
Any flesh termed "lean," or "fat-lean," that may adhere to the horse-pieces, is cut
off with leaning- knives ; and being thus prepared, the blubber is transported in

strap-tubs to the mincing-horse — where the

ordinary two-handled knife is used — or else

_ is taken to the mincing machine, where it is

NIINCING KNIFE. °

, cut crosswise into slices a quarter of an inch

I to a half inch in thickness; then it goes into a large mincing- tub, which completes

its preparation for boiling. From the mincing- tub it is pitched into the try -pots
with the blubber- fork, where the oil is extracted by boiling. During this process,

I. the minced blubber is frequently stirred, to prevent it from burning and settling

to the bottom of the pots ; and when the scraps are sufficiently browned to show

\ that the oil is well tried out, they are skimmed off with the skimmer into a rocep-

I tacle called the scrap -hopper, and, after the oil drains from them, they furnish an

I abundant supply of fuel for the fires.

'i From the pots, the oil is bailed with the bailer into a large copper tank

called a cooler; from the cooler, it passes through a cock into the deck -pot; and
from the deck- pot the casks are filled. When a cask is full, it is rolled off and
headed up, and in rough weather it is lashed to the ship's rail for greater secu-
rity. The oil, after passing through the cooler and deck -pot, is still very hot, if

THE AMERICAN WIIALE-FISIIEHY.

239

the blubber is being tried out rapidly ; and for this reason, the casks, when first
filled, require the constant attention of the cooper, as tlie hoops have to be fre-
quently driven, to prevent leakage. The oil taken from the case of the Sperm
Whale is sometimes put into casks without boiling ; but, usually, it is carefully
scalded with the junk and a porticn of the hump, and when put into casks, it
is known as head, or head -matter. After the oil becomes cool, it is run through
a hose into empty casks, which have been prepared with great care, and securely
stowed in the hold, or they arc lowered and stowed after being filled on dock.

The whole "fare" having been stowed down, the decks are cleaned up, and
with lyo (which is leeched from cinders and ashes taken from the furnaces of the
try-works), the ship is thoroughly washed, as well as the soiled clothing of the

■tirrfMirtiMffiitfi^iiitol^

-♦'*k^SJ?a5i.^

'-"•■-" '•'"-•■'-"•-•"-•"irTtrtrfifiilliMliiS^^

I. Blubber-fork. 2. Stirkixo-pole. 3. Skimmer. 4. Bailer. 5. Fire-pike.

crew, when everything fore and aft again wears an aspect of order and cleanliness.
Notwithstanding the great labor involved in obtaining the oil from a whale after
its capture, ships have often been filled in a very short sjiace of time. In former
years, it was no unusual occurrence for both sperm and right whalers to get
"blubber -logged," which is the expression used when as many whales are caught
at one time as can possibly be cut in and tried out ; and at the present day, in
the Arctic Ocean, whales are so scarce, that, in order to secure a good catch, if
opportunity presents, as it may the last of the season, the whole between- decks of
the ship is frequently filled with blubber before much boiling is done. At such
times, it is necessary to drive the work, and often eighty or one hundred barrels
of oil have been tried out and stowed down in twenty- four hours, an'' in a few
weeks many an empty ship has been filled, or has secured a good catch.

CHAPTER IV.
AMERICAN WHALING COMMERCE.

It has ever been a subject of interest to Ud to conteii-plate the advancement
of commerce by sea, from the time of the barbarian sailors up to the present cent-
ury, when every ocean is teeming with magnificent modals of naval architecturci
which are the pride of maritime nation" Yet, is tbyre any sea-faring pursuit
recorued in history which has displayed a more legitimate, energetic, and intelligent
character than the whale-fishery? To be cast upon the ocean, far from land, in
an open boat, is considered a perilous sit'iation ; but what may it be regarded,
when, in a slight, frail hoy, like the whctlo-boat, we find the primitive whale-
men in the same situntion, attacking, with 'ude weapons, these monsters of the deep
upon their own feeding and breedirc gi funds? Moreover, these adventurous men
were succc&jful in making their captures, and, after patient toil by day and night,
brought their colossal prizes over tne water to their village shores. With such
impetuous daring did they pursue t;ioir precarious calling, that but few years elapsed
before the whales of value vrcre driven from the borders into mid -ocean, where
they were pursued in mere shallop? of thirty to fifty tons, into which the crews
wore crowded ; and when a suflicient number of captures had been marie to
supply n. full fare of blubber, the pigmy vessels returned to the home s'lores,
apparently transformed into a mass of slimy whale -fat, above which peer-id the
weather-worn sails. And, as years passed on, in still larger ships, they pressed
forward, contending with every danger incident to the life of u sailor, upon
unknown waters and in unhealthy climes, until a voyage around the world became
as legitimate in the course of their professional lives, as was the launching of boats
through the surf to pursue the game neai shore, over a hundred years before.

As the fishery increased, several of the larger whaling -ports became distin-
guished for pursuing some particular branch of this commerce. Nantucket was
noted for its sperm whalerr who performed long voyages, maintained excellent
discipline, and their ships, bting genoially confined to the temperate or tropical
latitudes during their cruises, were examples of cleanliness and good management.

(Ml

pilS**IJ5JJPB^9l"«»PIW»"P'!»fPB»PffJ?«W»T'?"W!»M«?pH^^

int: AMEh]C.:S 'niM.E-FUllEHT,

24!

t'r. •■ii.t.-el.o'vri Ikks ev< r iunMi forpinqs!; Ui ;■ Ju't tui; >^.)ih i'eo^t ^r [.luin-jiVitMingers,
.1^. iii wbulidg jiiiia-i', "'piUiii- j> i-di. -fi, •.ff-if-h *■■.! &m»ll vcssi , . !nj)'n\'":I nn
/.rr ,())iif;'i\<! in (Ik- At.lnit.i.' O''^;. < ^.w t-u vi^-j^in? havo , i, , mcl Uil'
Mi-o, r iior-ni?i} r..r jirosociili'ij' th-.^ ;.;;rl-f '>''"::,i!'' f'''-'!»j!rj, i» t w^ ,.<,rh v,-at.crp
t)t* 'li'/h i>.iil".''l''.-, lUi'-l pursuing' i!)<.' -'.is* .•'.' .,i.'.-i!'C ul-" '. t|jv ''m ;i^ ^ iilicirc.s ol'
Kcrj^fiii'lou' r.iM.iJ, 'ho Cnvi^ft's ami Ifu"'' (■ !-'i..>.il-\ «c.iU*.i-»! ;> ;*•-: *:•., i!!'ii--in

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'fi'ii iviu'lil- Whnli; ;i [if>!-v ; Sill.! %'(>>/ JMi'ltiVtl, 1,1 ([,, cause of hm fib.M.i'i.tin- ,■{ iho
.■Xi-'CNitci j)( riifiit -f l!)t' wl'iiiiiL? rai'i!);' f ■■! f Uio fTiiiti'il i-^mtoH. prosoculo'J lii'
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(?!" ^sl*•v■i !' \-t.\:,\ < < \h t y*\ :i, '.(.Un,.. ■ :,.;vt>* ,.i> .-?, ,-'\-. f,-M-i 'ithi r qiiixrUrs,

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'•f l;H'-,r- i.'Iu— . liDV liii,- (.Illy !'<■> f-jiuti! ;
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I^l\t'r, !',);i,l .in;!, (icldi ■:' Jli!', '"V,-. ., tl ''«f-. )( •

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Tty-si-. \vh:iliiii;- vos'- 'i-:, i 1' \:\\.\\ ,\\) .. '• . ■ ,i, -"i..ii-if.l ■■ \ wt-f-. Trov •

clijw.rb --■'(iiiK'ru;i iif At!, .11',. .■..ti(.!>. > ' <«■ '. miii mov, u .. ^,.«,.')^, nluch

■'iUj4<.'i,i in (ho ngsTf. «:,|i. I,;"'! -..i,,* , x j. ^ .u I'Vihrvmry I'-it. niiir.ti'oii v ^s*.|,.<,
• .'w iMjin'-'ily iiMiUbln'i to \ ■.''■ liii,.'. ' . 'li, u'Vinvii, in l^.Vl, Im ■! liy.- la:>; •
'.'.tif* i'^ ili<; I'm ilic, in. .111. litivr I'l lit. Ai n^i'"; in ?k7". pni>- flii . roi iKii.'.i
^•■' / ^hu'') Wi'i'i' ill poH ; ulcl 'iVt>r<!pi't •'•'i:'h \\:\A a , ipiath'.a " i !■ ■ \\
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l« ■•^

lA'

IHE AMEBIC AN WHALE-FISHERY. 241

Provincetown has ever been foremost with her numerous fleet of plum-puddingers,
or, in whaling phrase, "plum-pu-dn-rs," which are small vessels, employed on
short voyages in the Atlantic Ocean. New Londoners have been, and still
are. renowned for prosecuting the Right Whale fishery, in the rough waters
of high latitudes, and pursuing the Sea Elephant about the forbidding shores of
Kerguelen's Land, the Crozets, and Hurd's Islands, situated far south in the Indian
Ocean ; and also in contending with the northern ice and snow of Davis Strait
and Hudson's Bay, in search of the Bowhead and the White Whale. Sag Harbor
and Stonington likewise employed many of their ships in the northern and south-
ern Right Whale fishery ; and New Bedford, in the course of her absorption of the
greater portion of the whaling commerce of the United States, prosecuted the
enterprise in its various branches all over the ocean world, by availing herself of
the services of many of the best whaling- masters and officers from other quarters,
thus combining the highest energy and skill for the successful prosecution of the
fisher}'. But, with all the judicious management of the merchants, and the unpar-
alleled vigor and tact put forth by the seamen, our whale-fishery, as previously
stated, has been for years on the decline; and the first famous whaling- port of
America — Nantucket — wliicii once boasted of her hundred fine ships, has now
disposed of her last whaler — the R. L. Barstow — at that port of recruit, Payta,
wliich is as familiar to all sperm -wlialomen as that ui Tumbez, where they went
for supplies of sweet potatoes, after obtaining their onions at the former place.
Sug Harbor, wliich in 1850 had twenty -three whalers, the majority of which were
of largo class, now has only two small brigs, which are employed on the Atlantic.
Stonington, Mystic, Greenport, Warren, Cold Spring, Seppican, Wareham, Fall
River, Falmouth, Holmes' Hole, Providence, Newport, L^nn, Quincy, ^lattapoisott,
Yarmouth, and Somerset, altogetlior mustered, in 1850, a fleet of ninety- two sails;
but, according to the Whalemen s SMiiping List, [)ublislied at New Bedford, February
4tli, 1873, there is not a single vessel engaged in whaling from any one of those
ports. Of the forty- eight vessels comprising the New London fleet of 1850, there
are left on the list of February 4tli, 187;'), only twenty. Fairhaven, in 1850, had
forty -six whaling -vessels, of which only five are retained in the business. Prov-
incetown's squadron of Atlantic cruisers, in 1850, numbered sixteen vessels, which
tonnnged in the aggregate 1,871 tons; it had in February, 1873, nineteen vessels,
whose capacity amormted to 1,GG1 tons. Edgartown, in 1850, had five large
whalers in the Pacific, and one brig in the Atlantic ; in 1873, only three remained,
two of which were in port ; and Westport, which had a squadron of fifteen vessels
in 1850, now (1873) has only eight. The great fleet of New Bedford, in 1850, num-

Mahimi Mahmali, — 91.

242

MARINE MAMMALS OF TUE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

bered two hundred and thirty -seven, which were principally whalers of the larger
class. It now has (1873) une hundred and twenty- nine. San Francisco, in 1853,
had ten vessels in the business, but the present year there is but one legitimate
whaling -craft sailing from that port. It may be regarded as a singular coinci-
dence, that Boston and New York, which repeatedly, in former years, attempted,
but failed, to successfully cstablisl: lie whaling business at citiier port, have
now (February 4th, 1873) six small vessels in the Atlantic and one in the Pacific
whale-fishery. Marion has three small schooners, Beverly one brig, Dartmouth
two ships, San Francisco one bark, which make up the whole American whaling-
fleet of the present day, consisting of twenty -six ships, one hundred and twenty-
five barks, twelve brigs, and thirty -eight schooners — in all, 47,378 tons.

The following prices have been taken from the MercJiants Magazine, and the
Whalemen s Shipping List of November, 1840; also from J. Ross Browne's work:

AvEUAOE Prices of Oil (peu gallon) and Bone (per pound), from 1835 to 1872, inclusive.

183.5.
1830.
1837.
1838 .
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
184G.
1847 .
1848.
1849 .
1850.
1851.
1852.
18,53.

Sperm Oil.

Wbalo on.

$0 84

$0 3G

1 GO

1 02\

1 00

30i

31.1

33J

341

OOi

3Gi

32J

875

33:^

1 OOi

1 09

1 m

1 27:}

45i

1 23i

G8S

1 24J

19 |l

193 '\

23 ^1

35 J il

331

31i

34i

341

50J

34.V

1854.
1855.
185G.
1857 .
1858.
1859.
18G0.
18G1.
18G2.
18G3.
18G4.
18G5.
18GG.
18G7.
18G8.
18G9.
1870.
1871.
1872.

Sperm Oil.

$1 48:j

1 77

1 G2

1 28i

1 21

1 3Gj

1 41^

1 3U

1 42i

1 01

1 78

2 25

2 55

2 33i

1 92

1 78

1 351

1 35

1 45,}

$0 58J
71
791
73^
54
481
49J
44}
591
95.}
1 28
1 45
1 21
73.}
82
1 01,1
07.}
CO
C51

$0 39}
45}
58
9G.1
92}
85
80}
GO
82
1 53
1 80
1 71
1 37
1 17i
1 02i
124
85
70
1 281

Following, wo give a tabular statement of the condition of the fishery for
thirty-eight years, beginning in 1835 and ending in 1872, inclusive:

mmM

■fliMtiillki^

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY.

243

YoarB.

Number of

BUIpxilua

Uwka.

NuoibtT

Brigii.

No. Scbrs.

and

Sloopl.

AKgregate
Tonn«(je.

Barrel!

Sperm Oil.

BuTeU

Whulo Oil.

Pounds

of
Bone.

Vsluo of Imports.

1835.

483

145,120

172,083

120,049

905,192

$ 0,108,997 92

183G.

488

150,209

132,130

131,170

1,028,773

5,733,530 21

1837.

490

150,909

181,724

219,138

1,753,104

7,357,553 31

1838.

495

159,723

131,850

227,010

1,783,848

0,157,037 52

1839.

498

100

109,983

150,000

230,000

Not Itendereil.

7,544,250 00

1840.

510

171,190

157,791

207,908

2,000,000

9,775,002 GO

1841.

535

191,707

159,304

207,348

2,000,000

7,084,087 70

1842.

542

195,833

105,037

101,041

1,000,000

0,829,788 90

1843.

578

198,754

100,985

200,727

2,000,000

0,497,587 04

1844.

595

200,147

139,594

202,047

2,532,445

6,523,384 01

1845.

043

218,055

157,917

272,730

3,107,142

9,128,235 07

1840.

078

233,189

95,217

207,493

2,270,939

5,.553,817 52

1847.

070

230,218

120,753

313,150

3,341,080

7,807,805 20

1848.

021

210,003

107,970

280,050

2,003,000

8,905,021 04

1849.

581

190,110

100,944

248,492

2,281,100

7,321,100 09

1850.

510

171,484

92,892

200,008

2,809,200

7,743,880 98

1851.

502

171,971

99,591

328,483

3,900,500

10,042,530 94

1852.

558

193,990

78,872

84,211

1,259,900

5,720,455 23

1853.

599

200,280

103,07"

200,114

5,052,300

10.730,037 94

1854.

002

208,399

73,G90

319,837

3,445,200

10,710,748 80

1855.

584

199,842

72,049

184,015

2,707,.500

9,391,182 98

1850.

585

199 Ml

80,941

197,890

2,592,700

10,589,844 74

1857.

593

204,209

78,440

230,iHl

2,058,900

10,491, .^r37 28

1858.

587

203,148

81,941

182,223

1,540,000

7.043,997 07

1859.

501

195,115

91,408

190,411

1,923,850

8,407,393 41

18C0.

508

170,842

73,708

140,005

1,337,050

0,555,700 05

1801.

459

158,740

08,932

133,737

1,038,450

3,233,393 15

1802.

372

125,405

55,041

100,478

703,500

5,001,088 49

18C3.

301

103,888

05,055

02,974

488,750

5,930,507 17

18C4.

258

88,754

04,372

I...03

700,450

7,875,002 50

18G5.

220

80,053

33,242

70,238

019,350

0,897,285 15

180C.

199

71,809

30,003

74,302

920,375

7, 037, 88 S 08

1807.

222

80,383

43,433

89,289

1,001,397

0,294,003 82

1808.

223

82,304

47,174

05,575

900,850

5,470,250 01

1809.

223

82,708

47,930

85,011

003,003

0,190,947 54

1870.

218

80,885

55,183

72,091

708,335

4,497,300 10

1871.

210

70,712

41,534

75,152

000,055

3,807,071 05

1872.

172

52,701

44,881

31,395

193,742

2,950,288 80

17,085

907

1,351

0,037,551

3,071,772

0,553,014

00,087,580

$272,274,910 27

2U MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

The average number of vessels employed annually for these years was five
hundred and twenty-four, aggregating 158,883 tons, and the amount of oil taken
yearly was a fraction over 96,025 barrels of sperm, and 172,448 barrels of whale ;
Tlie number of Sperm Whales required to produce this amount of sperm oil (allow-
ing them to average twenty -five barrels each) would be 3,865; add to this ten
per cent, for whales mortally wounded, lost after capture, etc., brings the number
up to 4,253, or thereabouts. The black whales annually destroyed, which includes
Right Whale-., Bowhcads, California Grays, and Humpbacks, allowing them to average
sixty barrels each, would make the number 2,875 ; add to this twenty per cent,
for whales lost, increases it to 3,450 ; so that the number of Sperm and black
whales annually destroyed was 7,703. According to this estimate, during the
thirty -eight years, there were no less than 292,714 whales captured or destroyed
by the American whaler's lance.

The history of !nany of the old whale -ships is of peculiar commercial inter-
est, large numbers of them having performed scores of voyages ui the merchant
service, or served as vessels of war, before being transformed into cruisers for oil
and bone. Among them was the ship Maria. This vessel was built at Pembroke
(now called Hanson), Mass., during the year 1782, for a privateer, but was pur-
chased by the celebrated wlialing merchant, William Rotch. It was one of the
first vessels to display tiie American flag in the Thames after the War of Indepen-
dence,"" being at that period employed as a freighter. The Maria concluded
her first whaling- voyage September 2Gth, 1775, and from that time continued in
the business for seventy years, during which service she performed twenty- seven
voyages. She sailed from New Bedford upon her last whaling- voyage under our
flag on the 29th of September, 1859 ; the oil taken in all these expeditions, includ-
ing eight hundred barrels on her final voyage, being 24,419 barrels of sperm, and
one hundred and thirty -four barrels of whale oil. The vessel was commanded and
officered by Xantucket-men while owned by Mr. Rotch; and after his decease, in
1828,t she passed into the hands of his descendants. On her last, unfinished
voyage mentioned above, she was sold at Talcahuano, Ciiile, February, 18G3, being
tlien eighty -one years old. At this epocii in her history, the venerable craft
clianged her namo and nationality, being christened the Maria Pacheco, and, instead

♦Preble, in his Ilislory of the American Flag In that case, to John Singleton Copley, of

(page 215), states that "The honor of dis- Boston, the American painter, and the father

playing our flag in England for the first time of the late Lord Lyndhurst, must be assigned

does not, however, rest with any vessel, if a the honor,"
printed representation of it can bo considered. f Vide Sanford's Letters.

I 1

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY. 245

of the "stars and stripes," the banner of Chile — red, whito-and blue, with its star,
emblems of republican power and prowess — was raised at her peak, when she
again resumed the work of a common carrier. But, in 18G6, she was fitted for a
whaling - voyage ; and it is asserted by one authority, that the Maria Pacheco found-
ered at sea in 1870 ; and another record maintains that she sunk at her anchors,
tiic same year, in the roadstead of Payta, at the advanced age of eighty- eight.
This memorable old vessel was one of those models which combined great capacity
with fast sailing, for her time: her length being "eighty -six feet; breadth, twenty-
three feet and one inch ; depth, eleven feet six and a half inches ; and measure-
ment, two hundred and two and twenty -ei^'ht ninety -fifths tons."

In 1820, a whale -ship was built at Plymouth, Mass., named the Mayflower.
This vessel made several voyages from that port, after which she was sold to a
firm in New Bedford; and in April, 1849, she was among the gold -fleet which
sailed for California, making a passage of one hundred and sixty -five days, enter-
ing the Golden Gate September 13th, and soon after rested on the mud -flat in front
of the then tented city of San Francisco. Here she was dismantled, mutilated, and
turned into a store-ship, and her cabin was transformed into convenient quarters
for a gentleman and his wife, where they made it a pleasant sub- aquatic residence.
The vessel was of that ancient build which presented a swelled stern and drooping
bow, with her masts standing plumb or pitching forward ; and the question was
frequently asked by passing gold -miners, on their way to the "diggings," if she
was really the ship that brought over the Pilgrims? It is said, too, by good
authority, that pieces of timber were taken from her sides, as soumdrs, by several
California adventurers, who believed her to bo the old Pilgrim ship of 1G20.
After being battered as a receptacle of merchandise for several years, the capacious
port which had been cut in her side was closed up, and she was again refitted for
a whaling-cruise; but the expedition proved to be unsuccessful, and she again
returned through the Golden Gate, with a broken voyage and in a leaky condition.
Soon after, however, she was turned into a lumber -carrier, and literally pumped
her way back and fortii between Puget Sound and San Francisco ; until, becoming
60 shattered that she could no longer efficiently perform sea voyages, was made to
transport lumber across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, to Victoria, in the time of the
Frazer River gold fever ; and, after a changing career of forty years, returned to
San Francisco, whore she was dismantled for the last time, and her hull broken up.

The question is frequently asked, What has become of the largo number of
whale -ships which were but a few years ago engaged in the fishery? In answer,
wo will state, that the scattered wrecks of many are found in every quarter of the

246 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

globe; while others have been sold into the merchant service, or broken up at
home. San Francisco Bay and Sacramento River were the last ports many of the
old ships made. The Charleston Bar swallowed up the stone fleet, which was
chiefly made up of old whalers; and the cruisers, during the Rebellion, destroyed
many valuable vessels while at sea; and, last of all, the ice of the Arctic made a
fell swoop upon the northern fleet, in the foil of 1871,

„^iMS&sitestiim

CHAPTER V.
CALIFORNIA SIIORE-WHALOG.

Although brief mention has been made in the Natural History department of
this work, relative to the shore -whaling along the coasts of Upper and Lower
California, jet it may be well to devote a chapter especially to this fishery.
California shore - whaling was commenced at Monterey, in the year 1851, by
Captain Davenport, formerly a whaling -master of much experience and enterprise.
The whales were pursued in boats from the shore, and when captured were towed
to the beach and flensed, much in the same manner, doubtless, as it had been
done by our New England whalers more than one hundred and fifty years ago.
At the point where the enormous carcass was stripped of its fat, arose the
"whaling station," where try -pots were set in rude furnaces, formed of rocks and
clay, and capacious vats were made of planks, to receive the blubber. Large
mincing-tubs, with mincing -horses and mincing -knives, cutting- spades, ladles,
bailers, skimmers, pikes, and gafis, with other whaling implements, surrounded the
try -works; and near by, a low structure, covered with brush -wood, constituted
the store -house for the oil. A light shanty, with four apartments, served the
purpose of wash-room, drying-room, store-room, and cooper's shop; and a sort of
capstans, termed "crabs," were used in lieu of the ship's windlass, whereby the
falls to the heavy cutting -tackk-s were hove -in, when fastened to the blanket-
piece, which served to roll the massive forms of the captured animals on the beach
during the process of flensing.

From this experiment of local whaling sprung up a system of shore or coast
whaling, which has been prosecuted for over twenty years, and which now extends
from Half Moon Bay (latitude 37° 30'), on the north, to Point Abanda (lati-
tude 32° 20'), in Lower California. At the present time, there are eleven
whaling parties scattered along this belt of coast, located at Half Moon Bay,
Pigeon Point, Monterey Bay (two), Carmel Bay, San Simeon, San Luis Obispo,
Goleta, Portuguese Bend (near San Pedro), San Diego, and Point Abanda. The
organization of each party is nearly on the same plan as that of the whale -ship's

[S47]

248 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

officers and crew — all being paid a certain share, or "lay," which corresponds to
the position or individual services rendered by each member. A "whaling com-
pany," as it is termed, consists of one captain, one mate, a cooper, two boat-
steerers, and eleven men; from these, two whale-boats arc provided with crews
of six men each, leaving four hands on shore, who take their turn at the lookout
station, to watch for whales, and attend to bf)iling out the blubber when a whale
is caught. The stock of the company consists of boats, whaling implements, and
whaling- gear, winch is divided into sixteen equal shares, and the "lay" of each
member is the same. The captain and mate, however, arc paid a bonus of two or
throe hundred dollars for the term of engagement, which is one year, and they
are also exempt from all expenses of the company.

The whaling year begins on the first of April, this being about the time that
the California Gray Whales have all passed toward the Arctic Ocean, and the
Humpback Whales begin their northern passage. The cruising limits of the local
whalers extend from near the shore -lino to ten miles at sea. At dawn of day,
the boats may bo seen, careening under a press of sail, or propelled over the
undulating ground -swell by the long, measured strokes of oars, until they reach
the usual whaling- ground, whore the daj' is passed plying to and fro, unless the
objects of pursuit are met with. Each boat is furnished with Greener's
harpoon -gun, mounted at the bow, besides the bomb -gun in general use, which
imparts to thorn more of a military appearance than the usual aspect of a whaling-
craft. Generally, whales are first seeu from the boats ; but occasionally they are
discovered by the man on watch at the station, who signals to the boats by means
of a flag elevated upon a j^ole, with which he runs toward the quarter where the
V hales are seen; or a series of signals are made from a tall flag- staff.

The cetaceous animals frequenting the coast, having been so long and con-
stantly pursued, arc exceedingly wild and difficult to approach ; and were it not
for the utility of Greener's gun, the coast fishery would be abandoned, it being
now next to impossible to "strike" with the hand- harpoon. At the present time,
if the whale can be approached within thirty yards, it is considered to be in reach
of the gun -harpoon. Wiien the gunner fires, if he hits his game, the next effort
made is to haul up near enough to shoot a bomb -lance into a vital part, which,
if it explodes, completes the capture ; but, if the first bomb fails, the second or
third one does the fatal work. The prize is then towed to the station ; and if it
bo night, it is secured to one of the buoys placed for the purpose, a little way
from the surf, where it remains until daylight, or until such time as it is wanted, to
bo stripped of i.s blubber. The whales generally taken by the shore parties are

THE AMEItlCAX WII A LK - FWIl KUY

240

Mabtne Mammals.— :W.

260

MAltlNE MAMMALS OF TII^ NOBTJI-WESTERN COAST.

Humpbacks, and California Grays ; but occasionally a Right Whale, a Finback, or a
Sulphurbottom is captured.

The localities of :'everal of the stations are quite picturesqiio. Some of them
are nearly concealed from seaward view, being inside some rocky reof, or behind a
jagged point, with its outlying rocks, upon which each successive wave dashes its
foam, as if forbidding the approach of ship or boat. The one which most inter-
ested us is half- hidden i;' u little nook, on the southern border of the Bay of
Carmel, just south of Point Pinos. Scattered around the foot-hills, which come to
the water's edge, are the neatly whitewa hed cabins of the whalers, nearly all of
whom are Poitugueso, from the Azoro« or "Western Islands of the Atlantic. They
have their families with them, and keep a pig, sheep, goat, or cow, prowling
around the premises; these, with a small garden-patch, yielding principally corn
and pumpkins, make :ip the general picture of the hamlet, which \^ a paradise to
the thrifty clan in comparison with the lioinos of their childhood. It is a pleasant
retreat from the rough voj-ages experienced 3i\ boai'd the wliale-ship. The sur-
rounding natural scenery is l)roken into majestic spurs and peaks, like their own
native isles, with the valley of the Rio Caimel a little beyond, expanded into
landscajie loveliness.

Under a precipitous bluff, clof^e to the water's edge, is the !3tation ; where,
upon a stone -laid quay, is erected tlio whole establishment for cutting- in and
trying-out the blubl)er of the whales. Instead of rolling them upon the
beach, as is usually done, the cutting- tackles are suspended from an elevated beam,
whereby the carcass is rolled over in the water — when undergoing the process of
flensing — in a manner similar to tliat alongside a ship. Near by are the try-
works, sending fi^un volumes of thick, l)lack smoke from the scap-fire under tlie
steaming cauldrons of boiling oil. A little to one '<ide is the primitive store-
house, covered with cypress boughs. Jioats are hanging from davits, f;omc resting on
the quay, while others, fully equipped, swing at their moorings in the bay. Sea-
ward, on the crest of a cone-shaped hill, stands the signal-pole of the lookout
sta.ion. Add to this tl>e cutting at the shapeless and lialf-putriil mass of a muti-
lated whale, together with the men shouting anu heaving on the capstans, the
screaming of gulls and c/t'icr sea-fowl, mingled with th< noise of the surf about
the si^ores, and we have a jiicture of the general life at . California coast- wlialing
stition,

Tiio aggregate amomif of oil tidcen l»y the several shore })arties, since their
first establishment, miiy be estimated at not less than 05,000 barrels; of this
amount, 75,000 barrels have l)een obtained from the California Gray Whales, and

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY. 251

20,000 barrels from the Humpbacks, Finbacks, and Sulphurbottoms. The value of
the oil may be placed at about thirteen dollars a barrel, which would give a gross
amount ff $1,242,800, or an annual product for twenty-two years of $56,490. To
obtain this oil, not loss than 2,100 California Grays, and eight hundred Humpbacks
and other whalebone whales, were robbed of their fatty coverings. If we add to this
one -fifth for the number of whales that escaped their pursuers, although mortally
wounded, or were lost after being killed cither by sinking in deep water or
through stress of weather, we shall swell the catalogue to 3,552. To this add one-
eighth for unborn young, and the whole number of animals destroyed would be
3,990, or about one hundred and eighty- one annually. This may be regarded as
a low estimate ; doubtless the number of these creatures destroyed every year
by the enterprising California whalemen far exceeds the above estimate. But
this peculiar branch of whaling is rapidl}- dying out, owing to the scarcity of
the animals which now visit the coast ; and even these have become exceedingly
difficult to approach.

CHAPTER VI.
LIFE AND CIIAHACTERISTICS OF AMERICAN WHALEMEN.

In tiikiiig a general view of winding life, we find it replete with incidents of
daring adventnre, hardsliip, nnd deprivation. The vessels first employod in deep-
sea whaling were so contraeted, that no degree of comfort could be afforded to
(heir crews, wlio, l\y sIi'mt, ambitious hardihood, maintained existence on board
during (lieir short voyages. As the pursuit became extended, requiring larger
vessels, the barks and brigs of the iishers were much improved, while the
absence from tlieir native shores was more prolonged. At this period a system
for litting out vessels for long voyages was inaugurated, as well as the establish-
ment of eflective discipline on board, for which well-regulated whale-ships have
always been noted; and the whale-fishery steadily advanced under the judicious
management of tiiose able and systematic business gentlemen, whoso names have
long since become as f;imiliar in the remotest parts of the ocean world, as the
ships named in their honor. The broad expanse of the Atlantic soon became too
limited a field for the vast enter^jrise, and in consequence of this, the fourth
epoidi in the fishery was inaugurated, when still larger vessels were sent out to
search the nearly unknown waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. These vessels
doultled Capes Horn and Ciood Hope, in their wanderings, whicii were so pro-
tracted, under the most favorable auspices, that the "green hands," many of
wiiom never had snulVed the ocean's breezes until afioat on board a whaler,
returned to their New England or Western homes, transformed into seamen and
whalemen.

The Capo Horn and Indian Ocean voyages were at first of comparatively short
duration ; but as the pursuit was followed to more distant seas, three years or
more passed away bel'nre the return of these cruisers.* During this long absence,

*Tlio uporm- whaling voyuf^oH wore tho most Piicific, which wna niiiUHin<»ly ilhistrntivo of llio

Iirotnictcil mill (cilidus. Soiiio forty yours ii^jo, diet luul riicrffy of lior limstor in iiiaiiiif:;iiit»

lui iuciilciil tninsjiiixHl on boiinl a spcrni wlmlc- afluirM, iiftor wearing' away nearly a wlioln sca-

fliip, while cruising about the equator, in tho Hon with intliflcruut huccchs. Near tho close ot

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY.

253

an occasional vessel would bring them news from home. Reallj', the only legiti-
mate means of communication, in early times, was by the outward-bound and
homeward-bound ships;* and as a natural result, a system of transmitting letters
was faithfully carried out. Speaking and visiting between whale -ships was a uni-
versal practice; and a custom of signaling and "gamming" was established, to pre-
vent, as far as possible, any detriment to the voyage. A ship desiring to speaic
with another, out of ordinary signal distance, would haul up her mainsail ; and the
vessel with the wind free would bear up and run down to the new-comer on the
ground, who, being hauled aback, awaited the approach of the visitor. There is,
usually, considerable formality observed in these casual communications, especially
if between strangers. The captain of the ship making the signal to speak, hails
hrst, and asks whatever questions ho may desire ; after which, the master of tlie
other vessel docs likewise, and mutual invitations are exchanged to visit. If either
accept, the rule is for the chief mate of the ship visited by a captain, to
return, in the same boat, on a visit to his executive officer. If whales are raised
during the time of ganiaiing, the vessels generally "mate," in order that all
shall have a motive in working together effectively ; and, if there has been no
previous agreement to meet the exigency, a flag is hoisted at the peak jf the

the cruise, the supply of fresh water had he-
come nlnrmingly short for the allotted time
before returniug to port. This was a source of
regret, with both officers nnd men, as it was
hoped they could fill the ship before the season
terminated ; and the captain would not have
listened for a moment to the proposition to put
the crew on a short allowance, had it been sug-
gested. Ho, however, ordered a drinking -cup
made, so as to bo easily secured to, or detached
from, the royal-mast head. Having placed it
in its exalted position, all hands were mustered,
and given to understand that they would have
their regular allowance of tea and lofVeo served
night and morning; but when anyone (includ-
ing himself) desired to cjuench his thirst during
the (lay, ho nuist go aloft, get tho drinkiiig-
cup, bring it on dock, obtain and drink the
water (witliout spilling a drop), then take it
back and place it at tho mast-head again. The
uarrator of this episode jocosely remarked that,

' ' It was wonderful to observe what a ' per-
suader' against too much diinking was tho
exercise of 'shinning' to tho rjyal truck twice,
for a pot of water." And, by this means, the
supply held out; and before tht end of the
cruise, tiiny imi)roved the timely opporUsi^y of
filling every empty cask with oil, and trimmed
their sails for tho homeward passage.

* Post Office Bay, upon the north-western
side of Charles Island, took its name from the
custom establislied by tho whalers (before it
was inhabited), of depositing letters in a box,
placed upon a post for tho purpose ; ' ' and
homeward-bound ships," says Findlay, in his
Soiilh Piwijw Jhirrlorij, "examined the directions,
taking with tlirm all which they might have the
moans of forwarding." A similar place of de-
posit f(U' letters was established on tho island
of Juan Foriiandez. We have hoard, too, that
a letter-box was at one time posted on tho
island of New Zealand.

25-t MAHINE mammals of tub NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

captain's ship, which familiar sign (especially on Sperm Whale ground) is readily
understood ; and when the boats arc lowered for the chase, the visiting captain
takes charge of the mate's boat of the ship ho is on board, and the executive officer
visiting heads the captain's boat. If successful in capturing whales, the oil they
obtain is divided. It was rarely, however, that a distant signal was made for the
sole purpose of gamming ; but the desire for letters from mothers, fathers, wives,
children and other relatives, and friends, was sometimes irresistible. During these
occasional meetings, not onl}' is there an exchange of news verbally, but also an
exchange of books and other reading matter that either ship can supply. It is a
spirited sight, on a rough sea (or, as is sometimes said, "when too rugged to
whale, but just right for a gam"), to watch these fragments of the commercial
world, with swelling sails, surging over the breaking waves, until brought into
close communion ; and to observe the formal salutes between their commanders,
while "speaking ship;" or, if they are old acquaintances, to witness the boisterous
and hearty mutual greetings, heralded through trumpets, together with the
general desire of everyone to associate, oven for an hour, with some person

\ besides his comrades, who are confined with him on his own reeling deck. Next to

the joy of being on the return passage, with everything full, is the meeting of the
old-time, voyage -worn whaleman, with a ship just out from homo. Letters are
received, and perhai)s l)ooks and stores of other reading material, fresh to them,
after having been borne half-way round the glo1)e, for the space of six months
(l)erhaps a year), are ravenously devoured; and a hundred and one inquiries are
made about "How were things when you left home?" "What was the price of oil
and bone?" "Wore any new ships fitting out?" "Was there any danger of a war?"
etc. A whole day was often spent under such gladsome circumstances; and the
officers and men, passing and repassing to each other's vessels, always observed
the same rules with regard to changing boats' crews as did their superiors. In
these pleasant meetings, no efi'ort was spared on the part of the hosts to enter-
tain tiiei'- guests mosc hospitaltly. The cabin table was spread with the l)est tlio
ship cotild afi'ord ; many a plump porker of Oceanica, or a choice terrapin from

1 the Galapagos, was sacrificed, and a general feast enjoyed fore and aft.""

In the course of these prolonged voyages, there was hardly a ship's company

*It may bo noted that boiuo etiquette was orij,'inatecl from the nature of the work when

observctl at (ho table, peculiar to the whulin;^ takin(» oil, their outer pannontH nocesHarily bo-

Horvice, where all apiieared at the board cominf,' soiled. Hence, when couiiui,' to the table

in their shirt - Hleeves ! This is said to have at meal time, the jacket or coat was thrown aiiido.

,..™i— -•*

THE AMERICAN WHALE -FISUERY. 255

which did not experience many changes ; men were lost through casualties, died of
disease, deserted, or were exchanged, sometimes discharged, and frequentl}- a smart
3''outh would be promoted to an advanced position liofore Jus first voyage termi-
nated. Anyone who gave promise of the requisites for a good whaleman had but
little difficulty in shipping as a boat-steerer on the second voyage. At first, as
has been previously stated, the colonial whaling- craft were manned almost exclu-
sively by the colonists and Indians ; but at length the fleet became so numerous,
that, in a majority of cases, it was only practicable to obtain Americans for the
principal officers, the rest of the ship's company being made up, as one might say,
of all nations ; and not luifrequently, in the forecastle, would be found runaway
American youths of the best blood, ambitious farmers' sons from the interior, who
were intent on becoming sea-captains, together with criminals in disguise, and
hapless emigrants from the old country — Portuguese from the Azores, and negroes
from the Cape de Yerdes'"' — altogether making up a motley crew, which could only
be controlled by strict discipline, ifuch has been written about the duplicity and
sharp dealing of the owners of whaling - vessels, and the heartless severity of
whaling-captains; but it is found that the authors of these glaring complaints
were usually impracticable or discontented characters, who went drifting about
the world witli no fixed purpose of action, being generally dissatisfied with them-
selves and everyone witli whom they came in contact — more especially if subjected
to their control ; or they were of that class who imagined they could make a con-
venience of the vessel to sail around the world — their chief object being to gratify
their curiosity in sight-seeing, regardless of the faithful discnarge of their duties —
or, to say the least, they took no interest in the success of the voyage ; hence
tlieir view of everything pertaining to whaling presented no pleasing features.
Unfeeling and nnpiincipled men are sometimes found holding the responsible posi-
tions of mates and masters of whaling -vessels, as may bo found in all other
branches of the marine service; l)ut that the majority of whaling-masters are
unjust and tyrannical to those under their command, is a libel on their humane
characters. It is not surprising that the discontented adventurer regards the [irac-
tical discipline on shipboard as severe, and the commanding bearing of the officers
as unnecessary. On the other hand, the officers, who have learned by (heir pro-
tracted schooling in a hardy and perilous profession that the success of the voyage

*It liin been a frcncvnl custom for outward- of vpgctablps niut frcKli in'ovisions; (iiut nt Biich

bound whalers to call at the Azores, or at the times they iiiado up their complement of men,

Cape de Yerdes, if the Heas<in of the year was if full crews had not been shipped at homo

favorable, for the jjurpouc of obtaining supplies jiorts.

256 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NOR'lH-WESTERN COAST.

depends upon the prompt performance of ull duties, and they hold in utter
contempt those malcontents, who, as faithful Jack terms it, "are in everybody's
mess and in nobody's watch." It is to the interest of the commander of a
whaler, to keep his crew in good Ui^art and spirit ; to this end they must be well
fed, and otherwise made as comfortable as circumstances will permit. If the.:e
sanitary measures are not carried out, sickness and discontent ensue, which defeat
tlie object of the expedition. On an average, the whale -ship's company is not
actually on duty more than eight hours out of the twenty -four, and they are pro-
vided with an abundance of wholesome and substantial food, and as good quarters
as the vessel will afford. If duty permits, during the hours from four to eight
o'clock in the evening, all hands, except those immediately engaged in sailing the
vessel, are allowed to amuse themselves in any way they please, so long as the
ship is not disgraced.

When cruising for whales, the day's work begins and ends as regularly as the
sun rises and sets; and a vessel engaged in sperm -whaling may remain on one
cruising- ground for months (sometimes nearly half the year) without "breaking
black -skin" — a whaler's term for not having an opportunity to harpoon a whale —
and with nothing to change the monotony of the surrounding sea and sky view,
except a transient sail, or some consort, who may have been more fortunate than
herself, sending forth the signal of good luck in wreaths of blackened smoke from
the try -works. During these discouraging times, if there is any insubordinate
element in human nature, it is very sure to manifest itself in no mild form ; and
he is no ordinary man, although he may be a good disciplinarian, who can
command and maintain implicit obedience. From the moment the captain steps
upon the quarter-deck, until the voyage terminates, ho loads a life of constant care
and anxiety, for the expedition is fraught with uncertainty as to its results ;
moreover, his compensation for years of watchful toil, as well as of those under
his command, depends entirely upon the amount of cargo gathered from the ocean.
And, in these times of adversity, the indefatigable qualilications of the Ameri-
can whaling- master arc promptly brought out; for, with the co-operation of the
owner at home, who has well "fitted" his ship, the finale of the voyage is crowned
with success. A landsman can not imagine the disheartening situation of the
whalers, after months of watchfulness, from "sun to sun," when not even the
shadow of a whale is seen; but when the spout of the long- sought prey is discov-
ered in the distance, and the welcome cry of the men on the lookout is heard, the
ship, fore and aft, becomes the scene of hopeful excitement. All hands are called
— or they are already on deck without calling orders are vehomontly given and

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THE AMERICAN WIIALE-FIiSUERY. 257

responded to. The boats are in readiness; they are "hoisted and swung;" and
when the time comes for "lowering," they are dropped into the water with every
man in his place. Springing to the oars, the boats bound over tlio waves ; and in
approaching the whale, the officer of the boat in advance carefully "cons" his little
craft, and orders the "harpooniersman" by word or motion, to stand ready, with his
weapon poised, as a rattling, rippling sound is heard, and a huge black form breaks
the water, with the harsh, ringing noise of its first respiration. Instantly the deadly
spear flies from ready hands, and plunges into the manunoth creature. Tiie water
is lashed into a pyramid of bloody foam, the boat is "fast," and the whale in
vain endeavors to escape by running over the surface of the sea, then diving to
tiie depths below ; but its human pursuers still cling to the line attached to the
fatal harpoon. The whale rises again to the surface, in some degree exhausted.
Another boat approaches, and darts its murderous weapons, and the pursuit is con-
tinued with renewed vigor. When, at last, a vital part is pierced, the animal
deeply crimsons its pathway with its remaining life-blood, and lashes the sea into
clouds of spniy in its dying contortions. Then follow wild cheers by the crews in
the boats ; while the ship bears down under reduced sail, and the whale is secured
by the ponderous fluke -chain. The boats are again hoisted, and all hands are on
board. Everyone is cheerful, and works with a will; up goes the cutting- gear,
and the implements are in rea<Uness for cutting- in the whale. The officers being
on the cutting -stage, a few strokes with their spades, and the order is given to
"heave away." The men at the windlass heave around checril}', to the tune of a
boisterous song, and the animal is soon stripped of its rich covering; the decks
are cleaned up, the try-works are "started," and under the smoke of the torching
scrap-fire, amid the din of the cooper's hammer preparing the oil-casks, and the
general hum -drum incident to boiling out and stowing down. Jack spins his yarns
of past exploits, savoring of good luck and thrilling adventures.

We have said that ill success brings its accompanying evils, which the captain
is obliged to contend with ; for, sometimes, wiien the whales are found in
plenty, through the selfish maneuvering of some officer with his boat's crew, the
chase may be a fruitless one. Good whalemen are full of the sportsman's spirit ;
and, like the buffalo hunters of the plains, they have no passion to pursue small
game ; and any marine animals inferior to the whale fail to lure them into the ex-
citing chase. Hence, when in hot pursuit, the impulse to become the captors is so
tempting, that many a valuable whale has been "gallied," through the reckless
strife of some boat -header, in his efforts to be first to strike tlie animal. A more
unfortunate state of affairs can hardly exist than "opposition whaling" by officers

Mauihe Haumau},— 3.1.

258 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

of the samo ship ; and in some cases it has been found indispensably necessary to
keep a willful and refractory officer's boat "on the cranes," in order that the other
boats may engage in tiie chase harmoniously. This measure generally brings the
guilty party to his senses, for a more summary punishment could not be adminis-
tered to a game whaleman than to be kept on board as an idle spectator of the
exciting pursuit and capture.

Sperm whaling is chiefly prosecuted within the temperate latitudes, and often
in (he heated atmospliere of the torrid zone; but the Right and Polar Whales are
liunted almost exclusively about the frozen oceans of the world, both north .and
j south. In former years, however, these great animals were found in vast numbers

within the temperate zones ; but the work of the harpoon and lance, by tiie com-
bined whaling -fleets of Europe and America, has long ago nearly annihilated those
species inhabiting the middle water -belts of the northern and southern oceans, and
at tiie present day the animals are driven to their remotest haunts in ice-bound
seas. The principal field of pursuit for the whalebone whales, exclusive of the
rorquals, is along the icy barrier of the Arctic Ocean. Here the ships cruise from
the time the field -ice opens, until the October snows and gales drive them from
that gloomy coast, which is strewn witii wrecks and records of disaster. The
positions of the ofiicers of an Arctic wliale-ship, as well as those of the crew, are
no sinecure. "Standing mast-heads'' in the biting cold, which is varied by storms
of sleet and dismal fogs — constantly on the watch, not only for whales, but for
the treacherous movements of the ice-fields or bergs — is a tedious duty, of inordi-
nate exposure ; j'et, of the whole company, the captain's work is the most arduous,
for on him i-ests the greatest responsibilit}', and he must be on the alert both night
and day, being aloft on the lookout more hours than any of his oflicers. On
leaving the frozen regions, the whaler wends his way southward through adverse
galos ; if favored with leading winds, he seeks the most desirable port, where the
needful supplies of fresh provisions can be obtained, and a few weeks of relaxation
and amusement for the crew may be enjo3-ed on shore. By far the most noted
' resort for supplies in the northern hemisphere was Honolulu, Sandwich Islands ; ^-et

! Ililo and Maui, of the same group, were frequently resorted to. Here, the genial

V )i climate anu fruitful soil, which yielded abundantly the needful "recruits," and the

open, easy life of the natives, caused it to become a favorite place for the whalers
to congregate. The brief time of "giving liberty" and "recruiting ship" being over,
a short winter cruise called the "line season" may be made about the equator, for
Sperm Whales ; or the vessel may go to the coast of California, to engage in
"bay -whaling," or "kelp -whaling." In either case, the ships usually touch again

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY. 259

at sonic port to obtain fresh supplieh ; and sometimes the season's catch of oil is
discharged or reshipped before she returns to the Arctic cruising-grounds. Cali-
fornia bay and kelp whaling has been a peculiar feature of the fishery. The whales
tliere pursued are a distinct species of tlie baleen tribe, whose natural history is
given in this work, under the head of "Tiie California Gray Wliale." They are tlio
most dangerous of all whales to attack, and, compared with the number of ships
which formerly engaged in their capture, more casualties have occurred than in
any other brancii of whaling, many men having lost their lives, while others have
been irrecoverably crippled. But we have never yet learned of any place of resort
for whales which can possibly bo approached, either liy ship or boat, that has not
been the scene of slaughter by their liuman captors. Many whaling-masters— after
buffeting tlie gales and ice of the Arctic regions— have hurriedly fled to this
inland whaling -ground on the California coast, and in order to reach the most
advantageous localities, far up the shallow estuaries, lightened and careened their
vessels, and by means of their heavy ground- tackle forced them across shoals
which were nearly bare at low tide. The difiiculty and danger connected with
this fishery seems to have lured on many a reckless and venturesome spirit to the
encounter, which has been appropriately named "devil -fishing," and the successful
whaler is christened a good "devil -fisherman.' While engaged for six years in
whaling, sealing, and Sea Elephant expeditions upon the coast of California and
Mexico, we passed the winter seasons in lagoon or bay whaling, and our experience
in the capture of the California Grays may serve as an outline picture of whaling-
iife in those inland waters.

LAGOON -WHALING.

When arrived in the lagoons, a suitable anchorage is selected, and the ship is
moored for the season; the heavy sails are unbent, and much of the running
rigging unrove, landed and housed under canvas, together with shooks, spare
lumber, etc., so as to clear the ship of cum'>»rsome materials not required until
the vessel is nearly filled with oil or the se^^on is over. The "tender" is fitted
for cutting- in the whales, the cutting-gear of the ship is sent aloft, and with the
cutting- stage placed over the side, preparations for the slaughter are completed.
When sufficient numbers have assembled at the head -waters of th'i estuaries, the
boats are lowered in pursuit. A cow with a young calf is usually selected, so
that the parent animal may be easily struck ; yet the race is sometimes so pro-
longed as to nearly exhaust the boats' crews ; and when at last the creature lags,

260 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

J su that lior tircu on'spriiig may keep near, thereby presenting the opportunity to

I I the "harpconicrsniau" lo thrust efTectivol}' with his weapon, tlio murderous blow

often causes the animal to recoil in its anguish, aud give a swoop of its ponderous
flukes, or a toss of its head, which, coming in contact with the boat, produces a
general wreck, and more or less injiu'y to the men, In the win*^er of 185G, we
were wluiling about the atcros of Magdalena ]?ay, where, in attacking sixteen
wliales, two lioat; were entirely de.-troyed, while the others were staved fifteen
times ; and out of eighteen men who oflicered and manned tlicm, six were badly
jarred, one had both legs broken, anolher lluve ribs fractured, and still another
' \\a^ so much injured iuteriially that ho was anablc to perform duty during tho

rest of the voyage. 'VU tiiese serious casualties iiappened before a single whale
was captured. However, after a few days' rest, while the boats were being
repaired and new ones fitted 1 1 take tho place of those destro3-ed, tlie contest with
tlio ''Devil-tish" was again renewed, and with successful results. Several whales
were taken without accident, and no serioun casualty occurred during tho rest of
the season.
f During the spriiig arid summer montlis of 1857, we were engaged with the

' brig Jjostnn in whaling, sealing, and Sea Klephant hiniting, but with i'l success.

Tho crew was .•^hipped for eight months (ml}' ; hence we would hiive boon ol)liged
to return to port with nearly an empty vessel, had not nearly all the ,nen volun-
teered to engage for the winter season, rather than leave the vessel, penniless.
Only three men desired to leave the b>rig, who were lai ded at Santa Barbara.
Having previously ascertained tiiat a large lagiou branched from the Bay of San
' Sebastian Viscaino (heretofore urknown to whalers), where tiie California Grays, in

' the season, probalil}' resorted, a .'I'.'.ill schooner as a tender, with men to increase

our <leli'ient ship'-> company, was dispatched from San l-'rancisco, aud joined tho
brig at the appoip.teil place of rendezvous, in the snug harbor of Caialina Island.
All being in riadiiioss, both vessels sailed, the la.st of November, 1857, for the new
whaliiig-grounil. Notl,in;jc of special int(>ri>st transpired until we arrived olV our
I first landmark — now known as Lagoon or Safety Head. Under this laml both

1; vessels anchored for the ni^ht. On the following day, tliree boats and tho

f tender were dispatched to explore tlie coast to the southward, and "sound o'lt" the

channel into the lagoon. Two days jiassed, when a, messenger returned wit!\ tho
report thai, the tender had entered th(> (>stuary without, diiliculty, and that thco
was suflicient dei)lh of water on the bar for the brig to pas.s over. It was after-
nunn ))efore we got und(M- way. A brisk bi'(>e/.e was blowing, and wouM have car-
rieil us to a land-locketl liarlxu' l)efore evening, had it not failed us when vicarly

THE AMERICAN WHALE -FISUEliY. 261

on the shoalest part of the entrance, obliging both vessels to anchor — the tender
having previously joined us. Night came on, dark and misty ; and as the tedious
liouiH wore away, an increasing heavy swell rolled in, breaking fitfully around both
brig and schooner. Nothing could relieve us from our perilous situation but a
strong land-breeze, to take the vessels back to the first anchorage or to sea. Not
a soul on board slept during tluit night. A light puff of wind, at long intervals,
came through the mouth of the lagoon, each time giving us hope for the desired
land-breeze; l)ut it only increased the dismal sound of the angry surf as it beat
upon the sandy shores. At dry'jght, a gentle air came in from seaward, when
signal was made for both vessels to got under way ; but before the anchors were
lifted, it fell calm again, and near noon the wind came from the northward,
wlien we were quickly under all sail, and soon passed through the turbulent
passage, and cast anchor behind a sheltered point of the lagoon. It was too early
to connnencc whaling; and l)oing short of wood to last througli tlie season, IIk
time and opportunity were improved to obtain a supply from the wreck of a ship
which lay strewn about the contiguous ocean sliore. To reach the "wooding"
place, it was necessary to land inside the passage and go some distance along the
beach, as no boat could approach from the outer coast. One dfi} having been
spent in preparing the fuel, another was expected to be ample time to put it on
board. All the boats engaged in transporting it were moored near the shore in
the lagoon, and left iu charge of a boat-keeper, it being impracticable to haul
them up at high tide on account of the broad, flat beach exposed at low water.
All the wooding party being out of sight when at tlie wreck, the boat- keeper con-
cluded to refresh himself by a lialh, and conceived the idea of converting one of
the boats into a bath-tul), liy pulling out the plug in tlie bottom. The boa*^. soon
became water-logged, and the fellow, carelessly enjoying his ablutions, got too far
to one side of tlie critn, which instantly capsized, turning him into the lagoon.
The current running swiftly, dragg(>d ilie anchor, and the man, in his fright, swam
to the .shore, abandoning his lioat, to wlu h three others were fast, and all four
went drifting out of the passage. The alarm was given to the party on shore, and
it was a disheartening sight to behold the four boats drifting through the breakers,
for everyone knew that witlumt tuem our voj-ago would be fruitless. There were
several Kanakas among the crew, who immediately saw the necessity of saving the
boats; and selecting pieces of plank, to he used as "'surf- boards,' put off through
the rollers to rescue them. Our carpenter was an expert swimmer ; and as soon
as lie saw the boats drifting iiloiig the shore into the lireakcrs, he threw off his
dollies, plung<>d into the surf, and had nearly reached them, when the anelitir,

2(52 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTER .f COAST.

S which hiul bcoii dragging all tho while, brought up, and the •■urr.^'mt swept both

1 tho carpenter and Kanakas out of reach. They tlien made for the shore, which all

i of tlio'u regained in an exhausted condition, excejj^t the cairpentt^r, who was n •er

seen again. The officor-s present, with a p(M't'on of the cr<3ir. wt>ii»' so mue\\ dis-
couraged that they gave up all liopes of re3|5i*.ining the boats, and tO'ponlj avowed
that our anticipated successful voyage must be abandoned. Peimission was asked
to go in search of the tender, which was engaged in sounding out the channel
of the lagocm, th«tt those on board might be advised of tlio disaster and come to
our relief, as we could not return to the brig for the want of a boat — the tender
liaving tlie onl}' one left between the two vessels. Tlieir request was granted,
! while the rest of the crew remained with me at tlie site of the ill-fated wreck;

they were immediately directed to take stations along the beadi, and watch for the
carpenter's remains and for the re -appearance of the bo; '.■. It was near)/ low tide
when the catastrophe occurred, and we had a faint ,i')j)e that the cliange of the
flood would bring some of the boats, even in a wrecked condition, back or near
to the pa^slge of tiu' lagoon. It was liut a short tinv aifter fhe hx/koiits were
stationed, before a hawk-eyed youngster, who had climbed a ' ' rep^yftcd

\ that a boat was in sight; vhen the preconcerted signal was givi.-u. and in a

moment a dozen men, at tlie risk of their lives, grappled it in the sur-f. and
dragged it far beyond high -water mark They had hardly accomplislied the feat,
before another appeared, which, in a few moments, drifted within reach, and was
soon placed beside the first one; a third appcanMi, was .seized, and (jiiickly trans-

\ ported l)eyond the other two, with a .spontaneous (dieer from the men. for all now

knew that our means of rescue, and for pursuing tho whales —which had already
apjieared in large numbers — were restored to us. Toward evening, the party that
went in search of tlie tender returned ; but it was late in the night b<'lV)re all the

I ' men were embarked, when we returned to the brig, tired and dejected over the

day's disasters, involving the loss of a favorite shipmate.

1 ji At an early hour on the following day, all humls tliat could l»o spared from

,\- • the vessel were busily employed in transporting tlie boats along tho beach to a

, j place where they could be launched into the lagoon ; but it required throe days to

, complete tho transportation of boats and fuel. Meanwhile, a vigilant search was

made for tho body of tho carpenter; but no traces of it could bo found. As tho

I ' last of th«' wood came alongside, a norther broke upon us in all it,s fury, and both

vessels Htruck adrift, Iiut were brought up l)y their anchors. On tlie third day
tho gale al)at('<l, when tlie brig and iier con,sort made the best of their way up to
the head of the hitherto unexplored waters. Here the whales w( ic f(jund in great

umak

THE AMERICAN '. HALE - FISHERY. 20 3

numbers. On the next clay tlio boats were sent in pursuit, and two large cows
were captured without difTiculty, which gave all hands confidence in our ultimate
success. Early the next morning, the boats were again in eager pursuit; but
before the animal was struck, it gave a dash with its: flukes, staving the boat into
fragments, and sending the crew in all directions. One man had his log broken,
another had an arm fractured, and three others were more or less injured — the
officer of the boat being the only one wlio escaped unharmed. The relief boat,
while rescuing the wounded men, was also staved by a passing whale, leaving only
one boat afloat. T le tender being near at hand, however, a boat from that vessel
rendered assistance, and all returned to tlie brig. When the first boat arrived
with her freight of crippled passengers, it could only be compared to a floating
ambulance crowded with men — the uninjured supporting the lielpless. As soon as
they reached the vessel, those who were maimed were placed on mattresses upon
the quarter-deck, while others hobbled to their quarters in the forecastle. Tiie
next boat brought with it the remains of the two others, which were complete
wrecks. Every attention was given to the wounded men, their )ji-oken limbs were
set, cuts and bruises were carefully dressed, and all the injured were made as
comfortable as our situation would permit ; but the vessel, for several days, was
a contnicted and crowded hospital. During this time no whaling was attempted,
ns nearly half of tiie crew were unfit for duty, and a largo portion of the rest
were demoralized b}' fright. After several days of rest, however, two boat's crews
were selected, and the pursuit was renewed. The men, on leaving the vessel, took
to the oars apparently with as much spirit as ever ; but on nearing a whale to be
harpooned, they all jumped overboard, leaving no one in tiie Ijoat, except the
boat-lieader and the boat-stecrer. On one occasion, a bulivy deserter from the
U. S. Army, who had boasted of liis daring exploits in the Elorida War, made a
headlong plinigo, as he supposed, into the water ; but he landed on the flukes of
tlio whale, fortunately receiving no injury, as tlie animal settled gently under
water, tliereby ridding itself of tho human parasite.

It was useless to attempt whaling with men who were so completely panic-
stiieken ; and tho oflieers and boat-sieerers combined could not muster the com-
plemeut to man two boats. Our situation was both singular and drying. Tlie
vessel lay in perfect security in sm.ooth water; and the objects of pursuir, which
iiad l)een so anxiously souglil, were now in countless nunil)ers about u:. It was
readily to be seen that it was impossible to capture the whales in tlu' us lal minm(>r
with our present company, and no otliers could be obtained before the season
would bo over. Among ilie ofReers there wore two wiio had been considered good

2G-1 MARINE 3IAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

sliots with the Vionib- lance gun, one of whom we personally know to be unequalod
as a marksniun. There seemed to be but one way to successfully capture these
spriuhtly animals, and that was by using tlic bomb -lance. The officers were called
togethvi', and the matter plainly set before them ; the best marksmen were
selected, and informed that if they could kill a whale withouL expending more
than three luiuli- lances, our supply was ample to insure a "full ship." Tiiey
were then directed to place tlieir boats on the side of the narrowest channel in
the lagoon, near where tlie whales passed, but in shallow water, so that tliey
could not possiltly roacli the boat, and there wait until one would come within
gunshot. Tiie idea was a novel one, and to old whalemen it seemed impracticable.
Tiiree 1 .)ats were at once dispatched — two j)repared for shooting, and the tliird as
a relief l)oat in case of emergency. They took tlieir positions as ordered, and it
was not long before tlu'ee wliales iiad been "bombed" — the third one was killed
instantly and secured. On returning to tiie vessel, the officers reported their good
luck ; and on the following day they were again dispatched, but with instructions
to lirst board the tender, and take a look from her mast-head for the whales that
had been Ijonibed the day previous, as we confidently e.-pected that either one, or
both, would be found dead not far from where they were shot. It was a pleasant
•surprise to tli,' cliief officer, wlien, on going iiaU'-way uj) the tender's rigging, both
whales were seen lloating dead near the liead of the lagoon ; and no time was
lost in securing then).

From that time, whaling was prosecuted without serious interruption. When-
ever a whale was wanted, one or two boats were sent off, and it was not long
before the reports of the guns would be heard, wliich lieralded a capture, witiiout
the staving of bo.its or injury to the men. The try-works were incessantly iscpt
going — with liio exception of a day, now and tiien, when it became necessary to
"cool down," in order to stow ; way the oil and clear the decks — until tiie last
cask was filled. Nor did we stop then ; for one side of tiic after- cabin was
turned into a bread-locker, and the empty bread-casks filled with oil; and the
mincing- tubs were fitted with heads, and filled, as well as the coolers and deck-
])ots ; and. last of all. the try-pots were cooled, and filled as full of oil as it was
tiiouglit (iiey could hold without .slopping over in a rough sea. Both vessels
liaving lieen literally crammed with oil, a few days were spent ie. cleaning and
washing ship, and getting ready for sea. Our supply of fresh wa'er was bccomiujj
reduced ; but as it was only about fifty miles from thj lagoon to the watering-
place on (,'erroH Island, and having in former voyages obtained fresh w.iter at
Magdalena Day, l)y digging wells in the sand- beaches, a few yarda from high-water

TEE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY. 2G5

mark, wc gave our.^olvcs little anxiety about the needed supply, should wo be
unavoidably detained in the lagoon.

All being in readiness, we took advantage of a light morning air to work
down toward "the bar; but the fresh sea-breeze soon after setting in, compelled us
to anchor ; and a tedious week was passed Ix fore we reached the sandy heads of
the estuary. The change of the moon brouglit with it adverse gales from the
norlh-west, and an accompanying heavy sea, which broke "feather -white" seaward,
as far as the eye could discern from the mast-head, precluded all attempts, daring
such weather, to pass the bar and work tlie vessels across the open bay of San
Sel)astian Yiscaino, to Cerros Island. Day after day we anxiously waiched for a
favorable change ; but two weeks passed away before the wind nu)derated. ^fcan-
while, our supply of water had become so reduced, as to compel us to put all
hands' on an allowance of one pint a day. As soon as the gale had settled into
a strong breeze, we at once made every eflbrt to get to sea, even un lor shortened
sail. The brig and tender, having laid at amdior for nu.nths, became very l\)ul,
and for this reason made their way at a snail's pace through the lireakers that
still surrounded us, and while the vessels were passing over the sIuiUonv water,
their keels stirred the sandy bottom, so that their wakes were whitened for a long
distance astern. U last we passed the bar, and felt that we were once more at
sea, or. at least, clear of the shoals, which presented a forbidding barrier to the
ingress or egress of those inland waters; but, as niglit appr..a.'hed, the wind again
increased to a gale, and a heavy, breaking sea continually washed over the vessels,
from stem to talVrail. Early the following mnrning. we were well up to the
watering-place at Cerro- but nearly the whole day was spent before we gained
the andioragc, and we lad barely time to make all snug bef..rc the gale burst
upon us with increased fury, and conlinued for two days. As soon as it abated, a
boat was dispatched for an immediate supply of water. Here we renvained for
several days, employed in recleaning ship and in oldaining wood and water, after
which wo sot sail for Sau Francisco, where we arrived in due time, with the
vessel so deeply laden that h.>r scuppers were washed by the rippling tide. Thus
ended a voyage which in no small d -gree was a novel one.

LAr;oox-wiiAUNa incidents.

The following season found us again in the lagoon, with a little scp.adron of
vessels, consisting .-f one bark an.l two small schooners. Althougli this newly
discovered whaling-ground was dillicult of approach, and but very little known

Maiiini: Mammals- 31.

-2M MARINE MAMMALS OF THE XORTII-WESTEllN COAST.

abroad — and ospocl.illy tlic channel which led to it — yet, soon after onr arrival,
a large fleet of ships hovered for weeks ofr the entrance, ov along the adjacent
coast, and six of tiie n'iiiil)er succeeded in finding their way in. The whole force
pursuing tlie whales that season nuniljcred nine vessels, whicli lowered thirty boats.
Of (his nuuil)er, a; least twenty-five were daily engaged in whaling. Tlie different
branches of the lagoon where the whales congregated were known as the "Fish-
pond," "Cooper's Lagoon," "Fort Lagoon," and the "^hiin Lagoon." Tlio chief
place of resort, however, was at the he id- waters of the ,Maiii Lagoon, which may
be compared to an cs/cro, two or tlireo miles in extent, and nearly surrounded b}'-
dunes, or sand -flats, which were exposed at neap tides. Here tlie ol)jects of pur-
suit were found in large numbers, and here Oie scene of slangliter was exceedingly
liictiuesque and unusually exciting, especially (.n a calm morning, when the mirage
wo'-ld transfiu-m not onl)' the boats and their crews into fantastic imagery, but the
whales, as they sent forth their towering spouts of aqueous vapor, frequently tinted
with blood, would appear greatly distorted. At one time, tiie upper sections of
the boats, with their crev,-s, would be seen gliding over tlie nndten-looking surface
of the walcr, witii a portion of the colossal form of the whale apjiearing for an
instant, like a specire, in tlie advance; or lioth boats and whales would assume
ever-changing forms, while the report of the bomb-guns would sound like the
sudden discharge of musketiy ; but one can not fully realize, unless he be an eye-
witness, the intense and boisterous excitement of the reckless pursuit, by a large
li'ct (if lioats from different ships, engaged in a morning's whaling foray. Xumbers
of thrin will l)e fast to whales at the same time, and (lie stricken animals, in their
ell'di'ts to escape, can be seen darting in eviM'v direction through the water, or
lircacliiiig headlong clear of its surface, ccuning down with a splash that sends
columns of foam in eviM'y direction, and with a rattling report tlau can l)e heard
beyond the surrounding shores. The men in the boats shout ami yell, or con-
verse in vehement strains, using a variety of liie^'o, from the Portuguese of the
Western Fslands to the Kanaka of Oceauica. in fact, the whole spectacle is
lieyoiid descrip(i<in, for it is one c(uilinually changing aquatic bat lie' -scene.

It was no unusual occurrence fir the whales, after being striK'k, to run in
dilTereiit iliriM'tions, thereby endangeriiig collisioi.s with the Imats, or crossing lines;
and it was I'reipieiitly only by tlio most dexteiMus niauagemeiit of tli(> crews that
.serious di~ast .'s were a\-oide(l. Sometimes a line was cut, or let go, and again
recovered, or the whale e-caped with the harpimn. Our teinlers being anchored at
Iho sceiM' of action, nll'orded an oxcelleul, opiiortiiiiity to observe, from their mast-
heads, all that was trans[iiring. One dull, quiet morning, with a light fog-cloud

*«L — -*,-*.^«.,*p.

THE AMERICAN WHALE -FISHERY. 2G7

above us, tlio voices of tlie men in tlic pursuing flotilla could bo distinctly heard
lor mi'es distiuit. At least hveuty boats were quickly changing their positions, as
tlie 'Mast"' (ish might take them; or perhaps some unlucky craft would suddenly
stop, and the next moment, boat, oars, whaling impleiuonts, and men, would be
seen flying through the air, or scattered upon the water around some Devil-fish,
which, in whaling parlance, was ''the devil among cedar." The boats oi" two differ-
ent ships, which were fiist to whales, passed quite near us ; and while the officers
of each party had no relish for keeping close company, the two whules exhibited
no disposition to separate ; and as the group swiftly approached, we heard loud
voices ana saw violent gesticulations. Very soon we distinctly heard a burly
fellow, who stood at least six feet in his stockings, bare-headed, with his long
locks streaming behind, shouting to his opponent: "That won't do! that won't do!
cut your line ! I struck my whale first ! Cut that line, or you'll be into us ! Cut
that line, or 111 put a bomb through you!" But the officer of the opposing boat

very coolly replied: "Shoot, and be d d, you old lime-juicer! 1 won't let go

this line till we git 'tother side of Jordan!" Then, turning to his crew, he said:
"Haul line, boys! haul ahead! and I'll give old Rip -sack a dose he can't git to
the 'pothecaiy's ! Haul ahead, and I'll tap his claret-bottle!" By this time the
two whales had separated, and the boats were beyond hearing; but both whales
were seen spouting blood, and soon after pyramids of foam showed that they were
in their "(lurry."

The whale being dead, and floating, the grapnel is brought into requisition,
and the animal's head is hooked and hauled up, when holes are cut through the
lips, and a short warp is rove through, by which means its mouth is closed, and
the tow-rope is made fast; then the prize is taken in tow to the vessel.
Usually the whales are killed during the morning hours, or in the fore part of
the day; and before noon, trains of boats would be seen towing them, with sails
spreail to a h'ading bree/.e, or they wended their way slowly down the lagoon by
the long, steady striikes of oars, and not unfrequently a boat song, with a lively
chorus, cheered the men at their laborious work. Sometimes a casualty prevented
pome whaling -gang from making their capture after a liard chase, or "working
upon" some cunning Devil-fish which baflled their skill to destroy; or, if the
capture were made, it might be when the da)' was far advanced, or perhaps the
shades of evening would compel them to "cut line," lherel)y giving up the chase,
and returning to the ship with everyone jaded by a long and unsuccessful battle.
Notwithstanding the danger in lagoon -whaling, we have known of the California
Gray being killed during the darkest hours of nigh^ An instance of this kind

2G8 MARINE MAMMALS OF TUE XOItTU -WE STERN COAST.

came to our notice. "When tlie wluile had been honihed rope:itc(lly, laneed, and
spouted thin blood, its teiKK-il}' of life was truly surpiis^iuj;;. Long after dark, the
crippled creature, with the pursuiuLi; boats (dini:;ing (o it by the lines and harpoons,
was lieard coming toward tiie vessel, and, on closer a[)[)roach, we could .see the
"white water."' a.s tjie animal writhed in its agony. Tiie boat-header, lance in
liand, worked witli miglit and main, hupiiig at every dart to gi\'e it a fatal thrust.
"Wo couhl hear the usual orders of -^'ull ahead!" 'Hold tiie boat!" "Stern all!"
'"Lay the boat oil'!'' etc.. ^\ilh new and tiieii the encouraging words to the crew
tliat the whale was "spouting blood as thick as tar." "WIkmi the party jtassed
their shiii. the captain hailed them, and advised the oHicer in charge to cut liis
line and give up tlie whale. He replied: "A^-e, aye, sir; I've killed the bloody
(ii "k st'ven times, but lie won't turn up — lie's got more lives llian a, Kilkenny
cat ; Imt I'll (piict him in less than live minutes — lie can't last much longer."
And. a few moments after, the exhausted creature made its last gasping struggle,
and "turned u[i." A wild cheer from the Imats' crews told that the fatal work
was finished, and all returned to the shii», fatigued by the long combat, but in
good s[iirits. for tiieir prize was secured.

The use of the bomb-huu.'e has greatly diminished tlie dangei' of capturing the
('alifornia (ira}' ; and it has been meiiticuu'd, in preceding pages of tliis work, that
this whaling was first prosecuted in the Iniy ami lagoons of Magdalena, in the year
18-lii. In the winter of 1818. lil'ty shi[)s ancliori'il there to pass the "bL'tweeu
seasons" in bay-whaling, whirh began \\ith llattering iiros[)ects ; but it was a new
w!iale-grou"d, in shallow water, and the animal a strange one to the fishers, whose
actions. wIhmi pursued, they knew nothing ahout ; hence, there was hardly a ship
that did not have one or more of her boats sta\"ed wliene\'er they made an attack.
An'ain. altlioU'.z'h the ba\- and h.Li'oons wi^'re of great extent, and the whales nlenti-
fill, the licet was large, and it was a time when all the ships "broke out and
cooiHM'ed their oil. " I'lvcry slii|i's cooper and his gang Wi.'Y<} tiiisily at work with
their heavy hammers. dri\iiig the lioojis on the casks, uiid the whole combined
produced a deafening noise upon the water, whiidi eehocd from dill' to crag along
the mounlain island of Margarita. Tliis. with the chase and ca[itiire of the
animals, the sta\'iiig of boats, m.d the smoke ami bia/.e from try-works by night,
soon drove the whales to the outsidi' shores. The ardent hopi.'s of the most san-
guine were siully dampened. A parley was Iicld b\- the captains, and the matter
was fully discussed, what course to take in order to seiatrc a good season's catch,
liiilcs and regulations were drawn up and agreed to by all that decided (o remain
and try their luck through the season ; bul many ships, after the lirst few days'

THE A ME It WAX WHALE- FISHERY. 2G9

whaling, left to cruise in the open soa for Sponn Whales, until the northern season
yAw\\\A come round again. Disappointed in tlieir new whaling enterprise, they
usually left with many maledictions on Margarita Bay (as it was usually called),
and on the whales especially, which had already boen given a nudtitudo of signili-
cant names. After suspending whaling ft)r a few days, and a number of siiips
leaving meanwhile, the whales again returned to their favorite haunt, and, the
whalemen so(ui learning how to "work around them," the ships that reurained
generally made a fair season's catch.

The dangers incident to whaling in ^[agdalena Bay and lagoons gave rise to
many a marvelous tale, some of which were literally true, while others, though
anmsing, partook strongly of that flavor which sailors term '•lishy." After the first
few years of '"gray "-whaling, the pursuit came to l)e regarded as somewhat
impracticiil»k>; and the oil obtained being of an inferior (jualily, witlioul tiie
accompanying yield of bone, as in the Bight Whale and P.owhead, this branch of
the fisliery was for a time nearly al)andoned. A few ships, however, passed a
portion of the winter months in pursuing the Devil-lisli of Magdalena ; and one
captain in particular made periodical visits to a favorite estuary, where the animals
were found in great abundance, aiul were captured with less than the usual dllh-
culty ; but a season never passed without casualties occurring — souutimes serious
ones. This indefitigable master (whom we will call Captain L.), .'n order to
play a little game of blulV with his boon compani(ms, would, on his return to the
Sandwich Islands to recruit ship for the north, ])ring with him erne of his boats
which had been staved beyond repair, that those interested might luivo convincing
proof of the terrors of "ripsack- whaling." Added to this, his spicy yarns when
dilating upon the dangerous chase, created in those unac(iuainted an aversion to
engage in so precarious a pursuit. At length, however, the norliiern whales
becoming scattered and dillicult to capture, caused some of the most enterprising
capi.r.u. lo t.y their hand with the (irays. At the time wo are writing alx.nt,
a largv (leet had concentrated at Honolulu, after tlie accustomed sununer cruise to
th(> north; and at tiiese periodical gatherings, the whalers, from the steerage-boy
to the captain, enjoyed a season of rela.xatiou from the restraint of strict disci-
pline, as well as from th(- duties cm board ship, and a good deal of familiarity was
tolerated on shore during thrir brief stay, wliich at sea would liave been promptly
suiipressed. I'^-eryone seemed to follow his own inclinations in seeking pleasure
wherever, or in whatever way, it i-onld be found. And one of Captain L.'s
felicitous amusements was in dilating upon the terrors of "devil -fishing" (he faniil-
iavly termed it) "over to Margarita." At one time, when in the midst uf a

270 MAUJXK MAMMALS OF THE NORTII-lVESrEUX COAST.

riiniiiu.'o, Olio of his brother cMptains ironically ri'iiiixrk('(l Unit, as ho "lolil tlio
truth so oftcMi. ho hardly kuew wIk'ii to believe him." "You don't, eh?" retorted
Captain L. ; "well, unu have a heap of good manners, F think, to interrupt a
gentleman when he's taJking? Now, look here, old Doubtful, I'll tell you what
happened to nic in my own boat, up in the 'mud -hole,' season afore last. W(^
was ehasing a cow and calf, and 1 charged my boat-steeror to be careful ami not
touch t!ie 3'oung sucker, for if he did, the old whale would knoedc us into chop-
sticks; but no sooner said than done — ,slam went two irons into the critter, chock
to the hitches, and that calf was 'pow-nnicky' in less than no time; and tin,'
boat-stecrer sung out: 'Cap'n, I've killed the calf, and the old cow is after us.'
Well, just about this time, I sung out to the men to pull for the shore as they
loved their lives; and when that boat struck the beach, wo scattered. I'll admit
1 never stopped to look round; but the boat-stecrer yelled out: 'Cap'n, the old
whale is after us still.' when I told all hands to climb trees!" This graphic
picture of "ripsacking ' was received with a shout of laughter l)y the knot of
listeners who had circled about the loquacious captain, and all admitted that ho
was th(! king of skippers in Devil-fish lore.

]3ut with all the warnings and direful tales, ^fagdalona Day whaling was
resumed with ardor about the j-ears 1855 and 185G, and was continued and
extended along the whole coast of both I'ppcr and Lower California. Every
navigable lagoon of the region was discovered and explored, and the animals wero
hunted in every winding and intricate estuary which wore their resorting or breed-
ing places. In the seasons of 1858 and 1859, not only the bays and lagoons wero
'icoming with all the varied incidents of the fishery, but the outside coast was
r.ned with ships, from San Diego southward to Cape St. Lucas. A few vessels of
this fleet cruised near the .shore by day, standing a little way off at night; but by
far the largest number anchored about the islands, points, and capes, wherever the
animals could bo most successfully pursued. It was a novel sight to view a single
ship, or a small squadron, anchored olT some exposed headland or island, rolling
and surging at their cables in the ugly ground -swell, and the fleet of boats lying
along the lino of kelp just without the surf- bound .shore, or. with their sails spread
to the breeze, skimming over the waves in the various directions the gigantic game
led them. At such times, a feature was observed in this fishery which is not
often witnessed, namely : the peculiiu" marks or devices pictured upon the .sails of
the boats belonging to the different vessels. Some had a largo cross covering the
mainsail, while others would have the whole sail of blue, with a white jib or gafl-
topsail. On another boat's canras would bo figured one, two, or three balls; or

THE AMEItlCAK WIIALK-FlSIIEltY. 271

stars, or crescents ; or a largo letter or number designated the ship to which they
belonged. The diversity of colors, and the dilTerent tastes displayed in painting
the boats, added another pleasing I'eature : some were pure while, others black,
still othei s oi' ii lead cohn' ; or iancifully striped with Iri-colors, or with the bow
red, blue, or green, while the rest of the craft would be of a contrasting shade.
Sonielinies a huge eye on either side of the stem, or a large circle, would be the
designating mark ; all these combined making up an extended group of dashing
water -cnU't, especially pei'taining to the California coast and fishery.

As the success of a whaling -voyage depends chielly (when whales arc plenti-
ful) upon the odic^ers being good whalemen, there is frequently more or less con-
tention among ca[)tains and agents to obtain those of unquestionable skill ; so that
the "crack" men of the harpoon and lance have often dictated their own terms as
to their lay and bonus ; and in former years the advance wages and extra pay
received by ofllcers of great reputation as right- whalemen and devil -fishermen,
might be considered enormous. Hut it was not always that these ''bonus men'
proved to bo e([ual to the reputation which they perhaps had olitained either by
accident or purely good fortune. Ill luck sometimes robbed a good whaleman of
his prestige, and many a game man for a Right Whale of the Xorth- western Coast
found himself quite luiequal to the task of '•turning up"' a California Gray. Wc
recollect an instance which occurred on board a New London ship, where the mate
returned on board after a hard chase and combat with an old cow and her calf in
one of the shallow estuaries. As this officer approached his captain, to give an
account of his mishaps, he became greatly excited; but at last he said: "I didn't
know, sir, that the whale was within fifty fathoms of me, when up Ave went — and
there ain't enough left of the boat to kindle the cook's fire." On another occasion,
a famous Xew ]3edford captain ilew into a fit of passion at his "Ijonus mate," for
coming ou board with a staved boat, instead of bringing alongside a dead whale.
Words ran high with the "old man;" but his chief officer seemed to take things
philosophically, lie remained siloiii. until his commander had vented his spleen,
when ho replied as follows: "Look a- here, Cap'n Simmons, I don't ask no odds
of any living man that can pull an oar or dart an iron. I can catch as many
whales as the next one, ef ye'll give me a fair show. I don't say as I cud do any
nior'^ , but uid'nt I bring as many whales to the ship, down to the Rosemerry
Lslai ds, i- all the rest of your boat-headers that was counted as beiu' great on a
lluni;>ij;ick ( And what kind uv whales did they git, anyhow? — calves, and old
cows i'l.il had been sucked down till they was too poor to skin — why, the
blubber ou 'em wouldn't make coal-tar ef you biled it a week; ard the most of

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Sciences
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MAE IKE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

"the whales I had the luck to captivate was them old white -bellied fellers that
had a fin on 'em like a seventy -four's breast-hook, and would turn up sixty
barrels apiece, without skimmin'- slicks ; and didn't I catch my share of whales on
the Nor'-west?" "Yes," replied the captain; "I had no fault to find until we
came in here to Devil-fish it." "Yes, well," replied the mate; "I hain't no
growlin' to do, only one thing: I shipped to this ship to go a-whalin'; I'd no
idea of bein' required to go into a duck -pond to whale after spotted h3enas_
Why, Cap'n, these here critters in this bay ain't whales!" "Well, if they ain't
whales, what are they?" asked the captain, in a husky voice. "Well," replied
the mate, "I don't know rightly what they be; but I hev a strong notion they
are a cross 'tween a sea-serpent and an alligator. Why, these Mussel -diggers
will turn round in their tracks, Cap'n ; and it's no use — you can't git these here
IJipsacks without a good deal of boat - staving ; but I'll bring my whale, or split
the cedar, else my name ain't Cooper."

These incidents are only given as illustrative of whaling life in the lagoons of
California ; yet, with all the hazard pertaining to the fishery, such extremely
daring efforts have been put forth by many whaling- masters to capture the Cali-
fornia Gray, that we will, in justice to them, further mention that, where ships
were of too heavy draught to pass the bars of several of the lagoons, they
anchored near the breakers at the conOuence of those inland waters, where they
were exposed to the sweep of the wind and waves from seaward, remaining there
the whole season, the boats passing and repassing the bars during fine weather, in
order to reach the prey in their coverts, or were employed in attacking them
around the shoals of the harbor's mouth, when the sea was comparatively smooth ;
but even there an occasional breaker would roll up its foaming crest, when the
"fast" fish would run through it, as if by instinct, to rid itself of its relentless
enemies ; yet, in many cases, this endeavor to escape proved abortive, as the
whalemen would "fleet aft" in their boats, in order to elevate their bows to meet
the sea, when with one bound the danger was passed, without shipping much
water, or what might be taken in was quickly bailed out, and, being then in the
open sea, the work of capture would be renewed effectively.

AGAIN TO TOE NORTH, AND HOME.

It is time to leave the coast of California, as the bay -whaling season la over;
and the ship having been thoroughly cleaned, and a supply of wood taken on
board, with perhaps a recruit of green turtles for a sea- stock of fresh meat, the

THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY. 27S

anchor is weighed, and her prow is turned once more to frozen seas. The temper-
ate hititudes are passed, and she emerges into a region of gloom, where fog, mist,
and storm follow in quick succession, varied at long intervals with clear weather,
which reveals a nearly ice -fettered ocean on one hand, and a snow -clad mountain
coast on the other. A treacherous channel may be open between the shore and
the main body of the ice, but it is thickly beset with floes ; and among these the
whale -ship threads her way along the Kamschatka shore, if bound to the Arctic,
through Behring Sea and Strait, unless she is delayed by captures en route. At
length, about mid -summer, having arrived at the icy barrier of the Arctic Ocean,
the vessels cruise "ofi" and on," along its margins, in quest of the Bowhcad.
Following the belt of open water, in their persistent search, ships sometimes pass
far beyond Point Barrow ; but it is not long before the autumnal gales drive them
from this haunt, when they again return to warmer latitudes, and a port of recruit
is sought, where all hands arc refreshed ; when, if the ship is not full, perhaps a
cruise is made in the southern hemisphere, upon the coast of New Zealand, or
Australia, and the Indian Ocean, before being fairly on their homeward passage.
Many a ship, which would have otherwise returned with a broken voyage, has
been fdled by taking her last season on the New Zealand, or New Holland (as
Australia was formerly called) ground. And, rs has been mentioned in that por-
tion of this work devoted to the chronological history of the American whale-fish-
ery, the New London and Sag Harbor whalemen were noted for pursuing their prey
in stormy latitudes ; and when referring to the former, we havj frequently heard
the remark made, "0, they arc under- water follows!" Some thirty years ago, an
incident transpired which vividly portrays the perseverance with which the fishery
was then prosecuted. A New London ship, and another from Sag Harbor, having
been unfortunate in their efforts to obtain a full fare of oil and bono upon the
North-western Coast, resorted, as a last effort, to the coast of Australia, where the
two captains met during a "gam" off Geographo Bay. Tiiis place being an open
roadstead, exposed to the heaviest prevailing gales of that region, was considered
an unsafe anchorage ; but the two captains, with their officers, concluded if the
ships could possibly ride them out, that during the intervals of moderate weatiier
enough whales could be taken to fill both vessels. They all agreed that they
had but little choice between going homo with empty ships, and dragging ashore
in a gale of wind. Accordingly, by agroomont, both vessels anchored in tiie best
positions, and, as a forlorn hope, began the battle — not only with the whales, but
with the boisterous eltmonts of the Indian Seas. All the ground -tackle of both
vessels was laid down to the best advantage ; and when a gale came on, heavy

Mauinu Mammalh.— 9.V

274 MARINE MAMMALS OF Till:: NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

tackles were hooked to tlie cublos, then led aft, and secured to the mainmast, to
relio\e the strain that would otherwise come on the windlass. In this way a
succession of severe blows were ridden out in safety ; and during the intervals of
good we.' uher, whaling was carried on with such vigor, that, before the seusou was
over, botli ships departed for home with full cargoes.

Right -whaling in the Indian Ocean, and the taking of Sea Elephants upon the
shores of Kerguelon's Land, was a special branch of the oil commerce, which, to a
great extent, was prosecuted by the New Londoners, their main dependence being
the catch of Sea Elephants ; consequently thei'e was but little attention paid to
whaling while making the passage from home, and on their return, the vessels
being full, precluded the usual routine of standing mast-heads, and the casual
"lowering for whales." When outward bound, however, a spirited chase, attack,
and capture, would sometimes be made upon a shoal of Cachalots, although
the boats were in no wise well prepared. An episode of the kind occurred many
years ago with a large ship on her way to Desolation. When off the island of St.
Helena, a school of Sperm Whales was descried ; but none of the boats were
properly fitted, and some had not a line coiled. Among the officers was one (a
favorite, both among men and after -guard, as well as the owners at home) who was
by his messmates familiarly dubbed "Jube." Jube was a fine t3'pe of a mariner —
nuiscular (or, as Jack expressed it. "well put up"), ready for an adventure of any
kind, made the best of everything, could hold on to a Right Whale when running
to windward around the Crozets (and the ship under double-reefs), and counted
it a laughable joke if all hands in the boats were drenched to the skin "afore ho
could git the critter mnugor." At lliis time his boat had no line prepared ; but
jumping below, ho seized a new coil, tumbled it into his boat, and, with a single
harpoon and lance, lowered away with the other boats in quick pursuit. Tho
whales were down; but when they came up, his boat had "the chance." "Pull
ahead, my hearties!" ho shouted; "a fool for luck, and a poor man for babies!"
and in a moment more they were fast. The whale sounded ; and away went the
line, tearing and smoking through the "chocks," till it became kinked and tangled,
when, in his efforts to clear it, he was taken overboard, and disappeared beneath
the waves ; but a moment after the harpoon loosened from tho whale. Slowly
tiie crew hauled in the fouled line, bemoaning the loss of their officer ; but aa
they drew it in, they found him clinging to it, where it wound around his body,
lie was quickly released, and laid in the boat for dead, when they hastened to the
sliip, where the captain at once made every effort to restore him to life ; and, to
the great joy of all, ho was soon resuscitated. He was well cared for, and, with a

TUE AMERICAN WHALE - FISHERY. 275

little rest, was all right again. On awaking from a refreshing sleep, a chum, in
his expressions of joy at his recovery, said: "Well, Jube, how did you like it
down there?" "0!" replied he, "it is a lonesome road to travel. There are
neither mile -stones nor guide -boards that I could see!" Such was the reckless
hardihood and bearing of those men whose lives were passed upon the ocean, or
about the forbidding shores of the Antarctic regions.

In former days, when whaling was in its highest state of prosperity, much of
the leisure time during tliose long voyages, and especially while on the homeward
passage, was occupied in "scrimshawing," by those of a mechanical turn of mind,
who manufactured useful or ftincy articles from whalebone, or rare woods obtained
from the tropical coasts. Canes, swifts, knitting-needles, stamps, bodkins, etc.,
were made from the jaws or teeth of the Sperm Whule ; and the shells of the
cocoa-nut were fashioned into unique drinking -cups. Sometimes a large plate of
baleen would be finely polished, and the history of the prominent incidents of the
voyage engraved upon it in hieroglyphical figures. A variety of articles were
wrought out of wood, ivory, or shell, which were carefully put by for presents to
relatives and friends at home. Many of these articles were fine specimens of
workmanship. The smaller blocks, and the belaying- pins, of some of the first-
class sperm whale -ships, were made of white whalebone; and sometimes the decks
were, with infinite pains, inlaid with diamond -shaped pieces of ivory. Many of
the junior officers and boat-steerers kept regular journals, similar to the ship's
log-book, some of which were examples of good penmanship, giving a brief but
clear account of what transpired on board every consecutive day during three or
four years ; while others were embellished with sketches of ships spoken, headlands
and islands sejn ; and whenever a whale was taken, his full figure was stamped on
the margin of the page recording the event; or if a whale was struck, and lost,
his head only was represented ; while for one that was chased, but not harpooned,
the fiukes and a portion of the small were figured.

But under the most propitious circumstances, the vast extent of ocean to be
traversed rendered the homeward passage tedious ; for buffeting the gales off Cape
Horn, running down the trades, and contending with the equatorial squalls, with a
deluge of rain, made up the general weather record ; and when approaching ♦ho
American coast in the Atlantic, one of those heavy blows which are often exper.
cnc.J would sometimes drive them far off to sea again, after having seen the land
they had left years before. At last, however, the welcome cry of "Land ho!" is again
hoard from aloft ; and soon a trim craft, with a number in her sail, and the Union
jack flying at the main, gives the cheering and welcome news that the pilot is on

276 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST.

the lookout. The ship is hove to, and he is soon alongside. He clamber.s up the
vessel's side, vociferates his orders to trim sail, and assumes full command on board.
All now becomes hurry and bustle, and a scene of joyful excitement ensues. If u
full ship, the old iron cannon, which has been used as a signal -gun at night and
in foggy weather on the whaling -grounds, is brought out to send forth a salute, at
intervals, as the ship glides along the inland waters, until anchored in her destinol
port, and the voyage of years' duration is completed. Then comes the greeting of
friends on board, or a restless desire to meet them c.i shore, there to pass a time
of rest and recreation before again launching upon the deep for another expedition
involving peril and uncertainty.

^.-l ■■.^^.....laJ-j-i-.Jiiin

APPENDIX

I ,

■■"-'■ ■**

CATALOGUE

CETACEA OF THE NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN,

OSTEOLOOIOAL NOTES, A5D DE8CBIPTI0HS OF SOME KEW lOEMSi

TTTB SPECIAL BEFEBENCE TO

THE FORMS DESCRIBED AND FIGURED IN THE FOREGOING MONOGRAPH OF PACIFIC
CETACEA, BY CAPTAIN C. M. SCAMMON, U. S. R. M.

By W. H. ball,

Shithiohiaii Innmnioii.

The object in the following Catalogue— besides bringing together condensed
descriptions of the species of Cetaceans reported from the Pacific, and such of
unicnown habitat as might have come from that ocean, with references to such
figures and fuller descriptions as may be readily consulted by the student— has
been especially to determine, as exactly as possible, the genera and species described
by the author in the preceding pages of this work, in order that his figures and
contributions to our knowledge of the habits and natural history of those animals
may have their fullest value for the scientific student of the group in question.

I have adopted in full the general groups eliminated by Professor Theodore
Gill, of the Smithsonian Institution, in the Catalogue of the Families of Manmah
published by the Institution ; a course warranted not less by the scientific stftnding
of the author in question, than by the paucity of works of reference on this coast,
and the confusion which has hitherto existed among the best naturalists in regard

Mabimi I(ahiuu.-M. [ »| J

:t :

282 APPENDIX.

to the classification of the Cetacoa. For convenience in reference T have also, for
the most part, adopted the minor divisions used by Dr. J. E. Gray in his Supple-
nwitanj Catalogue of Seals and Whahi in the Britush Museum, 1871; though many
of them appear to have a more subordinate value than that ascribed to them by
that eminent naturalist. In f noting his works, for greater brevity, I have simply
referred to them by their dates, namely : the British Museum Catalogues of 1 850 and
1866 ; the Synopsis of Whales and Dolphins, 1808 (containing, with others, the plates
of the Zoology of the Urebus and Terror, partialiy published in 1846); and the Sup-
plementary Catalogue of 1871.

I have to thank Captain C. M. Scammon for placing all the material and infor-
mation in his possession at my disposal, for examination ; also. Professor S. F.
Baird and Doctor Theodore Gill, of the Smithsonian Institution, for assistance ren-
dered in many ways, without which I should hardly have been able to complete
this Catalogue.

I have also incorporated extremely brief notices of the material from which
each species has been described, and the museum in which the specimens are pre-
served; "S. I." referring to the National Museum, in charge of the Smithsonian
Institution at Washington. I have also endeavored to refer to all the remains of
Cetacea preserved in the collections on the west coast.

Completeness is not claimed for thi*? list ; in fiict, it can hardly hope to be
attained for a considerable period, when the difficulties and expense connected with
these researches are appreciated. Still, it is to be hoped that, in bringing together
this material, something has been accomplished in rendering the path easier for
subsequent students.

The references to plates opposite the specific name adopted, are to the plates
and figures in the preceding portion of this volume.

CATALOGUE OF THE CETACEA. 288

Order CETE.

Suborder Denticete.

Superfamily DELPIIINOIDEA.

Family Delphinid^.

Subfamily DELPUiNAPTEmif.«.

Genus Delphinapterus, Lac.

Delphimptems, Lacopede, Lilijo org, Gill, 95.
Beluga, Gray, 1871, p. 94. AucLorum.

Delphinapterus oatodon. PI. xviii, fig. 1.

liihifia, of Scammon, Proc. Phil. kca.C 18G9, p. 57.
Beluga catodon, Grv, 18C6, p. 307, fig. 61; 1871, p. 94.
Plnj^iier catodon, Linn., S. N. 107.
Delphimts leucas, Gmfilin, S. N. 1232.
Delphinapterus beluga, Lacepede, Get. 2-t3, 1804.

Arctic Seas, Bering Sea, Ochotsk, Japan?

Pure white. Twelve to sixteen feet long. Skulls in B. M. Three skulls from Norton Sound,
Dall, Coll. S. I. Doctor Gray, having examined skulls collected by Captain Kellett, R. N., from
Bering Strait, unites the beluga of the western seas with that of the north of Europe. The teeth
in specimens (80 or 90 in number) examined by me, in Norton Sound, Bering Sea, varied from
j to { } ; often being unequal in number on opposite bides.

Genus Monodon, Linn.

Monodon monoceros.

Monodon monoceros, Linn. Faun. Suec. 2, IG; S. N. i, 105.
Narwhal.

Arctic Seas.

Specimens are sometimes brought overiand, across eastern Siberia, by the natives, and sold to

traders in the Ochotsk Sea.

Subfamily DELpmym^, Gill, p. 95.

Genus DelphinUS, Gray.
Ddphinu9, Gray, 1871, p. 67.

Delphinus Balrdil. PI. xix, fig. 1.

D. Bairdii, Dal. Prel. Descr. Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci. v, Jan. 1873.

Back posterior sides, fins and flukes, black. Anterior sides gray, with two narrow lateral
white stripes. A white, lanceolate, belly-patch. TuU descriptions of the colors and measurements

284 append: X.

of two female specimens taken by Captain Scammon, o£f Point Arguello, California, will be found
in his monograph. Length, sis feet and seven to nine inches. Dorsal falcate, immediately over
the navel. Front of head prominently bulbous or convex beyond the even curve of the bock of
the head ; a slight convexity below, behind the vent. Beak slender, elongated. The following are
the dimensions of the cranium, in inches and decimals :

Length of skull in straight line 18 .76

Internal length of brain cavity 4 .40

Length of beak anterior to maxillary notches 11 .90

Length from tip of beak to anterior margin of superior nares 13 .40

Length from tip of beak to posterior notch of palate in the median line 13 .90

Length from tip of beak to posterior tooth 10 .60

Height of skull at vertex 6 .00

Greatest breadth at zygomatic process of squamosals 6 .95

Breadth at supra-orbital ridge 6 .10

Breadth between maxillary notches 3 .40

Breadth at middle of beak 2 .00

Breadth of the two premaxillaries at middle of beak 0 .90

Width of condyles 3 .70

Closest approximation of condyles below the foramen 0 .90

Height u: foramen magnum 1 .40

Width of foramen magnum 1 .60

Entire length of ramus of lower jaw 15 .90

Tip to posterior edge of last tooth 9 . 80

Length of symphysis 2 .10

Height of ramus at coronoid process 2 .75

Width between outsides of articular surfaces (i .10

Width between posterior teeth 2 .10

Length from tip to anterior notch of dental foramen 11 .40

Length of largest teeth, sharply conical 0 .66

Greatest diameter of same 0 .13

Length from tip of beak to superior transverse ridge behind the frontals 15 .60

Teeth in the specimen before me, l^f by J^. The anterior six on each side above are barely
indicated, and do not project above the gums ; the next four on each side, though projecting, are
very small. Below, 47 teeth on each side are plainly visible, and there is room for four or five
more between the most anterior tooth and the end of the sj'mphysis. The teeth are very sharply
conical, rather wider transversely than in the direction of the ramus, and slightly incurved at the
tips. The number in the other specimen is reported to have been |^ on each side.

The principal features of the cranium, as compared with the other species of the genus Del'
phimig as restricted by Gray (1871), are the great length of the beak as compared with the brain-
case, and the remarkably deep channels in the maxillary bones on each side of the palatal ridge,
which actually overlaps on each side to the extent of 0.2 of an inch. Six and a half inches
behind the end of tlie beak, a groove commences in the median line of the palate, which widens
anteriorly, exposing the premaxillaries near the end of the beak. Behind the point mentioned,
the oalate rapidly rises as a narrow ridge (from 0.7 of an inch to one inch in width), evenly
rou;.aed on the edges and slightly convex in the middle, contracting a little in width after passing
the posterior end of the tooth line ; its edges overlapping the lateral channels, and its inferior
face extending at its junction with the palatines to the distance of 1.2 inch below the superior
arch of tho niaxillarics. A groove extends posteriorly between ihe palatines and pterygoids, ter-
minating in a slight notch between the latter, which notch is a little posterior to the posterior
termination of the narial septum. The pterygoid and tympanic bones are wanting in this specimen,

CATALOGUE OF THE CETACEA. 285

with the exception of those portions of the former which form the deeply -notched lateral walls of
the posterior nares, and which are continuous with the very broad lateral expansions of the basi-
occipital. The occipital condyles are nearly an inch apart at their closest approximation below;
the foramen magnum is large, rounded below, and angular, rather than notched, above. There is
a sharp vertical lamina on the inner side of the supra -occipital, extending forward in the median
line, nearly an inch from the inner surface of the supra -occipital, and terminating below about
half an inch above the foramen in a small triangular tentorium, from which slight laterally
extending ridges indicate the boundary of the cerebellar fossa.

The superior aspect of the cranium presents no very distinctive features. Compared with
Clymenia nxicrops. Gray, as figured in the Zoology of the Erebus and Terror, pi. 25 (also, in Synopgia
of Whales and Dolphins, 4to., Gray, 1868, pi. 25), the following differences are noted: The pre-
maxillse are narrower, more elevated above the maxillte ; the nasal triangle er.tends half an inch
beyond the posterior end of the tooth line instead of falling about as far behind it, and is much
more acute in front in D. Bairdii. The posterior angle of the supra -orbital process in D. Bairdii
is much less prominent, when viewed from above, than in microps, and the extension of the max-
illaries over the jugals is less elevated, being evenly rounded off at the sides and in front. The
supra -occipital is pressed in above the condyles, and the superior portion of it is more roundly
convex than in microps. The proportion of the beak to the brain -case is greater than in Clymenia
stenorhynchus, Gray, and the beak is wider, both at the notches and anteriorly. The laterally
channeled palate would in any case distinguish it from the species of Clymenia and Sleno, to which
it bears a superficial resemblance. In the anterior third of the beak, the premaxillis evenly slope
off toward the maxillee in the same plane, and are separated by the mesethmoid cartilage. Behind
this, however, the premaxilltc are solidly united, and much more elevated above the maxillie,
forming a ridge with nearly parallel and vertical sides, rounded off above, and attaining a maximum
height above the maxillie of 0.43 of an inch. The nasal triangle is evenly excavated, divided by
an open suture terminating in a notch above the narial septum. The mesethmoid plate is provided
with a submedian ridge, and terminates above in three points. The nasals are knob -like and
rounded transverse, forming the vertex of the skull.

Cebvical Vertebrje. — These are coossified into three groups, as hereafter mentioned; but it is
proliable that individuals vary in this respect to some extent. The first mass has a total diameter,
from point to point of the transverse processes, of 5.35 inches ; and from the middle lower anterior
edge of the atlas to the bifurcation of the spinous prtcess of 3.65 inches. The neural arch is 1.10
inch high and 1.53 inch wide; the extreme width across the condylar facets is 3.3 inches. The
centrum of the third cervical is 1.3 inch wide by 1.0 inch high. The neural arch (incomplete at
the top), 0.92 inch high by 1.0 inch wide; the extreme width from point to point of the vertebm
is 1.66 inch. The fifth cervical has a total width between the points of the lower transverse
processes of 1.57 inch. The height of the centrum is 1.1 inch; of the neural arch, 0.8 inch; the
width of the centi-um is 1.15 inch; of the neural arch, 0.89 inch. The length of that part of the
vertebral column composed of third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh cervicals is 1.2 inch, and that
part composed of the atlas and axis, 1.0 inch more. The neural spine of the seventh cervical is
0.8 inch long, and the width from point to point of the transverse processes, 3.65 inches ; of the
second thoracic, the bpine is 1.6 inch, and the width 3.55 inches.

The first matiii consists of t)ie atlas and axis solidly coossified both by their spines and bodies,
so that the only vestige of separation is an ovate and somewhat oblique opening between the
pedicels of the urclies. The inferior portion of the atlas is much produced forward, giving an
oblique appearance to the whole bone, which is of an approx'mately triangular shape. Its arch is
transversely ovate, with a broad triangular space between Jxe condylar facets. The first spinal
nerve enters by a shallow groove over the latter. The transverse proceises appertaining to the
atlas are rather lung and obliquely flattened above and below, with a slight knob, indicating a
superior transverse process, just above thorn. These two processes are separated by a narrow
groove from <.wo nodular projections which indicate the corresponding parts in the axis. A slight
ridge txists on the inferior surface of '.he centrum. The neural spine is very broad, stout, and

286 APPENDIX.

moderately long; it tapers from before backward, and has a stout, blunt, bifid, posterior termina-
tion. The anterior face is broadly triangular, the base of the triangle (forming the superior portion
of the neural arch ) being straight. The spine is concave below and grooved throughout its extent ;
the triangular portion of it overshadowing the arches of the third and fourth vertebrsB. The
pedicels of the axis are very slender.

The centra of the third and fourth vertebne are coossified, but not the arches. The summit of
the arch in the third is incomplete in this specimen, and the pedicels in this and the succeeding
cervicals are slender and compressed. In the third and fourth, the superior transverse processes
are only slightly indicated, and the inferior are absent; the centra are slightly pointed below and
flattened above, though generally rotundate.

The fifth and sixth cervicals are ankylosed by their centra and inferior transverse processes,
and the sixth by its centrum to the seventh cervical, forming the third moss preriously mentioned.

In the fifth and sixth, short inferior transverse processes are developed, though the superior
ones are insignificant. The centra are more squarely shaped than in the preceding. There are
no spinous processes, but the superior portion of the arches is rather pointed. The planes of the
zygapophyses are nearly horizontal, and the ar<'hp« are not coossified. The pedicels of the seventh
cen'ical are much broader, and long recurved superior transverse and spinous processes are devel-
oped, though the inferior transverse processes are barely indicated. Two rounded knobs, which
are nearer the summit of the centrum than the processes of the preceding cervicals, serve as points
of articulation for the head of the first rib. In the first thoracic, this tubercle appeal's lo be
missing, though it re -appears on the second. Both the first and second thoracic have strong,
stout, superior tranRverse processes, with large and prominent facets for the tubercular articulations
of the ribs. The vertebra rapidly increase in size and the spinous processes in length, and the
centra assume a more rounded outline.

■^ ■■o specimens of this species were obtained October 29th, 1872, by Captain C. M. Scammon.
The entire skeleton of one specimen, and the skull and cervical vertebroe of the other, above
described, were presen-ed. The former is now in the Mus. S. I. Of the species included under
the genus DrIphinuK, as restricted by Gray {Siipl. Cat. 1871, pp. 68-!)), D. hnyirostris is entirely
black, of different proportions, with the posterior part of the palate keeled instead of gi'ooved, and
the triangle extending only to the tooth line instead of beyond it. (Reported from Japan.) D.
major has the grooves on each side of the palate, "veiy wide and rather shallow, scarcely extend-
ing behind the hinder half of the beak." (Habitat unknown.) D. Fornteri is differently colored
and proportioned. (Norfolk Island.) £>. obliquidfiia, Gill, belongs to another genus. The remain-
der are all Atlantic species.

Of other species of unknown or Pacific habitats, which have been described from drawings, or
of which the skull is unknown, and to some of which this species might be suspected to belong,
D. Niivai ZflamUai is differently colored (though the distribution of the color is somewhat similar),
and has a short beak; the pectorals are white and the flukes slate color; 1). obxcunm, Gray, to
which Peale's Phocasua augtraUn and D'Orbigny's D. bivUlatuH have been refeiTcd by Cassin and
Gray, belongs to on entirely different group. None of Peale's other species resemble this one ot
all, ond ofter long and careful consideration, I am forced to the conclusion that the species is
uuilescribed ; and it is with great pleasure that I have followed the request of Captain Hcammon,
and dedicated it to Professor S. F. Baird, of the Smithsonian Institution, to wLose never-tiring
courtesy and unfailing liberality nearly every American naturalist is more or less indebted.

Delphlnus longirostrls.

V. lougiroHlris, Gray, 18GG, p. 241; 1868, p. 5; 1871, p. C8. Schlegel, F. Jap., pi. 24.

Japan ?

Eighty-one inches long. Block, with large high dorsal. Skull, 22 inches; beak, 13j inches;
teeth, J J. Stuffed specimen. Cope of Good Hope; B. M. Skull, Molobar; Mus. Paris. Drawing,
Japan ; Sclilogel.

CATALOGUE Ot THE CETACEA. 287

Delphlnus mi^or.

D. major, Gray, 1866, p. 397; 1868, p. 5; 1871, p. 68.

Habitat?

Skull, 21 inches; beak, 12J inches; width at notch, ^ inches. Teeth, |4> ^^^ ^^ ^^ '°^^'
Palate grooves very wide and rather shallow. Skull only, B. M.

Gen as Clymenia, Gray.
Clynienia, Gray, 1868, p. 6 ; 1871, p. 69.
Clymene, Gray, 1866, p. 249.
Type B. clymene, Gray, 1866, p. 249.

Cljrnienla alope.

C. alope, Gray, 1866, p. 252; 1868, p. 6, pi. 32; 1871, p. 70.

Cape Horn.

Cranium, 16J inches; beak, lOf inches; width at notch, 3J inches. Teeth, Jf. Skull only,
MuB. Warwick.

Clymenia stenorhynohus.

Delphinua stenorhynchua. Gray, 1866, pp. 240, 396.

C. slenorhynchug, Gray, 1868, p. 6; 1871, p. 69.

Habitat?

Cranium, 18 inches ; beak, 12 inches ; width at notch, 3 inches. Teeth, f|. Like C. micropa,
but larger, with proportionally longer beak. Skull only, B. M.

Clymenia dorides.

Tursio dorcidea, Gray, 1866, p. 400.

(7. dorideg. Gray, 1868, p. 6; 1871, p. 71.

Habitat ?

Skull thick and hea%'y; beak once and one-third the length of the brain-case; twice and one-
third the width at the notch. Palate flat. Teeth, f|, slender, five in an inch. Skull only, B. M.

Clymenia obsoura.

Delphinua FUzroyi, Waterhouse.

D. biviitalus, D'Orbigny.

Phocwua auslralig, Peale, Zool. U. S. Ex. Exp., pi. 6, fig, 2, 1848.

Tursio obscurua. Gray, 1866, pp. 264, 400.

C. obsciira. Gray, 1868, p. 6, pi. 16; 1871, p. 71, fig. 3.

Cape of Good Hope, South Pacific.

Black, with oblique diverging streaks at the sides; beneath, whitish. Length, 15 feet. Skull,
14 inches. Teetl, f^ to |f Full material, B. M.

Clymenia sesthenops.

, Delphinua wsthenopa. Cope, Proo. Phil. Acad. 1865, p. 201.
C. (Bsllienoiis, Gray, 1871, p. 72.

Habitat?

Cranium, 15 inches; beak, 9 inches; width at notch, 3.3 inches. Teeth, ||, to |J. Skull
only, Mas. Peabody Academy of Science, Salem, Mass.

288 APPENDIX.

Clymenia orotaphisoa.

Delpkinus crotaphiscus. Cope, 1. c, 1865, p. 203.
C. crotaphigcus. Gray, 1871, p. 72.

Habitat?

Cranium, 16 inches; heak, 10 inches, flat; width at notch, 3J inches. Teeth, jj. Temporal
fossa small; a keel in front of superior nares. Skull only, Mus. Peabody Academy.

Clsrmeiila longldens.

Delphinm longidenx. Cope, Proo. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 295.

Habitat?

Teeth, |^. Skull, 15.25 inches. Beak, to maxillary notches, 8.25 inches. Breadth at notch,
3.55 inches. Skull only, S. I.

Professor Cope, in criticising Doctor Gray's arrangement, suggests that Sleno, Delphinus, Lageno-
rhynchus, and Tursio can form but one genus if further characters can not be brought forward.
While this criticism might be somewhat justified by the confused arrangement of the Catalogue of
1866, yet it would seem as if that of 1871 to some extent remedied the difficulty, and that the
groups there indicated are natural ones, and recognizable, though perhaps some of them are of
less value than supposed by Doctor Gray. In this new light Professor Cope's view would hardly
seem tenable.

Clymenia plagiodon.

Delphinus (Tursio) plagiodon, Cope, 1, c, p. 296.

Habitat?

Skull, 17 inches. Beak to notch, 9.8 inches. Width at notch, 3.55 inches. Greatest width
of skull, 7.25 inches. Teeth, ||. Triangle advancing a little before the last tooth. Besembles
Gray's figure of C. doris. Skull only, S. I.

Genus Tursiops, Gorvais.
Ihrsiopis, Gervnis, Mammif., p. 323.
Tursio, Gray, 1866, p. 254.
Type B. tursio, Linn.

TursiopB Oillli. Outline, p. 102.

T. Oillii, Dall, Prel. Descr. Proc. Cal. Acad, v, January, 1873.
Coujfish, Scammon, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1869, p. 45.

Monterey, California.

Dull black, lighter on the belly. Dorsal low, falcate. Teeth, |J to J|?

A lower jnw of the present species, which is the only portion of the animal yet collected by
Captain Scammon, has twenty-two teeth on each side. The rami are solid and strong, especially
their anterior halves. The symphysis is short, extending backward as far as the fifth tooth. The
gonys is more produced downward than in any of the species figured by Gray, ond is evenly
rounded upward in front. The ramus has the least height a)>out the middle of the tooth line,
which rises before and behind. The anterior six teeth are smaller than the others, and much more
incurved. The teeth are solid and conical, with the tips attenuated and sharply pointed, which
accounts for the ease with which they may become truncated. The outer margins of the alveoli
are remarkably rough, being produced in arborescent points resembling the septa of some ammon-
ites. The gonys is somewhat iieoled. The condyles are broad, of a rounded triangular shape,

CATALOGUE OF THE CETACEA. 289

with the inner edges obliquely inclined to the vertical plane of the ramus. The measurements, in
inches and decimals, are as follow :

Length from end of beak to condyles 16 .80

Length from end of beak to end of coronoid process 15 .80

Length from end of beak to end of tooth line 9 .30

Length from end of beak to inner notch of dental foramen 11 .00

Length of symphysis 2 .00

Width between outer edges of condyles 9 .75

Width between inner comers of condyles 6 .50

Width between two posterior teeth 3 .50

Width between teeth at posterior end of symphysis 1 .40

Width between anterior teeth 0 .75

Height of ramus at coronoid process 4 .40

Height of ramus at posterior tooth 2 .25

Height of ramus at twelfth pair of teeth 1 ,50

Height of ramus at middle of symphysis 1 .70

Thickness of ramus at twelfth pair of teeth 0 .85

Height of largest tooth above alveolus 0 .80

Height of smallest tooth above alveolus 0 .42

Transverse diameter of larger teeth 0 .38

Diameter in the plane of the ramus 0 .33

The angle at which the rami meet behind the symphysis is quite acute. The anterior end of
the symphysis from above appears bluntly rounded, and has a narrow median groove.

This species does not appear to have been described, and though the material at hand is
unfortunately very slender, I have applied to it the name of Tutsiops Gillii. The specimen was
obtained at Monterey, California, in 1871. The hardly-worn appearance of the teeth suggests that
it was a young animal, though the bones are thoroughly solidified. The only other species which
may be found in the books, from the Pacific or its vicinity, is the T. catalania, Gray, N. W.
Australia, and it is described as being lead -colored.

Genus Oephalorhynchus, F. Cuvicr.

Cephahrhynchus, F. Cuvier, Cetac, p. 158.

Futropia, Gray, P. Z. S. 18G2, p. 145; 1866, p. 262; 1871, p. 75,

JephalorhynohuB Eutropia.

Belphinus Eutropia, Gray, P. Z. S. 1849, p. 1.

Eutropia Dickiei, Gray, P. Z. S. 1866, p, 215; 1868, p. 7, pi. 34; 1871, p. 75.

Turaio Eutropia, Gray, 1866, p. 262.

Coast of Chile, South Pacific Ocean.

Skull, 15 inches; beak, 8 inches; width at notch, 3.5 inches. Sides of skull bent down i

behind the notch. Teeth, |J, five or six in an inch. Skull only. Coll, Dickie. |

Some one of the species described from drawings, and of which the skull is unknown, may be '

identical with this.

llAam liAiniAU.-M.

290 APPENDIX.

Genus IiageXLOrhynchUS, Gray.
Lagenorhynchns, Gray, Ztol. E. and T., 1846, p. 34; 1850, p. 97.

Section Ekdra, Gray.
Eleclra, Gray, 1866, p. 268; 1871, p. 76.

Lagenorhynohus eleotra.

L. electro. Gray (1846), 1866, p. 268.

Eleotra obtusa, Gray, 1868, p. 7, pi. 13 ; 1871, p. 76.

Habitat?

Skull, 17.5 inches; beak, 9.76 inches; width at notch, 5.5 inches. Teeth, }^, four in an inch.
Skull only, B. M.

Lagenorhynohus aaia.

L. asm, Gray, 1866, p. 269.

Electra asia, Gray, 1868, p. 7, pi. 14; 1871, p. 76.

Habitat?

Skull, 16.75 inches; beak, 9 inches; width at notch, 4.75 inches. Teeth, f|. Skull only,
B. M.

Lagenorhynohus olanoulus.

L. clanculus. Gray, 1866, p. 271.

Electra clancula, Gray, 1868, p. 7, pi. 35; 1871, p. 77.

South Pacific, New Zealand.

Skull, 14.5 inches; beak, 7.25 inches; width at notch, 4.75 inches. Teeth, ||. Skeleton and
skulls, B. M.

Lagenorhynohus thioolea.

L. thicolea. Gray, 1866, p. 271.

Electra thicolea, Gray, 1868, p. 7, pi. 36; 1871, p. 77.

West coast of North America.

Skull, 14.5 inches; beak, 8.33 inches; width at notch, 3.9 inches. Teeth, f^? Skull only,
B. M.

Compare Clymenia crolaphisca, Cope. This is very likely to be one of the species described
from drawings by Peale.

Section Leucopkurus, Gray.
Leucopleurua, Gray, P. Z. S. 1866, p. 216; 1868, p. 7; 1871, p. 78.

Lagenorhynohus obllquidens. Plate xis, fig. 2.

L. obliquidens. Gill, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1865, p. 177.

Delphinm obliquidens. Cope, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1869, p. 21; Gray, 1871, p. 69.

Striped or Common Porpoise of Scammon.

California.

Not the "Bottle-nosed Grampus" of Scammon, as supposed by Cope, loc. cit.

I have been able to identify this species by means of photographs of Professor Gill's typical
specimen, which were kindly sent me by Professor Baird. It diflTers, however, in some particulars,
from those I have examined. The skull is a little larger oxA longer, the pterj'goids ore less
pointed, tie temporal fossa smaller, and the edges of the triangle are higher and more extended

CATALOGUE OF THE CETACEA. 291

laterally, than in the specimens which I have seen. The teeth are more numerous (|f ), f.nd the
occipital condyles less rounded and prominent, but larger. It is quite possible that this sk.'.!l may
be that of a male. Those which I have examined were both of females. I consider the difforences
as at most no more than sexual, and probably only individual peculiarities; and I have no doubt
whatever of the identity of Captain Scammon's species with that described by Professor Gill.

It is evidently the most abundant species on the coast of California, and varies considerably in
size with age. It is very close to L. leucopleurus of the Atlantic.

The following are the measurements of two crania, in inches and decimals :

No. 1. No. a.

Length of skull in a straight line 16 .00 15 .50

Internal length of brain cavity . 5 .00 5 .00

Length of beak before the maxillary notches. 8 .00 8 .20

Tip of beak to anterior margin of superior nares 10 .25 10 .00

Tip of beak to posterior notch of palate 9 .75 ?

Tip of beak to posterior tooth 7 .40 7 .75

Height of skull at vertex 6 .75 5 .50

Greatest breadth at zygomatic process of squamosals 8 .20 7 .50

Breadth at supra-orbital ridge 7 .20 6 .30

Breadth between maxillary notches 4 .60 4 .00

Breadth at middle of beak 3 .40 2 .80

Width of condyles 4 .00 3 .25

Closest approximation of condyles below the foramen magnum 0 .12 0 .18

Height of foramen magnum 1 .35 1 .30

Width of foramen magnum 1 .35 1 .50

Entire length of ramus of lower jaw 13 .00 12 .00?

Tip to posterior edge of last tooth in lower jaw 7 .50 6 .75

Length of symphysis 1 .30 1 .00

Height of ramus at coronoid process 3 .00 2 .60

Height of ramus at four inches from tip of anterior end 1 .00 0 .95

Width between outsidcs of articular surfaces 7 .25 6 .40

Width between posterior teeth 3 .60 3 .50

Length from tip of beak to superior transverse ridge behind f rentals.. 13 .00 12 .00

Length from tip of ramus to anterior notch of inferior dental foramen, 9 .00 7 .75

Greatest width of premaxi'laries 3 .75 ?

Width of premaxillaries at middle of beak 2 .10 1 .00

The surface of the beak in No. 1 is moderately and quite regularly arched from side to side,
no grooves separating the maxilhe and premaxillue. The nasal triangle is nearly plane but elevated,
and its surface rough ; behind, it gradually ascends ; before, it is gradually incurved, and is con-
tinued as a narrow internal margin to the premaxillic, to the anterior fourth of the beak; its
greatest width is less than half the width of the cranium. The mesethmoid groove is wide, and
scarce!' contracted in the middle. The supra -occipital projects forward, nearly or quite touching
the nasals. The temporal fossae project far backward.

The teeth are {J in number, elongated and boldly curved, about four in an inch. The occiput
is deeply impressed obove the condyles. The mesethmoid plate is sharply pointed above, and
divided into three lobes behind the narial openings, by perpendicular sutures, which are evident
for an inch and a half vertically. The mesethmoid -t evident for nearly an inch between the
premaxillto in front of the superior nares. The pterygoids are obtusely keeled below, but not at
the sides, and deeply roundly notched laterally. The palate is flat, constricted slightly at the
palatines, and somewhat concave in the anterior half of the jaw. The periotics are wanting. A
very peculiar feature of the cranium is the enormous development of the tentorium. The septum
above it projects into the brain -case nearly two inches. From the base of this septum, half an

292 APPENDIX.

inch above the foramen magnum, the broad arch of the tentoriunc, as lung in its axial diameter as
the septum, extends on each side a little farther than the upper exterior angles of the condyles,
thence giving out a triangular wing on each side, which, attenuating as it descends, reaches the
floor of the brain cavity in advance of the opening between the alisphenoid and ex-occipital, and
is ankylosed with the former. The cerebellar fossa is thus almost completely inclosed, communi-
cating with the cerebral fossa only by an opening in the front of the arch but little larger than
the foramen magnum, and by the narrow openings between the outer edges of the wings of the
tentorium, bounded below by the alisphenoid, and laterally by the ex-occipital wall. The septum
ceases abruptly in front, below the frontal and supra -occipital suture. ..\. ridge from the front of
the tentorial wings is coossified with the orbito- sphenoid, above the sphenoidal fissure; the latter
in this species being posterior to and distinct from the foramen rotundum, which opens into the
cerebral "avity.

In No. 2, the dimensions were constantly smaller, the skull belonging to a younger, though
fully adult individual. The teeth were |J-,, the tip of the lower jaws being mutilated. The ten-
torium presented the same features as in No. 1, and the skull o£fered no special peculiarities not
common to the other.

The scapula and cervical vertebrae of a third specimen, of which the entire skk^leton was
preserved, oflfered the following peculiarities : The external face of the scapula is flattened, slightly
excavated in the middle, and with a slight ridge behind. The prescapular fossa is inconspicuous,
but has a width of three-quarters of an inch on the outer face of the scapula, above the acromion.
The latter is «o shaped, notched above behind, with a projecting process below in front. The
upper anterior corner is connected with the anterior angle of the prescapular fossa by a strong
ligament; the anterior termination of the acromion is incurved, and externally convex. The cora-
coid is triangular, with the distal edge thickened, anteriorly excavated, and knobbed at the corners.
The external surface is concave. The glenoid cavity is sub-rotundate ; the post- scapular edge is
evenly rounded in a sigmoid curve. Beyond the upper posterior corner a triangular mass of
cartilage extends beyond the bone, an inch in its greatest width. The inner face of the scapula
is flattened, with three or four narrow low ridges radiating from the glenoid border. The inner
surface of the coracoid is convex, and of the acromion concave. The measurements are as follow,
ia inches and decimals :

Greatest length of scapula 9 .50

Greatest length of acromion 3 .00

Greatest length of coracoid 2 .25

Greatest diameter of glenoid cavity 1 .30

Glenoid cavity to anterior angle 6 .25

Glenoid cavity io superior border 6 .00

Glenoid cavity to posterior angle 6 .00

Glenoid cavity to anterior angle of acromion 4 .50

Glenoid cavity to anterior angle of coracoid 3 .00

Glenoid cavity to pr terior angle of coracoid 2 .00

The cervical vertebrm oflfer some differences from those of Detphinua Bairdii. The atlas and
axis are r idly coossified by both body and spines ; the others are all free, though whether in
aged individuals this condition continues, is a matter of ^oubt It is probable, from the generally
abnormal condition of the cervical vertebrae in the Cetacea, that comparatively wide variations in
the amount of ankylosis may obtain in different individuals of the same species, and also in the
same individual at different ages. The bones in this individual are larger and stronger than in
D. Bairdii, but the spinal canal is proportionately smaller. The canal of the first spinal nerve,
which in D. Bairdii is a shallow groove behind the upper edge of the condylar facets, is here (by
a slender process extending upward and backward from that edge, and coalescing with the anterior
base of the spinous process) converted into a foramen. The spine is keeled and convex below,
instead of excavated, and flat, with a very narrow median keel, above. The spine is broader, acd

CATALOGUE OF THE CETACEA. 298"

not distinctly bifurcated. TLe lower transverse processes in the axis, instead of being obsolete, as
in D. Bairdii, are here produced into sharp points. A median triangular area on the lower surface
of the centrum (wanting in D. Bairdii) is here very prominent, and continued backward by a
strong, deep keel. In the posterior vertebrae, all except the third are provided with a more or
less evident spinous process, while in D. Bairdii none except the seventh shows any spine. In
the present species the cervicals behind the axis are more nearly equal in size than in the former,
and the upper and lower transverse processes are more strongly developed. In the third, fourth,
and fifth cervicals in the median line, below and in front of the base of the neural spine, projects
a smoU triangular prolongation of the bone, connected with the axis in the Jiird, and with the
preceding vertebrse in the fourth and fifth, by a small but unmistakable articular surface or facet.
The pedicels of the neural canal are more arched laterally than in D. Bairdii, giving the passage
a more flattened appearance than in that species. The following measurements will facilitate a
comparison :

Coossified otlas and axis, extreme width, 6.0 inches; from the middle of the lower anterior
edge to the posterior point of the spine, 4.1 inches. Height of neural arch, 1.0 inch; widsa, 1.5
inch. Extreme width of condylar facets, 3.6 inches. Third vertebra : width of centrum, 1.58 inch ;
of neural arch, 1.15 inch; height of centrum, 1.42 inch; of orch, 0.8 inch. Extreme width of
vertebra between the points of the transvei-se processes, 2.25 inches. Lcmgth of tliat part of the
vertebral column consisting of the five posterior cervicals, 1.6 inch. i>itla8 and axis, 1.35 inch
more. The neural spine of the seventh cervical is 0.93 inch, and the extreme width between the
points of the transverse processes is 3.75 inches. The spinous processes of the fourth, fifth, and
sixth cervicals average about 0.3 inch in length. The head of the first rib articulates with the
body of the seventh cervical, as in D. Bairdii.

The animal is rather thick in proportion to its length; black above, with a strongly falcate
dorsal. Below, white, to the edge of the patch passing froii the lower lip below the pectorals
and terminating a short distance behind the vent. A broad gray smouch on each side above the
line of the black color, and interrupted about the middle of the animal on each side; the edges
of the gray are ill defined. The posterior edges of the pectorals and dorsal are also grayish.
Length of animal, 7 feet and 3 inches ; breadth of flukes, 2 feet ; tip of snout to anterior edge of

dorsal, 3 feet.

Full descriptions of the colors and full measurements are given by Captain Scammon in the
preceding monograph. A complete skeleton and the additional skull above described were obtained
from two female specimens taken at Monterey, November 20th, 1872; besides which, one other
skull is in Captain Scammon's possession, and one in the collection of the California Academy of
Sciences.

Ijagenorh3rnohus alblrostratus ?

Delphinus albirostralus ? Peale, U. S. Ex. Exp. 1848; pi. 6, fig. 2.
D. ceruleo-albus (Mayen) Cassin, 1. c, p. 31, pi. vi, fig. 2.

Pocific Ocean, latitude 2° south, longitude 174° west. Peale.

Blue gray, with small vermicular white spots. End of snout white ; dorsal nearest the head.
Six feet and seven inches long; teeth, JJ,. No specimens; described from drawing (Peale).

This species is referred by Cassin (as I think, erroneously) to V. ceruleo-albus, Mayen, a south
Atlantic species; and to D. Chanmsonis, Wiegm., by Gray.

Captain Marston, of the schooner Maggie Johiuslone, on a voyage from Tahiti to San Francisco,
obtained a specimen of a porpoise which is not improbably the species described by Peale. He
informed me that the animal was gray, ligliter below and darker above ; that some of the same
"school" had whit« noses, but in others the snout was light gray. The dorsal is rather small.
The specimen wos obtained in latitude 13° north. Tlie skull presents intermediate characters
between several of Gray's sections, and agrees with none of the skulls described or figured in the
works accessible to me. It is in the collection of the California Academy of Sciences.

294 APPENDIX.

The following are its dimensions, in inches and decimals :

Length of skull in straight line : 14 .00

Internal length of brain cavity 4 .25

Length of beak anterior to maxillary notches 8 .00

Length from tip of beak to anterior margin of superior nares G .30

Length from tip of beak to posterior notch of palate 9 .20

Length from tip of beak to posterior tooth 6 .75

Height of skull at vertex 5 .40

Greatest breadth at zygomatic process of squamosals 6 .50

Breadth at supra- orbital ricige 5 .50

Breadth between maxillary notches 3 .25

Breadth at middle of beak 1 .75

"VVidth of condyles 3 .20

Closest approximation of condyles below the foramen magnum 0 .22

Height of foramen magnum 1 .40

■\Vidth of foramen magnum 1 .50

Entire length of ramus of lower jaw 11 .90

Tip to posterior edge of last tooth in lower jaw 7 .00

Length of symphysis 1 .50

Height of ramus at coronoid process 2 .20

Height of ramus 3.5 inches from tip of anterior end 0 .CO

Width between outsides of articular surfaces 5 .20

Width between posterior teeth 1 .70

Length from tip of beak to superior transverse ridge behind frontals 11 .25

Length from tip to anterior notch of inferior dental foramen 7 .70

Greatest width of premaxillaries 2 .50

Width of premaxillaries at middle of beak 0 .90

Teeth, ^f, six in an inch, subcylindrical, conical, recurved at tip, sharply pointed. Coronoid
process, slender, inconspicuous ; jaws thin and light. Anterior three teeth minute. Premaxillte
sepai-ated widely by the mesethmoid cartilage, approximating more nearly ot the middle of the
beak, hard, rather flat in front. Beak rather flat, evenly shelving at the sides. Nasal triangle
passing an inch before the hinder tooth, rough anteriorly, subcariuate in the middle behind, on
the left side not reaching the nasals. Maxillse sharply turned up before the notch, evenly rounded
ofl" behind it. All the bones of the left side a little shorter behind, and the left nasal smaller
and in advance of the right. Brain cavity larger on the left side. Septum and tentorium small
and inconspicuous. Lateral keels of the pterj-goids flattened. Vomer extended back as far as the
posterior edge of the zygomatic process of the squamosals. Posterior ridge of the temporal fossa
obsolete. Mesethmoid appearing between the maxillee for Ij inch in the middle of the beak, and
succeeded by the premaxillm, to the end of the beak. Palatines separated by a slight groove.
Lateral notches of the pterj-goids, narrow, small. The portion of the basi - occipital gutter formed
by the vomer and pterygoids, narrower than the inferior nares. Palate flattened above, imjiressed
before the palatines, with a tendency toward lateral grooves at the outer edges. Skull evidently of
a young animal.

Genus? FerOSa, Gray.
Fereaa, Gray, P. Z. S. 1870, p. 77; 1871, p. 78.

Feresa intermedia.

Feresa intermedia, Gray, 1871, p. 78.

Orca intermedia. Gray, 1866, p. 283 ; 1868, p. 8, pi. 8.
Habitat ?

Skull resembling Orca, but only 14 inches long ; beak, 7 inches ; width at notch, 4J inches.
Teeth, ff. Skull only, B. M.

CATALOGUE OF THE CETACEA. 295

Species inceiice sedis.

The following species are known only from drawings, or very insufficient materials; most of
them (unless we except those of Mr. Peale, whose delineations have proved in at least one case
to be remarkably accurate) can hardly hope for identification, and it is very probable that many
of them are identical with species described from skulls only. It is of course impossible to
determine the genus of any of them ; and it would be a relief, if they, together with the species
erected on aboriginal pottery and carvings, and drawings of Chinese and Japanese artists (!), could
be wiped away from our books altogether.

Dblphinus albimanus, Peale, Zool. U. S. Ex. Exp., ed. i, p. 33, 1848; Cassin, Mamm. ditto, p. 29,
pi. vi, fig. 1.

Coast of Chile.

Head, back, and flukes, black ; sides, tawny ; belly, white ; top of pectorals, white. Length,
6 feet 6 inches. $ Snout to eye, 12 inches. Teeth, ^.

No specimens known. Referred to Z>. Novce-Zelandiae by Cassin, but not by Gray.

Delphisus Forsteri, Gray, 1868, p. 6, pi. 24.

New Caledonia.

Rust colored above; beneath, white; a small white spot on the disk of the dorsal and pectoral
fins. Six feet long. Teeth, JJ. No specimens known. Described from Forster's drawing. Per-
haps the same as C. microps, Gray.

Delphinus lateraus, Peale, 1. c, p. 35, pi. 8, fig. 1, 1848; Cassin, Mamm. ditto, p. 32, pi. vii,
fig. 1.

Pacific Ocean, latitude 13° north, longitude 161° west.

Dark above, purplish gray below, with a dark lateral line with light spots above and below it.
Fins and snout, black. Length, 90 inches. Teeth, {^. No specimens; described from drawings.
Referred to Lagenorhynchus, by Cassin.

Dklphinus pectoralis, Peale, 1. c; Cassin, p. 28, pi. v, fig. 2.

Near the Sandwich Islands.

Black obove; belly, reddish white; a frontal band of slate - jor extending behind the eyes; a
white spot on each side before the fins. Length, 8 feet 8 inches. Teeth, ff. No specimens.

Delphinus chidensis, Desmoul., Qray, 1850, p. 132.
China Seas.
"Shining white;" no specimens; perhaps a beluga.

Delphinus lunatus. Lesson, Voy. Coq., pi. ix, fig. 4.
Coast of Chile.
"Tunenas" of the Chilenos. No specimens. From sketch of animal swimming I

Delphinus nioer, Lacepbde, Mem. Mus. iv, p. 475.
China?
Black, with white edges to lips and fins. No specimens. From Chinese drawing I

Delphinus lorioer, Schreb. Saugeth., pi. 362.
Habitat?
Lead colored; middle of sides, chest, and belly, white. No specimens.

296 APPENDIX.

Delphinus styx, Graj-, has been referred with doubt to Scnmmon's "Common Porpoise," and the
North Pacific habitat thus indicated has been credited to D. styx by Gray in his last supple-
mentary catalogue, but there are no good grounds for considering it a West American species,
and the t^-pe is known to come from West Africa.

Genus LeuCOrhamphus, Lilljcborg.
Leucorhamphua, Lilljeborg, Gill.
Ddphinaj^ems, Gray (not Lacepbde), Zo'jl. E. and T., 1846, p. 35; 1871, p. 72.

lieuoorhamphus Peronll.

IMphinus Peronii, Lacppfcde, Get., p. 517, 1804.

1). leucorhamphus. Brooks, Cat. Mus., p. 39, 1828.

Ddplanaplerus Peronii, Gray (Lesson), 1866, p. 276; 1868, p. 6, pi. 15; 1871, p. 72.

West coast of South America, latitude 50° south (Pickering).

Black above, white below; the dividing' line j^assing from the middle of the forehead below
the eye, above the pectorals, and stopping at the flukes, which arc black. Skull, 18.25 inches;
beak, 10 inches. Teeth, |J, six in an inch. Skulls, Mus. Paris, and drawings of animal.

LeuoorhamphuB borealis. PI. xix, fig. 3.

Dvlphinaptenia borealis, Peale, Zocil. U. S. Ex. Exp., p. 38, 1848; Gray, 1866, p. 277.
Delphinus borealis, Cassin, Mamm. U. S. Ex. Exp., p. 30, pi. vii, fig. 2.
lUght Whale Porpoise, of Scammon.

West coast of North America.

Form elongate ; black, with a lanceolate white spot beneath, extended in a narrow line nearly
to the tail. Length, 4 to 6 feet. Teeth (?). Skull, Mus. S. I. Notes and measurements from
life.

A specimen of this species was obtained by me oflf Cape Mendocino, October, 1868. Careful
notes, a sketch, and measurements were secured, together with the cranium, now in the National
Museum. On comparison with Mr. Peale's original drawing, they agreed exactly, except that my
specimen was considerably larger, measuring about six feet. Unfortunately, these notes are not
now accessible. Cassin and Gray refer to it as being probably the young of a species of beluga;
but why they should do so, I can not imagine, as there are no gi-ounds apparent for such a belief.
It is unquestionablj" a dolphin.

Genus OrCft, Gray.
Orca, Gray, Zool. E. and T., 1846, p. 33; 1866, p. 278.
Ophysia, Gray, P. Z. S. 1870, p. 76; 1871, p. 93.

Oroa magellanloa.

O. magellanica, Burmeister, An. Mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. 3, xviii, p. 101, pi. 9, fig. 5; Annals
Mus. Buenos Ayres, i, p. 373, pi. 22.

Patagonia.

Skeleton, Mus. Buenos Ayres.

Oroa destructor.

O. deslruclor, Cope, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1866, p. 293.

Payta, Peru.

Teeth, J. Skull only, S. I.

CATALOGUE OF TUE CETACEA. 297

Oroa rectipinna. Fl. xvii, iig. 1.

0. rvdipinna. Cope, Proe. Phil. Acad. 18G9, p. 25; Scammou, 1. c, p. 56, fig. 15, IG.

North Pacific, coast of California, Bering Sea.

Black, with high, erect dorsal. Skull? coll. Scammou. Skull, coll. Cal. Acad. Sci. Estab-
lished on Scammon's iigures ami descriptions.

The first skull referred to is supi)osed to be that of 0. n-clipiuna, but this is not absolutely
certain. The most notable peculiarities are the turning up and in of the posterior emi.; of the
maxillaries, by the side of the nasals, and to some extent over the posterior ends o* ihe premaxil-
laries. The transverse frontal ridge is very high and thin, the back of the skull lehind it quite
flat; in the temporal fossa, in the line of union of the squamosals and parietals, and extending
some distance each side of the suture, is a ridge, or blunt carina, nearly as long as the fossa.
The measurements of the cranium are as follow, in inches and decimals. The individual was
doubtless rather aged :

Length of skull in a straight line 39 .00

Length of brain cavity, internally 11 .00

Length of beak before the maxillary notches 21 .00

Length from tip of beak to anterior margin of superior nares 24 .50

Length from tip of beak to posterior notch of palate 25 .00

Length from tip of beak to posterior edge of last tooth 17 .00

Length from tip of beak to frontal ridge 32 .50

Height of skull at vertex IG .50

Greatest breadth ( at zygomatic i)rocess of squamosals) 25 .00

Breadth of supra-orbital ridge 23 .00

Breadth between maxillary notches 11 .50

Breadth at middle of beak 10 .50

Breadth of the two premaxillie at middle of beak 1 .I'O

Breadth of the fissure between them 0 .75

Breadth of condyles 7 .50

Closest approximation of condyles beneath the foramen magnum 0 .10

Height of foramen magnum (notched above) 3 .25

Width of foramen magnum 2 .75

Teeth in upper jaw, 12 or 13 (lost.)

Oroa ater. PI. xvii, fig. 2.

O. aliT, Cope, 1. c, p. 23; Scammon, 1. c, p. 58, fig. 17.
0. alra, Gray, 1871, p. 02.

Coast of California and Oregon.

Smaller, with a white spot before the pectorals ; white below, with a maroon colored, crescentic
spot behind the dorsal. Established on Scammon's desciiptious and figures.

A jaw, supposed, with some probability, to belong to this species, is in Captain Scammon's
possession It is of an adult individual, but retains all the teeth, and measures as follows, in
inches and decimals :

Length of ramus 28 ,00

Tip to posterior edge of last tooth 13 .00

Length of symphysis G .25

Height of ramus at coronoid process 8 .50

Width between outsides of articular surfaces 21 .00

Width behit ' posterior teeth 10 .00

Length from p to anterior notch of dental foramen 17 .00'?

Height of lar eat teeth above alveoli 1 .30

Mabine MuiiiAU.— as.

298 APPENDIX.

Greatest diameter of the same ( transverse) 1 .00

Antero- posterior diameter of same 0 .70

Height of jaw at gonj's 3 .00

Height of jaw at posterior tooth 4 .00

Length to coronoid process from tip 25 .50

Width at posterior end of symphysis 7 .50

Thickness of ramus at seventh pair of teeth from tip 2 .50

Number of teeth on each side, 12.

Orca ater, var. fUsoa. PI. xvii, fig. 3.

A variety (?) of the above, with a lower falcate dorsal, with the belly, spots, and crescent of
a yellowish cream color, instead of white and maroon, reported by Scammon from similar localities,
may take the above varietal name until more material in regard to it is obtained. An Orcn, under
the name of Ddphinus orca, is reported by Chamisso from the North Pacific and Komchatka ; very
likelj' one of the above raeutioued fonus.

Oroa paoifioa.

O. capensin, Gray, 18C8, p. 8, pi. 9.

Opinjsia pacifica, Gray, P. Z. S. 1870, p. 76; 1871, p. 93.

Skull only, B. M. Reported by Gray to be probably from tlie South Pacific or Chile, but
originally stated to be from the North Pacific. I can see no grounds for separating this from
Orca, even subgenericuHy.

Genus PhOC8BIia, Gray.
Phoccemi, G/ay, 18GG, p. 301; 1871, p. 81.

Phocsna vomerina. PI. xviii, fig. 2-4.

r. vomerina. Gill, Proc. Phil. Acad. 18G5, p. 178; Cope, 1. c., 18G9, p. 24; Scammon,

1. c., p. 54.
Hay Porpoise, of Scammon.

San Francisco, California.

Full material, skulls and skeleton, Mus. S. I. Figures and photographs from nature, and
measurements. Eight blunt spines were noticed by me on tlio dorsal of a specimen of this species
oljtaincd in the harbor of San Francisco, Februaiy 8th, 1873. A dark line extended from the
corner of the mouth to the pectorals. The belly was white, shading gradually into dark slate
color on the back. The teeth in this species vary considerably in their shape, in some specimens
being spade shaped, in others nearly tricuspid, p'ld in still others truncated squarely.

Ootiiis Sagmatias, Cope.

Sagmat'uts, Cope, Proc. IMiil. Aciul. 1866, p. 201.

Sagmatias amblodon.

S. amhhxlm, Cope, Proc. Phil. Acad. 18GC, p. 294.

South Pacific? U. S. Ex. Exp.

No triangle. Teeth "jiumerous," rounded, obtuse, stout. Skull, 15.25 inches. End of beak
to notch, 7.() inches. Width at notch, 3.7!) inches. Allied to Fhoc:. m. Skull only, S. I.

CATALOGUE OF THE CEIACEA. 299

Genus NeomeriS, Gray.
Neomeris, Gray, 1866, p. 306 ; 1871, p. 81.

Neomeris phooaenoides.

N. phucmnoLles, Gray, 18G6, p. 306; 1868, p. 6; 1871, p. 82.
Delphinapterus molagan, Owen.

Japan. Reported also from the Indian Ocean.

Black; no dorsal fin. Teeth, fj. Full material, Japan, figured in Fauna Japonica. Skull,
Mus. Leyden.

Subfamily GLOsiocEPiiAim.^, Gill, p. 96.

Genus GlobiOCephaluS, Gray.
GloUocephulus, Gray, 1850, p. 86. (Lesson.)

Globiocephalus Sieboldii. ,'

G. Sieboldii, Gray, 18G6, p. 323; 1871, p. 85. |

G. sibo? Gray, 1871, p. 85. (From Japanese account!) I

G. chinenais? Gray, 186G, p. 323; 1871, p. 85. (From anonymous description in Chinese |

Repository.) |

Japan. ^

Black, with a paler streak beneath. Figure of animal and skull in Fauna Japonica. Skeleton
{ubif). The synonyms above quoted appear to have been established on veiy insufiicient evidence,

and without specimens. i

Globiocephalus Soammoni. PI. xv, fig. 1-3. ;

G. Scammoni, Cope, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1869, p. 22; Scammon, 1. c, p. 59, fig. 15, 16. j

Blackifish, of Scammon. '

Lower Oalifornir.. i

Entirely black. Teeth, V to }g. Fifteen feet long. Skull, etc., in Mus. S. I. |

Genus GrampUS, Gray.
Gmmj)us, Gray, 1808, p. 9; 1871, p. 82.

Orampus? sakamata,

0. aakamala, Gray, 186G, p. 301.

Japan.

Genus uncertain. The species, whatever it may be, is said to be black, with white spots on
the belly, back, and sides. Described from a Japanese account, and figure published by Sehlegel,
Fauna Japonica, p. 25. No specimens or reliable figures.

Grampus Steamsii. Outline figure, p. 102.

G. StcarnKii, Dall, Prel. Dcscr. Proc. Cal. Acad, v, January, 1873.

Wlakheaded or Mottled Orampi(», of Scammon.
Two lower jaws, evidently belonging to an animal of this genus, are in my hands for examin-
ation. As no Orampus appears to have been described from the Pacific, I feel warranted, though

300 APPENDIX.

with some hesitation, in applying a specific name to the animal described by Captain Scammon.
The following are the measurements, in inches and decimals :

No. 1. No. J.

From end of beak to condyles 17 .50 17 .50

From end of beak to posterior end of coronoid process 16 .40 16 .20

From end of beak to posterior end of alveoli 9 .00 9 .50

From end of beak to anterior end of dental foramen 9 .75 10 .00

Height at coronoid process of ramus 5 .00 4 .GO

Height at inferior dental foramen 3 .50 3 .00

Height at posterior end of symphysis 1 .45 1 .30

Height of gonys '.....' 2 .00 1 .90?

Length of symphysis 2 .00 2 .75

Width behind posterior teeth 3 .00 2 .90

Width at inferior dental foramen 7 .00 7 .20

Width at coronoid process 10 .30 10 .00

Width at inner corners of condyles 11 .20 11 .00

Width at outer comers of condyles 14 .00 14 .00?

Thickness of ramus behind posterior tooth 0 .90 1 .00

The ramus is quite thin and light behind ; the inferior dental foramen is large ; the coronoid
process almost evanescent. The alveoli are entirely filled with spongy bone behind the posterior
end of the symphysis. The posterior angle formed by the junction of the rami at the symphysis
is rather broadly rounded. The end of the beak is moderately pointed. The gonys is very short,
and produced in a rather sharp point below. No. 1 has three teeth on each .side ; No. 2, four.
They are inclined forward and outward; most of them are broken off or truncated. The teeth are
much the shape of an orange -seed: solid, and without any cavity in their proximal ends. ^he
crown, or portion covered with enamel (which, from the disc ''oration, seems to bo the only po. don
projecting above the giims), is slightly, but distinctly, differentiated from the rest of the tooth, of
which less than one -half is inclosed in the alveolus. The crown is attenuated, slightly recurved,
and sharply pointed, which may account for the ease with which it becomes truncated. The
remainder of the tooth is irregularly subcylindrical, transversely compressed, and pinched off at
the bottom. The dimensions are as follow : Length of crown, 0.52 inch ; of whole tooth, 1.43
inch. Diameter at base of crown, 0.37 inch ; transverse diameter of root, 0.5 inch ; greatest
diameter of ditto, 0.6 inch. Length of the tooth line in No. 1, :\25 inches; in No. 2, 2.5 inches.
Animal, 12 to 15 feet. The specimens were obtained at Monterey, California, by Captain Scam-
mon.

Supcrfaniily PIIYSETEROIDEA, Gill, p. 96.

Family Physeterii>.f,, Gill, p. 96.

Subfamily Physeterin.ic, Gill. p. 96.

Genus Physeter, Linn.

Physeter, Linn., S. N. i, p. 106 ; Gill, p. 90.
Catodon, Gray, 1866, p. 196; 1871, p. 58.

CATALOGUE OF THE CETACEA. 301

Physeter maorooepba.^us. PI. xiv, xv.

P. macrocephalus, Linn., S. N. i, 107.
Catodon macrocephalus. Gray, 1871, p. 58.
Calodon Colneli, Gray, 1866, p. 209.
Sperm Whale, of authors.

Ubiquitous in the warmer seas. !

A lower jaw, probably of a young animal, Mus. Cal. Acad., has 22 teeth on each side, for the |(

most part sharply pointed. !

Subfamily Koaim^, Uill, p. 96.

Genus Kog^a, Gray.

Kogia, Gray, ':ool. E. and T., p. 22, 1846.
Euphjsetes, V^aW, Hist. New Sperm Whale, pp. 50, f3, 1851.
Kogia Flo-weri.

K. Floweri, Gill, Am. Nat. iv, p. 738, fig. 167, 172, 1871.

Mazatlau.

Black above, yellowish white below, including the end of the snout. Nine feet long. Teeth
long, slender, recurved, ^j. Dorsal very low. Snout pointed and projecting beyond and above
the mouth. Jaw and drawing from nature in Mus. S. I.

Suborder Mysticete.

Family BAL^NOPTEKiD.f!, Gill, p. 97.
Subfamily AoapueliNjE, Gill, p. 97.

Genus Rhachianectes, Cope.

Hhachianedes, Cope, Proc. Phil. Acad. 18C9, pp. 14, 15.

Rhaohianeotes glauous. PI. ii, fig. 1; pi. iii, fig. 1, 2; pi. v; baleen, p. 55.
li. glaucuK, Cope, 1. c, p. 17; Scammon, 1. c, p. 40, fig. 8.
Jgaphdu» glauciin, Cope, 1. c, 1868, p. 225.
California Gray Whale, of Scammon.

Arctic Sons to Lower California.

This species was originally described from specimens and notes obtained by me at Monterey,
California, in January, 1860, and now in the Mus. S. I. A peculiar barnacle, Cryptolcpas rliachi-
anecli, Dall (pi. x, fig. 6), and the Cyaimts ScammoiU, Dall, (pi. x, fig. 1), appear to be restricted
to this species. They are described in the Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci. 1872, vol. iv, pp. 281, 300. A
skull collected by me at Monterey, California, is now in the collection of the Cal. Acad. Sci., and
another in Mus. S. I.

Subfamily MEOArTEiiiNAs, Gill, p. 97.

Genus Megaptera, Gray.
Megaptera, Gray, An. Mag. N. U. 18G4, pp. 207, 350; 1866, p. 117.

302 APPENDIX.

Megaptera versabills. PI. vii, fig. 1; pi. viii, ix; outline figure, pp. 47, 48; baleen, p. 55.

SI. vermbilin, Cope, Proc. Phil. Acad. 18G9, p. 17; Scammon, do., i). 50, fig. 5, 6; Graj-,

1871, p. 51.
North Pacijic Humpback of Scammon.

Arctic Seas to Lower California.

Established on Scammon's measurements and descriptions. Vertebra), ribs, and humerus in
Mus. Cal. Academy. Baleen, Mus. S. I. Parasitic on this species are the Coromda diadema and
balcenaris, Lam., Olion Slimjisinii, Dall, and Ci/amus miffusus, Dall (pi. x, fig. 3, 5), described in
Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci. 1872, vol. iv, pp. 282, 301.

Megaptera kuzira?

3f. kuiira, Gray, 18GG, p. 130; 1871, p. 50.

Japan.

Ten gular folds. Belly, gray or white ; back, black. Described from Japanese accounts and
drawings. No specimens. A skull from Java, reported to be of this species, is said to be in the
Leyden Museum ; but, from the habitat, the identity seems doubtful.

Subfamily Jjal.exopterix^, Gill, 97.

Genus Sibbaldius, Gray.

Sibhuldus, Gray, V. Z. S. 1804, p. 223.

Sibbalduts, Flower, P. Z. S. 1804, p. 392; Gray, 186G, p. 169.

Floicerhts, Lilljeborg, Nov. Act. Upsala, vi, 1867.

Sibbaldius sulAireus. PI. xii, fig. 1 ; baleen, p. 55.

S. aul/ureus, Cope, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1809, p. 20; Scammon, 1. c, p. 51, fig. 11; Cope,

Proc. Am. Phil. Soc. 1870, p. 108.
SulphurbuWnn , of Scammon.

Coast of California.

Brown above, sulphur yellow bemath. Described from baleen (Mus. S. I.), and Scammon ■
de8crii)tions and figures.

Sibbaldius Irctironlrin, Cope, is an Atlantic species, but is erx'oneously credited to the Pacific by
Gray, 1871, p. 50.

Genus PhysaluS, Gray.
Pbjsalus, Lac(5pede, Gray, P. Z. S. 1847, p. 88; 1806, p. 139; 1871, p. 52.

PhyscduB? Tsohudll.

llalaenoplera Tiichudi, Reich, Cet., p. 33.

/'. fancialuti, Gray, 1850, p. 42; 18G{i, p. 1G2.

Coast of Peru.

" Head and bock, brown ; belly, whitish ; tips of fins, and a streak from t!ie eye to the middle
of the body, whiti'. Length, 38 feet." Described from the preceding notis of Tsohudi I No
Bi)ecimons.

CATALOGUE OF THE GET ACE A. 308

Physalus? Iwasi.

r. Iivan, Gray, 1850, p. 42; 186C, p. 1G3.

Balcenoptera arclica, Schlegel, Faun. Jap. Mamm. 2G, pi. 30.

Japan.

Biack ; sides, white spotted ; belly, white. Length, 25 feet. Described from Japanese accounts
and drawings. No specimens.

To the above senseless additions to the catalogues may be added the following names, applied
to Chinese drawings, Japanese clay models, Aleutian \>ooden carvings, and similar trash, by authors
of scientific reputation :

lialwnoptera punclidata, B. nigra, B. cccruh'scens, B. niaculala, Balcena lumdata, and B. Japonica,
Lacepcde, Mem. du Mus., iv, p. 473; from Chinese drawings.

Balcena agamachschih (!), U. kuUomok; Aleutian Islands, and B. IxcMckaghik, Kamchatka, Cham.
Nov. Act. Curs. 251), Pallas, Zoiil Ross, Asiat. i, 280. These are from Aleutian models in wood. .
They should be entirely expunged; but the B. kuUomok, or cullamcwh, has obtained to some extent
an entrance into scientific literature, vide Bakena SicbohUi.

Balcena austmlis, Temm. Faun. Jap., pi. 28-29. Japan. Described from clay model. No
specimens.

Genus Balsenoptera, Gray.

Bukmoptera, Gray, 1806, pp. 114, 180 ; 1808, p. 3 ; 1871, p. 50.

Balaenopteia velifera. PI. ii, fig. 2.

;;. velifera, Cope, Proc. Phil. Acad. 18C0, p. 18; Scammon, 1. c, p. 53, fig. 9, 10.
Finback, of Scammon ; Oregon Finner.

Oregon and California.

Brownish black; belly, white. Described from baleen and Scammon's descriptions. Baleen,
Mus. S. I.

Balaenoptera velifera, var. borealls. Outline figure, p. 37.

Northern Seas and Aleutian Islands.

The form found in the more northern waters is distiuguisher. according to Captain Scammon,
by a larger and higher dorsal fin. I observed many of them, during tlio summer of 1872, in the
Shumagin Islands. In some individuals the fiukcs were black; in others, white below; and in a
few the white extended above over the external points of the fiukes. Tliose of Oregon appear to
have a dorsal intermediate hi size between the northern and the small -finned southern forms.

Balaenoptera Davidsonl. PI. vii, fig. 2.

B. I>((viit.<nni, ;■' 'amnion, Proc. Cal, Acad. Sci. iv., p. 209. (Printed in advance, October
4th, 1872.)

Admiralty Inlet and Straits of Fuca.

Small, closely resembling the ]l. roKlrala of the North Atlantic. Described from measurements
and drawings taken from the ani.ual l)y Captain Scammon. Skull in Mus. S. I.

A skull and jaws of a small llahrwiplera of unknown locality, presented by Jlr. Merrill, an; in
the Mus. Cal. Acad. It evidently was an adolescent individual, but a number of facts tend to
confirm the opinion that it is of this species. The cx-occipitals are wanting, having been removed,
probably to dean out the brain cavity. The supra -occipital is ([uadrate. The two anterior sides
measure along the suture ten and a half inches ; the posterior sides, six and a half inches ; the
anterior angle is bluntly rounded. Above, in front, the bone is very slightly impressed ; behind,
slightly convex; but, on the whole, is flattened. There is no median ridge or groove. The prin-
cipal feature of the upper aspect of the skull is the wide narial opening ; the very narrow prema.\illu;

304 APPENDIX.

are rounded and elevated above the flattened niaxillaries, bend boldly out from the nasals, approx-
imating only in the anterior third of the beak, then continuing parallel, become flatter and wider,
and extend slightly beyond the maxillif.

The posterior angles of the maxillic are spatulate, the vomer is hidden by the mesethmoid
cartilage. Below, the vomer appears as a thin flat plate an inch wide, extending to the aiAterior
fourth of the beak. The palatines are broad, with the anterior loteral angles obliquely tnmcate ;
they have, on the whole, an abbreviated "dice-box" shape. Their greatest length is 9.5 inches;
width at the anterior and posterior ends across the two, lu inches. Their least width in the
middle, 8 inches.

The length from the tip of the beak to the median notch of the inferior nares is thirty -eight
inches ; from the bottom of the notch to the posterior recurved process of the alispheuoid, four
inches; to anterior basi- occipital suture, five inches — the middle of the otic bullfe being in the
same transverse line. The anterior ends of the buUaj are an inch from the recurved process of
the alisphenoid.

The buUre are very regularly ovoid, and smooth below; the lateral external edges have two
deep grooves separating three bulbous jirominences. They were so attached by dried membranes
to the cranium that a fuller examination was impracticable. Th.e width of the inferior surface of
the maxilliE, in the middle of the beak, is G.5 inches. The height of the narial septum, behind,
is 1.5 inch. Depth of brain cavity, 8 inches; height of orbit, 4.5 inches. The condyles of the
lower jaw are large and thick; the rami are stout in proportion to their length. There is no
angular process ; the coronoid process is shaii) and high ; the dental foramen large, just before
the condyle. The inferior groove between the occipital condyles is almost evanescent.

Dimensions of cranium, in inches and decimals:

Length of skull in a straight line 48 .00

Breadth of condyles 4 .50?

Breadth of ex-occipitals (to outer edge of suture) 17 .00

Breadth of squamosals 27 .00

Height of foramen magnum 2 .00

Length of supra -occipital 13 .00

Length of articular process of scmamosal antero -posterior 8 .00

Length of orl>ital process of frontal, right to left 10 .00

Breadth of orbital from curved border o* maxillary to hinder edge of orbital

process of frontal 9 .CO

Breadth of orbital at upper surface of outer end fi .50

Nasals, length 4 .50

Nasals, breadth of the two at posterior end 1 .00

Nasals, breadth of the two at anterior end 2 .50

Length from curved border of maxillary to tip of beak 30 .00

Length of maxillaiy 33 .00

Projection of prenuixillary beyond maxillary 1 .50

Breadth of maxillaincs at hinder end G .00

Breadth of maxillarics across orbital processes 12 .50

Breadth of beak at base * 10 .50

Breadth of beak at one -quarter its length from base 12 .00

V:' idth of maxillary at one-quarter its length from base 2 .50

\y . (dth of premaxillary at same point 1 .00

jj M(th of beak at middle 9 .00

\i:; I th of maxillary at middle 2 .50

Breadth of premaxillary at middle 1 .50

* AH mccBurementB ucrofli bcik iucludo the curve of tho lupcrior Burface.

CATALOGUE OF THE CETACEA. 305

Breadth of beak at three-quarters its length from base 6 .00

Breadth of maxillarj- at three-quarters its length from base 1 .50

Breadth of premaxillarj' at three-quarters its length from base 1.25 |

Length of lower jaw in a straight line 47 .00

Height at coronoid process 6 .00

Length from posterior end of condyle to coronoid process 7 .50

Height of ramus at middle 4 .00 ■

Amount of curve 6.50 f

Length of otic bulla) 3 .50 '

The thinner edges being covered with dry membranes, have been somewhat gnawed by vermin. i

Family Bal^enid^, Gill, p. 98.

Genus BalSBIia, Gray.
Balcem, Gray, 18G6, p. 78.
Euhakena, Gray, 180G, p. 78.

Balsena Sieboldii. PI. xii, fig. 1. Baleen, p. 55.

Eubakena SiebuldU, var. Japonica, Gray, 18GG, p. 97 ; 1871, p. 43.

Balcena cullamach? Cham., Cope, Proc. Phil. Acad. 18G9, p. 15; Scammon, 1. c, p. 38,

fig. 4.
Pacific Right Whale, of Scammon.

Arctic, Bering, and Ochotsk Seas. Lower California. Japan?

The Eubalcena Sieboldii was founded on a drawing of a Japanese clay model, named B. australii^
in the Fauna Japonica; and the supposed variety Japonica, from baleen from the North-west Coast.
The description properly rests upon this baleen, as the former basis is utterly insufficient for the
introduction of a specific name into a scientific system. The figure of the baleen agrees with the
baleen of the Right Whale of Scammon, and I have little doubt that they belong to the same
species. The name Jajyonica had previously been used by Lacepede, and is, to some extent, a
misnomer, so I have preferred to retain the original name of Gray. This species is doubtfully
referred to the B. cullamach of Chamisso, by Cope; but it does not, as he observes, possess the
recurved rictus attributed to that species, which itself rests upon no scientific foundation, and
hence I have preferred to use a name for which there is some slight basis in the shape of speci-
mens by which the species may be hereafter satisfactorily identified. It reaches the length of sixty
feet, is dark colored above and lighter below. Baleen in B. M. and Mus. S. I.

Cyamus lentator, Dall, and C. gracilis, Dall, are parasitic upon this species,

Baleena mystioetus.* PI. xi, fig. 1; baleen, p. 55.

B. miixlicetus, Linn., S. N. i, 105; Gray, 18GG, p. 81; 1868, p. 1, pi. 1, f. 4 (baleen);

1871, p. 38; Cope, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1869, p. 15; Scammon, 1. c, p. 33.
Bowhead, of Scammon.

Bering, Ochotsk, and Arctic Seas.

The C'yamua mysticeti, Dall, pi. x, fig. 2, is parasitic on this species.

? Variety Roysii. Page 56, outline figure.

Roys' Bunchback, of Scammon, 1. c, p. 35.

Ochotsk Sea.

No special diflferences appear to separate the Bowlieads of these regions from those of the

*Bm lllaitntton of •kelelon kt the conclniton of thli Citalogue.— 0. H. 8.
Mabire HAiniia.a,-l9.

306

APPENDIX.

North Seas of Europe. Tlie differences which distinguish the rariety from the common form,
according to Captain Scammon, are as follow: The spout- holos are said to be higher, and a
bunch, or hump, rises from the "small" of the back, about six feet forward of the flukes, extend-
ing along the back two or three feet, and rising above it about six inches. They are also said to
yield a larger proportion of baleen to the oil than the others. They have been frequently taken
in the north-east gulf of the Ochotsk Sea. Before the variety can be confirmed, a more thorough
knowledge of it is, of course, indispensable. Baleen of the normal form in B. M. and Mus. S. I.

Summary.

Out of forty -four species which appear to be more or less thoroughly characterized, ten are of
unknown habitat. Leaving these out (with all species based on insufficient material), we have as
the approximate distribution of the known Pacific Cetacea : Japan, five species ; northern seas, six
species, including two or three which visit California; warm seas and South Pacific, eleven species;
coast of western North America, from the Aleutian Islands to Central America, eighteen species,
including several visitors from the i\jctic Seas. The species are as follow :

JAPAN.

Delpliinus longirostris ?
Neomeris phocreuoides.
Globiocephalus Sieboldii.
Megaptera kuzira.
Baleena Sieboldii?

NORTHERN SEAS.

Delphinapterus catodon.
Orea rectipinna.
Rhachianectes glaucus.
Megaptera versabilis.
Balrenoptera velifera ?
Baltcna mysticetus.

WABM SEAS

Clymenia alope.
C. obscura.
Tursiops catalania.
Cephalorhynchus eutropia.
Lagenorhynchus clanculus.

iND SOUTH PACIFIC.

Lagenorhynchus albirostratus.
Leucorhamphus Pcronii.
Orca magellauica.
O. destructor.
O. pacifica.

Physeter macrocephalus.

The absence of PhotHvna, and of well-defined species of the Mynticeti, from the warm seas, is
veiy marked, as is the paucity of Denliceti in the northern seas, while in the north European seas
the latter are well represented.

WEST COAST OF

Delphinus Bairdii.
Tursiops Gillii.
Lagenorhynchus thicolea.
L. obliquidens.
Leucorhamphus borealis.
Orca rectipinna.
O. ater.

Phocrena vomerina.
Globiocephalus Scammoni.

NORTH AMERICA.

Grampus Stearnsii.
Kogia riowcri.
Physeter macrocephalus.
Rhachianectes glaucus.
Megaptera vci-sabilis.
Bahenoptera velifera.
B. Davidsoni.
Sibbaldius sulfureus.
Balnsna Sieboldii.

It is highly probable that to this list may be added two or three species of grampuses and
dolphins, of which sufficient material has not yet been obtained for secure identification.

CATALOGUE OF THE CETACEA. 307

Tho only fossil remains of whales found up to this time on this coast, are a portion of a
ramus of a lower jaw (described by Cope, Proc. Phil. Acad. 1872, as EschrwMius Davidsoni),
obtained in digging a well at San Diego, California, and presumed to be of miocene age ; a caudal
vertebra obtained by me in the miocene sandstones of the Shumagin Islands, Alaska; and some
remains of cervical vertcbraj and the adjacent portions of the skull, very much injured, obtained
from the Tertiary sandstones, near Point Conception, California, by Mr. George Sceva; these, as
far as their characters are apparent, resemble Megaptem.

The following Cetacea, mentioned by Captain Scammon, are not at the date of this paper
represented by material sufficient to indicate their zoological position :

Grampus, Panama. Grampus, San Diego Bay.

Grampus, Puget Sound. Scrag Eight Whale, northern seas.

Grampus, Bottlenosed.

The other marine mammals mentioned, are the Walrus {Bosviarna obesus, Illiger); the Leopard
Seal, pi. xxii, fig. 1 {riioca Pealiif Gill); the Banded Seal, pi. xxi, fig. 2 { Histriophoca eqiieslris,
Gill); the Fur Seal, pi. xxi, fig. 1 (Gallorhinus ursinus, Gray); the Sea Lion, pi. xx, fig. 2 {Eiime-
lopias Slelleri, Gill); the Sea Elephant, pi. xx, fig. 1 { iMacrorhimts angustirostris, Gill); and the
Sea Otter, pi. xxii, fig. 2 {Enhgdra marina, Fleming). It is, however, quite probable that under
the common name of Leopard Seal, several species of simUar aspect are included by non-scientific
observers.

San Franctsco, California, March, 1873.

Note. -To Mr. Dall's Catalogue may bo added the Squareheaded Grampus and Brownslded Dolplilij of Santa Barbara Channel. -C. M. 8.

308

APPENDIX.

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GLOSSARY

WORDS AND rilR.VSES USED BY WHALEMEN.

Bailer. — A copper or iron vessel used in dip-
ping up oil. Two of these utensils are used
on board of a whaler: one with a short,
upright handle, called the hand-bailer; the
other, with a staff to it sis feet long, used
at the try -works for bailing the oil from
the pots,' is called a long-handled bailer.
For illustration, see fig. 4, p. 239.
Beoket. — A thing used in ships to confine loose

ropes, tackles, or spars.
Black -skin.— The rete-mucosum and the cuti-
cle, the principal seat of color in whales.
Black -whale, or black -whale oil.— Is that
produced from all the baleen whales, in-
cluding the rorquals. All these varieties of
whales are sometimes termed black whales,
in contradistinction to the Sperm Whale.
Blanket -piece. — A strip or section of blubber
cut from a whale in a spiral direction, and
raised by means of the cutting -tackle. It
varies from two to four feet or more in
width, and is in length from ten to twenty-
five feet.
Blasted.— A term used to signify that a whale
is much swollen, or far advanced in decom-
position after death.
Blink, or ice -blink.— A stratum of lucid white-
ness which appears in the lower part of the
atmosphere over ice and land covered with
snow.
Blow.— Blow signifies the action of the whale

in making one respiration.
Blubber -fork. — A utensil used in pitching the
minced blubber from the tubs into the try-
pots. For illustration, see fig. 1, p. 239

Blubber -hook. — A stout iron hook of seventy-
five to a hundred pounds weight, which is
used in flensing a whale. See illustration,
p. 232.

Boarding -knife. — A sharp two-edged instru-
ment, principally used in cutting the toggle-
hole in the blubber of a whale, for the
purpose of inserting the strap to the cut-
ting-tackle, so as to hoist up the mass of
fat called the blanket -piece. For illustra-
tion, see pi. XXV.

Bolting. — Signifies the action of a whale when

it leaps out diagonally to the sui-face of the

water.

Bone - spade. — A cutting -spade, with a thin,

long shank to it. See cutting- spade, pi.

XXV.

Bonnet.— Cheever defines the bonnet of a Eight
Whale "as being the crest or comb where
there burrow legions of barnacles and crabs,
like rabbits in a warren, or insects in the
shaggy bark of an old tree." [Note.— This
description applies especially to the south-
ern Right Whales; in the northern Right
Wh.ale's bonnet, but very few barnacles are
present, and comparatively few parasites of
any description.]

Bomb -shot, — The distance a bomb -lance can
be fired into a whale effectively, which is
about twenty yards.

Breaching. — Signifies the movement of a whale
when leaping out of the water, in nearly a
perpendicular direction or otherwise.

Breaking black -skin. — The act of darting a
harpoon into a whale.

1309 1

310

APPENDIX.

Bring-to. — Tlio net of a -wlialc ■when it ceases
its pio^'iesHivc motion.

Broken voyage. — An unproiitaMe voyii<,'o, or n
losinj,' voviijfe.

Case. — Tlie sack or cavity which lies on the
riyht Hiilc and upper portion of the lieail
of a Sperm Whah", anil wliich contains oil
anil Kpcrniaceti. These conibineil constitute
what is called "head -matter."

Cooler.^ A copper or iron tank into -which the
oil from the try -pots is lirst bailed.

Cutting -spade. — A sharp, tlat implement, like
a thin chisel, which is fixed to a i)ole ten
or more feet in len<i;th, and is used in cut-
tini,' the blubber from a whale. A "bone-
spade" is merely a cutting-spade, with a
long, thin shank to it. It is employed in
cuttiny out the throat -bone of a baleen
whale. The "heail-si)aile" is thicker and
heavier than the ordinary cutting -spade,
and is used in cutting the skull -bone,
which separates the whale's head from the
body. See illustration, pi. xxv.

Darting distance. — The distance the harpoon
ia usually thrown ell'ectively by hand, which
is about eighteen feet.

Deck-pot. — An iron pot of similar shape and
size with the try -pots, but liaving legs to it.

Fast. — A term used when the harpoon pene-
trates the whale, "as the boat is fast,"
signifying that the boat is fastened to the
whale by means of the haiiioon attached to
the line.

Fins. — The pectorals or side fins of a whale
are called fins, in contradistinction to the
flukes, or caudal fin.

Finning. — The action of a whale when lying
partly on it." sido, raising one fin out of
the water, and striking it upon the surface,
causing a splash.

Fire -pike. — An instrument used in feeding and
stirring the fires when trying out oil. See
illustration, fig. 5, p. 23i».

Flukes. — The posterior extremities, or caudal
fin of a whale.

Flukes, to cut flukes out, or the vrhale outs
its flukes out. — Is a whaler's phrase to
describe the action of the animal when it
thi'ows its caudal fin sidewise and upward,
upon or above the siu'face of the water,
which is an indication that the creature has
taken fright, and suddenly endeavors to

escape. "He attempted to rut his flukes
out," is a slang expression in whaling par-
lance, when any mend)ers of a ship's com-
l)any become refractory, or attempt in any
manner to create disturbance on board.

GaflT, or gafT-hook. — A sharp, strong iron hook
attached to a short or long wooden liandle,
ami used in handling blubber. See pi. xxv.

Galley. — Frightened; as, " Tlie \ hale is gal-
lied," or "The boat-steerer got so gallied
he could not strike the whale." Tha state
of being frightened.

Gam. — Signifies two or more ships meeting, and
their companies exchanging visits. Gam also
signifies a large collection or herd of whale-
})one whales.

Gamming. — To visit from one whaling -vessel
to another.

Gurry. — Is the term by which the combination
of water, oil, and dirt is known when col-
lected ujion the ship's deck and below, dur-
ing the time of cutting in and boiling out
a wliale.

Head -spade. — A thick, heavy cutting - spade
used in cutting the head -bones of a whale.
See head- spade, pi. xxv.

Hopper, or scrap - hopper. — A flaring wooden
])ox used as a rccei)tacle for the scrajjs when
taken from the try -pots.

Hose -cock. — A large brass cock attached to the
end of the oil -hose.

Hose -scuttle. — A small opening in a whaling-
vessel's deck through which the oil from a
cask runs into the hose -tub.

Hose -tub. — A large wooden tub, or copper
tank, with a strainer in the bottom to
which the cl!-iiose is attached. The tub is
lashed .-lose u'.'ieath the deck, immediately
under the lioso -scuttle.

Hump. — A i''\iti'i)orance or elevation upon the
top of a whale's body, and generally near-
est to the posterior exti-emity. In some
species it appears somewhat like a dorsal
tin.

Junk. — A wedge-shaped mass of cellular mem-
branous substance, filled with oil and sperm-
aceti, which lies between the case and the
white -horse of a Sperm AVhale's head.

Knuckle-joint. — The joint of the fin, or pec-
torals, which connects with the shoulder-
blade of a whale.

Lay on, or lay the boat on. — la to turn the

OLOSSARY OF UOIIDS AXD FHILtSKS.

311

head of tlin boat towavil any oliject 1)y
iiK'ans of the steciiiit^'-oai'.

Lay off) or lay the boat off — Ts to turn the
111 ul of tlic boat from any object, liy ineans
of the st('t'riiij,'-oar.

Leaning blubber, — To cut the fltsh, or lean
iiK'at, ftc, from it.

Leaning -knife. — A larf,'e knife used in cuttiiij,'
the HckIi, or other tissue destitute of oil,
from the blubber, preparatory to tryiiifj it
out.

Lipper. — A piece of thin blubber cut into an
oblonj^ stjuare, and punctiu'cd, so as to
admit n num's finj,'ers to hold it, when
used in wiping up the gmry from the
decks, etc.

Lipper ofT the decks. — Is to wipe the gurry
oil' with Uppers.

Lobtailin;;, or loptailing. — The action of a
whale when it raises its Hiikes high out of
water, and strikes them down with great
force upon the sin-face. 2d. A whale beat-
ing the surface of the water with its caudal
fin.

Loose irons. — Harpoons which are darted into
a whale with no line attached.

Mate. — Tliis word is used by whalers to signify
a partnership between two vessels in pur-
suing whales.

Mill. — To turn in an opposite direction, or
nearly so; as, "The whale was running to
windward, but 'milled,' and ran to lee-
ward."

Mincing -knife. — ,\ thin, broad steel inii)lement,
sharp on one edge, with a handle on each
end, which is used in cutting the blubber
into thin slices, pre[)aratorv to being boiled
or tried out. For illustration, see page iJliS.

Mux, or muxing. — To perform work in an
awkward or improper manner; as, "He
made a nuix of it, and missed the whale,"
i. ('., by improi)er management a whale was
not struck, which otherwise might have been
secured.

Noddle-end. — The anterior and upper portion
of a Sperm AVhale's head.

Nib-end. — The anterior and upper portion of
a whalebone whale's head.

Nisket. — The anus of a whale.

Oil-hose. — A stout hose made of grained leather,
for the purpose of conducting the oil from
a vessel's deck into empty casks in the hold.

Piece. — This w(U'd is frequently used for brief-
ness, instead of the word blanket-jjiei-e.

Pike. — A i)ointed iron or sletd imj)lement fixed
to the end of a pole, and used in i)itching
or Iiandling the pieces of i)lubber, etc. For
illustration, see iilate xxv.

Raising -whales — AVlien first seeing a whale
from the mast-head, or other place, it is
termed "raising a wliale." It is also used
to express the fact of seeing any object, as,
" AVe raised the land, sixty miles <listant."

Recruits. — Fresh j>rovisions and supplies for a
whale -ship. 2d. Various articles put on
board tlie shij) to purchase recruits with
(at remote islauils or coasts), sucli as cli)th-
ing, calicoes, tobacco, and a variety of other
domestic articles.

Ridge — The ujjjier portion of a wh.-ile's "small. '

Ripple. — The agitation of the surface of the
water by a whale when swimming- near it,
but still not visible, as, "I can not sec the
whale, but can see its ripple."

Rounding, or rounding out. — The attitude of
a whale wlien curving its small in order to
descend below- the surface of tlie water.

Rugged. — The state of the sea wlien agit.-ited.
A rough sea, ac<'ompanied with blowing
weather, is termed by whalers "rugged
weather."

Sampson -post. —A heavy upright timber, finnly
secured in the deck (and extending about
two feet al)ovc it), to wliiili the lluke- chain,
or fluke -rope, is made fast.

Scooping. — This term is applied to the action
of whalebone whales when feeding.

Scrap-hopper. — A llaring wooden box which is
])laced beside the try- works to receive tlie
scraps when skinuned from the try-pots.
It has holes in tlie bottom through which
the oil that drips from the scraps runs into
a tub called a "strainer-cooler."

Scraps. — The residue of the blubber after tlie
oil is extracted by boiling-.

Scrimshawring, or to serimsha-w, or skim-
shander, as sometimes termed. — Is to ex-
ecute any piece of ingenious mechanical
work. It is aii})lied particularly to jidlishing
and engraving upon whalelione or whales
teeth, or manufacturing fancy articles from
the same materials.

Skimmer. — A broad scoop composed of copjiei',
iron, and wooil. The utensil is about seven

312

APPENDIX.

feet long, and is used in removing scraps
from tho try-pota. For illustration, see
fig. 3, p. 239.

Skinuning- slicks. — A. phrase used by whale-
men when employed in saving any small
amount of fat from the entrails or from the
exterior of the carcass after the blubber has
been stripped oflf.

Slumgullion. — The offal from the blubber of a
whale.

Small. — The posterior portion of a whale, be-
tween tho vent and caudal fin.

Soiinding. — Is the term signifying the descent
of the whale after being fastened to.

Stem, or stem all. — Is the invariable order
given to the whaleboat's crew, when it be-
comes necessary to propel the boat stern
foremost.

Stirring - pole. — A wooden pole six or seven
feet 'ong, used to stir the blubber in the
try -pots. See illustration, fig. 2, p. 239.

Stopped. — To confine a rope, or ropes, usually
by a smaller line, as, "Stop the line to the
'iron -pole'" (or harjioon staff), i. t'., con-
fine the line to the pole by passing one or
more turns of twine, or rope-yarn, around
both lino and pole, and confining the ends
by knotting them together.

Suds. — The foam on the surface of the water

caused by the violent actions of a whale in
the coui-se of its capture, as, "In order to
get a good chance to kill the whale, you
must keep close to the suds."

Svreeping. — The action of a whale when wield-
ing its flukes from side to side in an offen-
sive or defensive manner, causing a gi'eat
con.' motion on the water.

Toggle. — A large wooden pin, about three feet
long, and six or eight inches in diameter,
with a swell or shoulder near the middle.
It has a hole ueai' one end, through which
a rope is attached, which is termed the
toggle -lanyard. This lanyard is used in
handling or confining the toggle. See il-
lustration, p. 234.

Turning flukes.— The last action of a whale
upon the surface of the water when making
its descent beneath, which is to elevate its
caudal fin in the air as the body assumes
nearly a pei-pendicular attitude.

Trying out.— To extract the oil from the blub-
ber by boiling.

White - horse. — An extremely tough and sin-
ewy substance resembling blubber, but des-
titute of oil, which lies between the upper
jaw and junk of a Sperm Whale.

White -water. — The foam or spray caused by
the violent actions of a whale.

LIST OF STORES AND OUTFITS

FIRST-CLASS AMI ALE - SHIP, lOK A ( APK HORN VOYAiiK,

EXCLUSIVE 01'

THE INVENTOEY OF A 5IE1JCHANT-SHI1', WHICH, ALTHOUGH INCLUDED IN A
WHALE -SHIP'S OUTFIT, IS NOT HEUE ENUMERATED.

350 barrels of liveaJ.
1(K) Imrrcls of flour.
18i» LinrreLs of lues.s beef.
1)0 barrels of extra prime pork.
1,C,00 ban-els of fresh water.
l.tiOO pounds of codfish.

2 barrels of uiackt '1 .
1,200 tjallons of molasses.
1,200 pounds of su^'ur.
2,000 pounds of butl.'r.

(! barrels of Iiuliai; meal.
300 pounds of riec.
311 bushels of corn.
20 busluils of beans.
400 pounds of dried apples.
300 pounds of cheese.
2 barrels of cucumber pickles
15 bushels of onions.
50 pounds of raisins.

I'UOVLSIONS, ETC.

200 pounds of tea.
1,200 pounds of coffee.
50 pounds of chocolate.

2 pounds of hops.

(5 bottles of essence of spruce
]2 bottles of pej)pcr- sauce.

8 pounds of ginyer.
2") pounds of pepper.

0 pounds of allspice,

1 mat of cassia.

G.bottles of ■> round mustard.
1 quart of mustard -seed.
1 pound of luitmcH's.
f)0 pounds of saleratus.
1 pound of cloves.
A bushel of fine salt.
(i bottles of lemon syrup.

3 pounds of saf!;e.

3 pounds of summer savory.

12 bushels of coarse salt.
300 jjfallous of vineij;ar.

0 dozen 2-tt) cans roast beef.

4 dozen 2-tt) <'ans I'oast mutton.

(I dozen 2 - tti cans soup and
boiiillon.

G dozen 2-tti cans clams.

4 dozen 1-It) tins canned lob-
ster.

4 dozen 2-tt) tins canned oys-
ters.

4 dozen 2-tt) tins canned tur-
key.
1,800 poiinds soap.

1 barrel oil-soa]).

50 pounds sperm candles.
12 fi;allons whale oil for biu'a-
in-,'.

2 K'allo'>s sperm oil for burning.

1 large medicine chest, full.
6 gallons Now England rum.

Maiunk Mammals.— 40.

MEDICAL DEl'AnTMENT,

2 gallons brandy.
2 gallons port wine.

. mi

(1 dozen pain-killer.

3 dozen rat exterminator.

314

APPENDIX.

2(1 bii':brls clinrcoal.
1-t lusliels C'limberlaiKl coal.
100 piiiuiils assortetl iron.
1 bar steel.
1 soldering iron.
1 vioe.
'1 sledges.
1 liand hammer.

BLACKSMITH 8 DEr.VRTMEST.

1 wrench.

1 lot of old bolts.

1 anvil.

h pound borax.

\ po.ind fpelter solder.

2 jjounds soft solder.
1 tuer-iron.

1 bellows.

2 pairs tongs.

1 set taps and dies.

1 screw-plate.

1 dozen assorted files.

3 punches.

I cold -chisel.
1 swedge.

COOPER S DEPAKTMENT.

(."lOO barrels of oil -casks.

1 pair compasses.

2A tons hoop iron.

5 vices.

10(1 pounds 5d. rivets.

1 bit- stock.

100 pounds id. rivets.

i dozen bits.

5 pounds lid. rivets.

2 .'spokesliaves.

.5 pounds "id. rivets.

1 saw.

1(1 barrels sand.

1 bilge -phiue.

800 pounds liags.

3 marking irons.

50 new staves.

2 anvils.

300 feet yellow pine heading.

1 '.nshave.

I piece red cedar for worn>

1 heading saw.

pecks.

2 bung-borers.

50 pounds chalk.

2 tap-boters.

1 dinible iron jointer.

1 axe.

1 large croze.

1 adze.

1 small croze.

2 chuiufering knives.

1 patent cro/.e-iron.

2 drawing knives.

1 stock howeling knife.

1 leveling plane.

8 cast -steel hammers.
18 cast -steel drivers.
8 cast -steel punches.
8 cast -steel cold -chisels.

2 rivet sets.

2 worm - punches.

3 flagging -dogs.
1 round plane.

1 cooj)er's horse.
1 harness -cask.
1 water-butt.
1 grindstone -tub.
() line -tubs.
1 cooper's bellows.
.'jOO bungs, assorted sizes.

TOO feet white pine lumber.

12 pine and spruce planks, as-
sorted lengths.
100 feet oak p' .ik.
900 feet cedar boat boards.

'.U boat timbers.

12 boat knees.

2 boat stems.
1 boat keel.

1 oak plank for gunwales.
40 white -oak butts.

3 grindstones with cranks.
1 calking mallet.

4 calking irons.
1 panel -saw.

1 wood -saw and 1 extra plate.

2 handsaws.

1 splitting- saw.
1 back- saw.

CAKPENTEIl S DEPAUTMENT.

1 compass -saw.

A dozen augers, assorted sizes.

1 broad -axe.

2 jointers.

2 fore -planes.

2 smooth -planes, '
1 hollow -plane.

3 round -planes.
1 adze.

1 iron S(piare.
1 carpenter's rule.

1 bevel.

2 board gauges.

2 comi)ass(s,

1 scarling (Oiisel.

3 socket chisols.

7 firmer chisels, assorted.
1 try-sipiare.

4 socket gougoH, asHorted,

() firmer gouges, assorted.
2 chalk lines.
2 sj)ike gimlets.
2 deck -nail gimlets.
12 nail gimlets.

2 rough gindets.

3 claw-hammers.
1 boat hammer.

1 ))ump hammer.
5 whetstones.

2 Kandstoncs.
C wood files.

1 pair large boat nippers.

1 pair small boat nippers,

4 narrow axes.

(1 broad hatchets.

2 deck hatchets.

1 hold hatchet.

2 largo hult-rouud wood rasps.

LIST OF STORES AND OUTFITS.

S15

5 flat files, assortod.

3 lialf-rouiul files.
12 bniid-saw files.

4 siiiall saw files.
3 round files.

1 saw-set.

1 screw -driver.

1 bit -stock.

5 gimlet bits.
11 assorted bits.

1 spoke -shave.
1 dra\vin<'- knife.

20 pounds
12 pounds

5 pounds
2 pounds
4 pounds

10 pounds
0 jjounds

6 pounds
12 pounds
15 pounds
25 pounds
10 pounds

clinch nails,
tindjer nails,
wood end nails,
lap nails,
foot nails,
ceding nails,
(id. wrought nails.
8d. wrought nails.
lOd. wrought nails.
8d. cut nails.
lOd. cut nails.
12d. cut nails.

5 dozen iron and brass screws,

assorted.
50 pounds old lead.
20 pounds sheet lead.
10 pounds coppering nails.

5 pounds sheathing nails.
50 pounds wrought iron ppikes.
12 sheets yellow metal.

1 pound flinch copper nails.

2 pairs steelyards.

18 roughs and clinches.

1 caboose, complete.

2 sets grates for same.
2 sets linings for same.
1 spare tea-kdttle for same.
1 spare steamer for same.

1 spare boiler for same.
4stev/-pau8.

2 frying-pans.
1 cook's ladle.
1 cook's fork.
1 cook's skimmer.
1 cook's bellows.
1 tinder-box (flint, steel, etc.)
1 chopping- knife.
1 chopping -tray.
1 sieve.
1 coft'ee-niill.
1 mortar and pestle.
' tabic -bell.

1 rabin-bell.
rtoves and pipes.

'! udiles.

9 ble- covers.

2 do/en tabl(!- cloths.
2 dozen birch brooms.

CABK. VXD COOKINQ FVRNITUKE, ETC.

2 dozen corn brooms.
2 dust -pans.
2 dust-brushes.
2 chairs.
4 stools.

2 looking-glasses.
1 molasses gate.
1 carving knife and fork.
1 set of table knives and forks.
IG spare knives and forks.
1 dozen spoons ( table ).
1 dozen spoons (tea).
1 britannia soup ladle.
1 table steel.
1 tumbler l)asket.

1 hand basket.

2 bushel baskets.

1 gross of matches.

2 dozen Hints.
2 scrid)bing brushes.
i dozen Bristol brick,

1 tinned iron wash-basin.

2 cook's shovels.
1 corkscrew.
1 pair scissors,

4 large platters.

1 dozen assorted bowls.
4 nappies.

3 bakers.
Ih dozen soup plates.

2 dozen dinner i)lates.

1 dozen dessert plates,
li dozen nuigs.

1^ dozen saucers.

2 butter dishes.

2 sugar bowls.

3 pitchers.

1 large stone pitcher.

1 chamber.

2 simp tureens.

1 large covered dish.
1 castor, comi lote.

3 sparr" bottles for same.

1 dozen tumblers.

2 salt-cellars.

1 large oval dish.

1 gravy dish.

2 spittoons.

1 cabin clock.

XAITICAI. INSTIU.'KNTS, ! TATIONKUV, ETC.

1 sextant, provided by the cap-
tain.

Quadrants and- octants, provid-
ed by the officers.

'?■ chronometers.

I barometer.

1 thermometer.

1 spy -glass.

2 binocidar glasses.

2 fo\uteen- second glasses.

1 transparent compass.

4 brass boat compasses and
wooden ones.

2 brass biniuiclo compasses.
1 mast-head compass.

1 binnacle lantern.

1 log-book.

2 log -slates,

4 nautical almanacs for succes-
sive years.

2 account books.

4 niomoranduni book-i.

3 sticks sealing-wax.
^ dozen lead pencils.

316

APPENDIX.

1 dozen slate pencils,
f) dozen steel pens.

A dozen pen-bolders.

2 bottles of ink.
2 inkstuuds.

100 envelopes.
;U quires letter and note paper.
A quire bill paper.
4 inward manifests.

1 Gunter's scale and dividers.
1 set charts around the world.
1 set harbor charts (foreign.)
1 parallel rule.

WHAIJNO CRAFT.

4 whaling bomb -guns.
150 bomb -lances.

5 powder-flasks.
5 chargers.

15 two-flued harpoons.
150 toggle harpoons.
35 cast -steel lances.

4 Pierce's harpoon bomb-lance
guns.
50 Pierce's bomb -lances.
10 pounds bomb - gun powder.

1 set cutting blocks.

1 set cutting -guy blocks.

2 ;5- sheave purchase blocks.

1 4 -sheave purchase blocks.

2 2 -sheave purchase blocks.
1 set of burton blocks.

lA dozen spart^ sheaves.

1^ dozen spare sheave - pins.

1^ dozen spare jib -hanks.

T dozen spare hoops (stay and
gall').

4 mast-hoops.

1 lot belaying -pins.

2 sets pump gear.

1 pump hook,
(i handspikes.

4 watch - tackle blocks,

2 dozen assorted blocks.
ItO coil.i of whale -lino.

\\ coils of 4 -inch tarred rope.

BLOCKS, CORDAGE, . ^ ''AS, ETC.

2 coils of 15-thrt.i. ••.

2 coils of 12-thread >.

1 coil 2-inch tarred ropu.
1 coil 2j-inch tarred rope.

1 coil 2 J -inch tarred rope,
i coil ;U-inch tarred rope.
A coil !t|-inch tarred rope.

504 pounds old tarred rope, as-
sorted.
4 coils 2 -inch Manila rope.
II coils 2i - inch Manila rope.

2 coils I'i'-inch Manila rope.
1 coil li -inch Manila rope.

1 coil 5^ -inch Manila rope (for

cutting -falls).

2 coils IH- thread ratline.
1 coil 2 -yarn spunya'-n.
1 coil 3 - inch Manila rope.

3 coils 21 - inch Manila rope.
1 coil '.(-thread worm -line.

1 coil C - thread worm

-line.

1 coil seizing stuff.

1 coil 3 - yarn sjmnyar

1 coil 3| - inch Manila

rope.

1 coil 3^-inch Manila

rope.

1 coil 2:J - inch Manila

rope.

1 coil 4A-inchMauilai

ope (cut

ting-guys).

1 spare cutting -fall.

1 spare lance line.

2,000 pounds old junk.

1 ship's ensign.

1 agent's signal.

1 set private signals.

2 spare log -lines.

2 spare hand -lead lines.

2 dozen fish lines.

1 deep - sea lead line.

1 deep - sea lead.

1 hand lead.

4(t() pounds white lead.
250 pounds black lead.
(!0 gallons lii\seed oil.
2 gallons Japan varnish.
2 gallons spirits turpentine.
Ut pounds verdigris.
12 i)api'rs lampblack.
10 gallons bright varnish.

PAINTS, OILS, ETC.

1 gallon copal varnish.
10 pounds whiting.
50 pounds putty.
50 pounds chrome green.
50 pounds yellow ochre,
10 pounds Venetian red.

3 pounds I'rus.sian blue,
10 pounds red lead.

12 li'.rge size paint-brushes,
(! sash tools.

3 scam brushes.

25 panes window glass.

4 pounds chrome yellow.
10 pounds burnt umber.

\ barrel coal tar.

1 spare lower yard
1 spare topsail yard.
3 rough spars.

SPARE Sl-ARS AND SAILS.

1 Spare to])mast.
1 spare jil)boom.
1 foresail.

1 fore -topsail.

1 main -topsail.

2 topgallant- sails.

[

LIST OF STORES AND OUTFITS.

317

1 fore spencer.

1 fore -topmast staysail,

1 ji'i.

1 flying jib.

1 mainsail.

i royals.

1 main spencer.

1 mizzen- topsail.

2 mizzen-topgallant-sails.
1 spanker.
15 bolts assorted canvas.

4 dozen
4 dozen
4 dozen
6 dozen
10 dozen
10 dozen
8 dozen
(i dozen
G dozen
8 dozen
4 dozen

pairs of blankets,
suspenders,
comforters.
Scotch caps,
woolen drawers,
cotton drawers.
Guernsey frocks,
duck frocks.
baudkercLiefs.
hats,
pea-jackets.

CLOTHING, ETC.

2 dozen monkey jackets.

4 dozen short jackets.

G dozen sheath -knives.

0 dozen jack-knives.

(J dozen mittens.
20 dozen stockings.
10 dozen shoes.

4 dozen red twilled
shirts.

4 dozen drab twilled
shirts.

kersey
kersey

7 dozen striped cotton shirts.
20 pieces of calico.

C dozen sheaths and belts.

G dozen blue woolen trowsers.

(i dozen drab woolen trowsers.

6 dozen duck trowsers.
25 pounds of thread.
10 pounds linen thread.

1 gross assorted needles.

4 dozen thimbles.

G gross of pipcK.

5 bales bleached cotton cloth.
7 bales brown cotton cloth.
7 bales blue cotton cloth.
40 pieces of prints.
G dozen of shoes.

RECRUITS, on TRADE,

10 dozen of pumps.
20 dozen of boots,
50 Ijoxes of soap.
10 bo.KCs of sperm candles
1,000 pounds of tobacco.

3 dozen axes.

3 dozen hatchets.

G reams writing paper.

6 reams letter paper, etc.

MISCELLANEOUS,

20 cutting-spades.

C boat masts.

2 wide spades.

40 spruce poles for spare masts

2 throat- hpades.

sprits, etc.

2 head -spades.

24 lance -poles.

8 boat -spades.

40 cords oak wood.

3 blubber -hooks.

6 cords pine wood.

1 large boat-hook.

40 barrels saw -dust.

8 small boat-hooks.

7 now whale-boats.

2 steel blubber -forks.

1 old whale-boat.

1 long -handled pike.

!t sets of oars (45 oars).

(■) short-handled pikes.

0 steering oars.

G gain's.

7 sets rowlocks ( 35 rowlocks )

3 boarding -knives.

1 pair lifters.

(i leaning -knives.

1 cradle.

1 mincing-machine.

18 scrapers.

2 mincing-knives.

3 shovels.

2 line -hooks.

1 hoe.

G shackles for topsail sheets.

8 dozen ftsh -hooks, assorted.

3 sets can -hooks.

1 copper cooler and cock.

I single can -hook for cooper.

1 hose -cock and joints.

10 marline -spikes.

1 scuttle-butt cock.

250 iron polos.

3 copper hand-pumps.

2 skimmers,

3 long handlo<l bailers,
2 hand bailers.

1 copper vent-pipe (large).
1 copper -ent-pipe (small).

1 copper tunnel.

2 copper tunnel noses.

1 branding iron (ship's name).
1 binnacle bell.
1 ship's bell.
1 tin bailer.

1 tin oil -tunnel.

3 tin assorted tunnels.

2 deck scoops.

1 large signal lantern.
1 bowsprit lantern.

1 side lantern.

2 side lights.

1 globe lantern.
1 cabin lantern.
G boat lanterns.
1 cook's lantern.

318

APPENDIX.

12
2
2
2

()
8

i;
(i

5
5

1
1
1
1
1
1
(>
1
1
1
I

3
2

1
1
3

2
1
i
3
3
1
4
1
1
12
1
4
3

l)innn('le lamp.

chimneys for ditto.

blubber -icon lanips.

cnndlesticks.

Initiiuuia liinips.

Japan stand -lamps.

jacket lamp.s.

bake-jiaus for oven.

pie. plates.

large tin pans.

small tin pans.

dozen sailoi' pans.

coft'ee - pots.

tea-pots.

britaunia tureen.

one -pint measure.

one -quart measure.

two -quart measure.

three -quart measiu'e.

gallon measure.

molasses cup.

tinder boxes, complete.

brass sjieaking- trumpet.

tin sjjeaking- trumpet.

pepper- box.

nutmeg gi,"*or.

lamp feeders.

cullenders.

tea canister.

coffee canister.

pudding -bags,

iU'^ir-bos.

ilour-scoops.

bread -tray.

cook's dijjpers.

tin Avasli- basins.

spare frying-pans.

match safe.

dozen tin pots.

crowbar.

stowing bar.

chain -hooks.

set marking irons for ernft.

grapnels.

lluke- chains.

1 tin -chain. 1

3 head -straps. 1
1 chain stopper. 1
1 tish hook. ,2

4 chain punches. 8
1 pair of grains. 4
1 rope -jack. 4

28 hooks and thimbles. 2

18 thimbles. 1
4 boat anchors.

1 set chain pendants. 1
1 tire pike.

i dozen oil -scoops. . 2

3 shackles. 1

3 cutting- toggles. 2

1 masthead waif. 12
A dozen large marline needles. 1
3 dozen small marline needles. 20

3 dozen roping needles. (i
T) dozen assorted sail needles. 4

lA dozen sewing palms. G

4 balls shoe thread. 4
20 pounds whipping twine. 4
fiv) po\nids sail twine. (i

2 pounds lamp -wick. 4
2 dozen corks. 1
4 pounds brimstone. 1
f) Bath brick. 4

1 side pump leather 4

2 sides rigging leather. 4
.')() pounds cannon powder. 1
25 pounds musket powder. 4

2,0C0 percussion caps. 1

1 signal -gini. 1

1 dozen muskets. 1

2 barrels clay. 1
1 barrel lime. 3

3 barrels tar.

\ barrel rosin. 12

3 try -pots (two sets in the 3

try -works). 3

1 deck - pot and 1 spare deck- 4,000

pot. 4,000

4 tons hard coal. 1,000
200 bricks.

oil hose and cock.

hcse-tub.

draw -bucket.

sets chest hinges.

grate bars for try -works.

iron knees for try-works.

smoke pipes for try -works.

iron doors for try -works.

caboose stove (large) and ap-
paratus.

Horsburgh's East India Di-
rectory.

trowels.

blubber-room steel.

rigging screws.

pairs handcuffs.

screw cutting-plate and dies.

boat paddles.

boat anchors.

boat grapnels.

boat kegs.

lantern kegs.

drags.

line -tubs.

fog-horns.

dozen boat knives.

dozen boat hatchets.

boat crotches.

tub -oar crotches.

boat buckets.

dozen nippers.

dozen chock -pins.

case bucket.

turning -lathe.

set turning gouges.

set turning chisels

dozen floats, or coarse files,
for working whalebone.

brad -awls.

saddler's awls.

sewing awls.

cojipor tacks.

iron tacks.

pounds of tobacco.

Books for ship's library.

Note. — jNIany of the articles herein enumerated are nnule on board ship from materials sup-
plied for the purpose, while there are many others of but trivial importance wliiirh are not men-
tioned. Relative to the quantity of clothing and recruits — the last named being also called "trade"
— they vaiy materially with difl'erent owners of whips and the nature of the voyngo undertaken.
Hence, the lists referred to can only be regarded as approximative. A Cape Horn voyage, as

LIST OF STORES AND OUTFITS. 319

termed, ordinarily involves tlie time of three years or more. A ship that takes three seasons north,
after arriving in the Pacific, generally prolongs her absence from home to three years and a half.
Sperm whalers are not so much confined to the regular annual seasons for pursuing their prey as
are the Right or Polar whalemen, as they change from one ground to another through the year,
and their wyages are frequently extended from three and a half to four years. Vessels fitted out
for the North "pacific, Arctic Ocean, Okhotsk Sea, or Japan Sea, generally sail from home in the
fall of the year, in order to make the passage of Cape Horn or Cape of Good Hope during the
summer season of that region ; and all whalers, as far as practicable, return to the home coast in
the spring months ; yet we may say they are continually coming and going. But the old routine
of whaling-voyages is now much changed, especially with the larger class of vessels which ply their
vocatici "i the Pacific and contiguous waters. Many of the ships are now ordered by their owners
to San i'rancisco, California, at the termination of each northern season, where an agent meets the
vessels, and transacts the business of transshipping oil and bone, refitting ship, and changing officers
and crews, which now often occurs. ■

I N 1) I'] X .

PAfiE

Aleuts, mode of capturing the Sea Lion bj'. lliG

American Whale -fishei-y, The 185-275

whaling commerce 185, 209, 240, 2-11

Anderson on early whaling commerce 180

Arctic, Bowheads of the 58

ice fields, whales in 31

Baidm-ka ( Hkin-boat) 4C

Baidarra (large ojmu skin -boat) 32

Baird's Dolphin 99

lialwna mi/.iiwtiis, anatomy of 308

Baleen of seven species of whalebone whales. 55

Banded Seal 140

Barnacle, species of 21

Bay Porpoise 95

Bay -whaling, commencement of 23

Beale on ambergris 82

on nature of Sperm Whale food 80

Behring Sea, whale first taken in 213

Strait, when ships ciin pass through.... 59

Belon's description of Right Whale 187

Blackfiah 85

description of 85

how captured 87

measurements of 80

oil product of 87

where formerly found and favorite resort. 87
Boat, peculiar form of, used in capture of

the Sea Otter 170

Bomb-gun 20

Bottlcnosed Grampus 104

Bowhead, or Great Polar Whale 52-05

Bowheads of the Arctic, classification of . . . . 58

cf Okhotsk Sea GO

Browne, J. Ross, chronological account of

whaling commerce by 185

Brownsided Dolijhin 100

Bryant, Captain, account of the Fur Seal

by 15G-1G3

MAniNK Mammaui.— 4t. I

"Bunehbacks" 01

Butler, Ben 130

Caolialot ( French for Sperm Wliale ) 74

California Academy of Sciences, Proceedings

of '. 21, 38

California Gray AVhale 20-33

California shore -whaling 247

lagoons, whaling in the 259

Carmel Bay, whaling station at 250

Cetacea of the Nortli Pacific, Catalogue of. . 281

Cetaceans, prefatory remarks to 17-19

age of 18

descending movements of 19

propulsion of 19

sexual liabits of 18

species of 17

time of gestation of 18

Cuttle-fishes 79

Cowfish 101

description of 101

habits of 101

where observed 101

Coxe, notice of Sea Otter 109

Dull, W. H., Catalogue of Cetacea of North

Pacific 281

description of parasites by 21, 38, 57

Desolation Island, hunting the Sea Elephant

on 122-123

Doli^hin, Baird's 99

description of 99

liabitat of 99

measurements of 100

Brownsided, of Santa Barbara Channel,

description of 100

Doljihins 85-109

rapacity of 18

varieties of 85

Dutch and English, whaling -voyages of the. 188

INDEX.

Esc'hi'ifht on the iiiitmc of Orca food !tO

Esiiuiinaiix wlialiiifi-boat, descriptiou of . . . 31

Fiul.fick AVlialo U-'M\

Northcni 3(!

Fur Soals Ul-l(i3

Cilossary of AVorila and Phrases used Ijy

whalemen 300

Godnian, notice of Narwlial 107

Graniims, Bottlenosed, description of 10-1

oil product of 104

Panama, description of 10-1

Piijijet Sound, description of 105

San Die_i,'o Bay, description of 105

Scpiarclieaded, description of 10(i

"Whitiheadcd or Jlottlcd, description of.. 103

Gray, notice of Hiunphack AVliule 43

Greener's Harpoon -guu, how used 27

Gun, utility of 248

Herd's Island, huntinfj; Sea Elephant on. 120-122

Hollii'ill on rapacity of Orca !)2

Hninpl.ack \Vhale 38-48

Hunting Sea Otter from the shore 172

Indian mode of hunting Sea Otter 173

Indians, method of cai^tming Fur Seal by. . 154
of the North - western Coast, whaling

among the 29, 30

Japan Coast, Sperm "Whale, where first dis-
covered on the 212

Karaginski Island, whales taken off 59

Lagoon -whaling, disasters of 2(J0

incidents 2(i.')

voyage, success of 2(14

Leopard Seal 1(!4-1C7

Life and characteristics of American whale-
men 252

Lindenian, Dr., notice of early whale -fishery. 189

List of Stores and OutKts 313

Macy's notice of the Ilaui'r'n outtl.. 21(5

Magdalena Kay, whaling in 270

Marten, Frederic, notice of a whaling -voyage

in 1(171 190

M'CuUoch on early whaling commerce 187

Monterey, whaling in the Bay of 44

Nantucket, early whaling commeree of 208

whaling, early manner of 20G

Narwhal ". 107

description of 107

food of 108

hahitat of 107

Northern Finback Whale 3(J

lli-jht Whalo grounds 214

FAni

Oil and Bone, price of, from 1S35 to 1872. 242

Oil, manner of trying-out 238

taken in California slmrc-whaling 250

whale, statistics from 17(;2 to 1770 206

Okhotsk Sea, Bowhcad Whales of CO

first cajiture of Bowhcad Whales in.... (!0

Orca, or Killer 88

description of 88

ferocity of 89

food of 90

habitat of 89

high and low-finned 89

mating season of 92

rapacity of 92

Origin and ancient mode of whale- fishing. 185

Otter, Sea lGS-174

distribution of 1C9

food of 109

form of 1C8

mode of capture 170

ninnber captured 174

whether numliers decreasing 174

Pacific, first whaling in the 205

Sperm AVluile, when fir.st captured in.. 209

Panama Grampus 104

Parasitical crustaceans 21

Peru, whaling-voyages to the coast of 210

Pierce's Bomb-lance (run, descriptimi of... 228

Pinnipedia 113-181

food of 113

introduction to description of 113

mode of locomotion of 113

Poole, Captain, measurement of Bowhead

Whale by 53

Porpoise, Bay 95

description of 95

habits of 97

measurements of 90

Bight-whale 101

description of 101

habitat of 101

Striped or Common 98

descriptiou of 98

habitat of 98

habits of 98

Post -offices, whaleship 253

Potttisch (German for Sperm Whale) 74

Puget Sound Grampus 105

Eight Whale of the North-western Coast.. GG-69

Bight Whale Porpoise 101

Rotch, William, visit to England and Franco. 217

INDEX.

Ill

Paok

Roj-s, Captain, measurement of Suliiliiirbot-

tom by "0

notice of " Biincliliiu'ks" unil IJowlicadH.UO (il

San Diego Bay Grampus 105

Santa Barbara Island, liuntin'^ Sea Lions on. 132
Soammon's Latfoon, Cabfornia (.irays in..., 24

' ' Scrimshawing " 275

Scoresby, notice of N'aiwlial 108

on n\imber of whales killed 18C

Sea Elephant 115-123

color of 1 lt>

fishery, extent of at present day 123

form of 11*>

geographical distribution of 115

habits of U"

measurements of 115-110

method of hunting at Herd's Island. 120 122

mode of capturing 118

names of animals of different ages Hi

their present i)laccs of resort 110

time of gestation of 118

Seal, Banded 140

Tur U1-1G3

external form of 144

fishery of 148

habits of 140

haunts of 140

manner of killing 100

measurements of 142

method of capturing 153

method of capturing by Indians... 154

mode of curing skins of 101

names for at ditVcront ages 141

principal resorts of at present 155

season of 151

tinu. of gestation i-ii

use of flesh of 103

value of as an article of conm;erce. 144

value of skins 102

whether producing more than one

voung at one time 144

Sea Lion..' 124-139

combats of for females 131

commercial value of 135

dimensions usually exaggerated 130

form of 128

genera and species of 124

geographical distribution of 124

habits of 130-135

measurements of 128-12!)

pupping season of 131

Padf
Sea Lion, skill of in leaping down rock. 133
their mode of capture on the Asiatic

shores of the Pacitlc 137

Seal, Leopard 104-107

habits of 100

how captured 107

size of 104

Sea Otter, Indian mode of hunting 173

" Sea squid " 80

Sharpheaded Finncr Whale 40-51

Ships, outfits, and manner of taking the

whale 2Hi

Shore -hunting of Sea Otter 172

Smith, Captain, measurement of Bowlicad

Whale by 54

South America, capture of the Sea Lion on

its shores 138

Southern Right Wiiale grounds 215

Stillman, Dr. J. D. 13., notice of a Sulphur-
bottom Whale 71

St. Paul's Island, Sea Lions on 13(i

number of Fur Seals freipicntiug 101

Striped or Common Porpoise 08

Sperm Whale 74-84

grounds 214

Squareheaded Grampus KKi

Sulphurbottom Whale 70-73

Swift, Captain J. H., notice of first capture

of Bow heads 00

Tchantar Bay, whaling in 0)2

Vmbrella, cotton, used in capturing Sea

Lions 130

Walrus 170-lSl

capture of 170

contests of with Polar Bear 180

decrease in numbers of 181

distribution of 178

f(jrm of 170-177

Whale, Arctic Bowhead, parasites of 57

Bowhen^ ^>aleeii of 55

d. . 1 i'^iion of 52

first taken in Behring Sea 213

habitat of 57

habits of 58

herding -places of 50

length of time under water 57

manner of feeding 54

measurements of 53

oil and l)one yield of 52

when first taken in the Okhotsk Sea. 00
breeding -places of 64

INDEX.

Whale, Bowhead, how tlioy lircoil (II

Bowlioad anil Riylit, manner of cuttini,'-
iii II 232

California Gray, balocn of 55

doHcription of 20

en)l)rvos of 21?

fears f)f extiiiotion of !iH

food of 21

habitat of 22

habits of 21, :t2

in Arctic ice -fields 31

manner of imrsuing and cajitiirin;,'. 25

measurements of a male 2(1

number eaptmed 23

number mi^,natinj,' 23

season of brinp^inj,' forth youn^,'.... 25

time of gestation of 23

yield of oil of 21

young of 22

Finback, descriiition of 34

measurements of 3-1:

respiration and movements of 35

Northern 30

Humpback, anatomy of 41

baleen of 55

description of 38

habitat of 4(i

how captured 4(i

manner of suckling young 45

measurements of 31)

migration of 42

sexual habits of 45

yield of oil and bone 40

Right, baleen of 55, (!C

feed of 54

first taken on the North-western

Coast 212

habits of 08

resort to bring forth young (iT

size of 0(!

wliere and how captured 00-08

yield of oil of G()

Sharpheaded Finner, description of , . . . 41)

habitat and habits of 51

measurements of 50

movements and fuitus of 41)

Sperm, description and size of 74

ferocity of 78

habitat of 77

habits of 75

manner of cutting-iu a 230

Faok

Whale, Siierin, manner of feeding 70

niiuiner of siickliiig young 74

nature of fcnxl of 80

vessels destroyed by 78

when tirst captured in the Pacific. . 209
wlien tirst <liscovered on the Japan

coast. 212

yield of oil 7(i

Sulphurbottom, baleen of 55

fcillowing a vessel 71

si/e and mode of capture of.. 70, 72, 73

where found 71

Whale, how approached 227

how captured 250

manner of capture and trying -(uit in

early days 101

ships, outfits, and manner of taking tlie. 210

Whale-boat, how manned 220

descrijition of an Es(piimaux 31

Whale -lisliery, .Vmericaii, early history of. . 202

statistics of for 38 years 243

AVlialo- Ashing, origin and ancient mode of. 185

Whale -grounds, Northern Right 214

Southern Right 215

Sperm 214

Whalemen, Life and Characteristics of Amer-
ican 252

Whales, by whom tirst pursued 185

ill lagoons, manner of taking 2(iO

manner of signaling direction of 230

number captured 251

passing from Atlantic Arctic to I'acitic

Arctic 50

taken off Karaginski Island 59

Whale-ship, again to the frozen seas 273

distribution of officers and crew of 222

etpiipment of 224

how made up, crew of a 255

homeward Ixuind 275

outfit of a first-class 313

outward bound 220

post - offices 253

routine of duty on a 229

recptisites for 221

stores and outfits of a 313

Whale-.ships, eommunication between 253

eticjuette of 254

history of old 244

where recruited 258

Whaling among the Indians of the North-
western Coast 29

L\Dl:X. y

''*'■"- I'A..,:

W lulling', U.iwlifiul (;i WliuliiiM-, ill Trbiuitiir ]5iiy (;2

C.ilifnnii.i sliore 247 | in the I'licilic, fust . .' 2(t5

l'iilif(.iiiiii slioio, how proHcuttil 218 incichiiiits, caily AtiicTiniii 217

.scene of 17(i;i, ilesciiiitioii of 20.")

ciiHualtics of coast 2H

( 'onimeire, Ameiiciiu 2-l() j station at Cannel Bay 2.-)(t

bc^finniii^r of 1S5 voya{,'es of tlic Dutcli and Englisli IHS

decline of 2-11 i voya^fe, iirepai-atioiis for a 2r.t

'» 1''*^" 20!) j voyages to the coast of I'eni 210

Heet of the woild in 1812 212 ' where prosecuted 2r)8

f,'rounds of Indians.. :{() Whitetlsh, or Wliite AVhido \y.\

iiiilileinents of Indians ;i0 ciiiitiire of '.14

Indian manner of :(() : description of ;i:i

ill tlie Hay of ^lonterey 44 ' measurenieiits of 114

ill the California la^foons 251> where ob.served !);j

ill JIagdaleiia Bay 270 ■NVhiteheaded, or Mottled (irampus lu:!

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