ANIMAL LIFE IN THE ARCTIC REGION 221 



A curious feature of the whale is the blow-holes, two in num- 

 ber, situated, nearly on the crown of the head. Through these 

 the animal partly breathes and when beneath the surface, the act 

 of respiration causes them to throw up a considerable quantity 

 of water. At other times they emit only columns of vapor which 

 are visible at a great distance. The sound produced by the ani- 

 mal on these occasions is called blowing; it resembles the dis- 

 charge of a cannon and often directs the whaler to his prey. 



Of late years, constant hunting with harpoon guns and explo- 

 sive shells has thinned out the whales to such an extent that it is 

 no longer profitable to fit out expeditions to search for them. 



Another variety of whale found only in Arctic waters of the 

 extreme north, is the White Whale. Its length is only about twelve 

 feet. 



An interesting member of the group of mammals is the nar- 

 whal or sea unicorn. It belongs to the family of the dolphin and 

 is distinguished by the tusk which springs from its upper jaw, 

 a long spiral tapering horn of ivory, frequently eight or ten feet 

 in length. 



The Eskimos and Greenlanders give the narwhal a high place 

 among their ocean treasures. The long ivory tusk serves them 

 for spear heads, the flesh is considered excellent eating, both fresh 

 and cured, and its oil, though not abundant, is of good quality. 

 They travel in great herds and we hear of thousands being seen 

 swimming together in regular order. 



The appearance of the narwhal is peculiar the back is gray 

 in color, mottled with black, the sides and belly paling downwards 

 to white and equally spotted with gray or a darker tint. They 

 have half round or half moon blow-holes which appear on the out- 

 side to be single. Occasionally they utter a gurgling noise. They 

 swim with great swiftness and are very active creatures. In length, 

 they measure as a rule about twelve to fifteen feet, although some 

 of twenty feet in length have been found. 



