THE HUMP-BACKED WHALE. 425 



whaler, and the one who captured the first adult Atlantic Right Whale, a figure of which 

 we herewith present, led the chase. The men secured four, including, we understand, a 

 young one. We regret that the ample preparations we have established to get full particu- 

 lars of the specimens have not as yet furnished any response. It is a matter, however, 

 of great interest to know that this rare Whale is undoubtedly increasing in numbers. One 

 of this shoal is reported as about fifty feet in length, which is probably the extent of this 

 species. 



i 



UNDETC the term Scrag Whales, a family is recognized individuals having rough bunches 

 on their backs. The baleen is white, and is only about one foot in length. 



The Scrag Whale (Agaphelus gibborus) is the only species yet described. It inhabits the 

 Atlantic Ocean. It was known to the early settlers of New England. 



The California Gray Whale (Rachianectes glaucus, Cope) is recorded, but little is known 

 of its history or peculiarities. The baleen is short, as in the preceding species. 



The Hump-Backed Whales (Megapteridce) are distinguished by having a dorsal fin, and 

 very long pectoral fins. Several species are enumerated. 



The Finner or Fin-back Whales (PJiysalidce) have a high dorsal fin. It should be under- 

 stood in this connection, that the fins here mentioned are not so called in the sense that those 

 of fishes are, as they are but thickened portions of the skin. The tails of Whales are the 

 same in structure, though muscles are developed in them. The longest Whale known is of 

 this group ; some examples reaching one hundred feet. The Sperm and Right Whales are 

 much more bulky, but their length never exceeds sixty feet. 



A large number of species are enumerated. 



The Sulphur Bottom Finner is the largest. It is common off the Pacific coast, and in the 

 waters of the Northwest. 



SEVERAL species of the HUMP-BACKED, or BUNCHED WHALES, are now known, although 

 there is very great difficulty in deciding upon the distinctions that are needful for the found- 

 ing of a species, in animals which are necessarily so far beyond our reach except on rare and 

 limited occasions. 



In all these animals the head is rather broad and flattened, and the throat and chest 

 are marked with deep longitudinal folds or "reeves," as they are termed by Dudley in 

 his account of the Bunch Whale. These folds are perceptible even on the sides, and extend 

 as far as the fins. The hump or bunch is of no very great size, being only a foot or so 

 in height, and hardly larger than a man's head. These animals may easily be distinguished 

 from those of the succeeding genus by their shorter and more stout forms, the warty lip, 

 and the large and rounded nose. The skull is about one-fourth of the entire length of the 

 animal. 



The species which is figured in the illustration on following page is that of JOHNSTON'S 

 HUMP-BACKED WHALE, a species which frequently attains very considerable dimensions, 

 measuring from sixty to seventy feet in length. In spite, however, of its great size, it is not 

 sought after by the whalers, and even if it should accidentally come across the course is seldom 

 disturbed by them. Its oil, however, is said to be superior to that which is furnished by the 

 Greenland Whale, and not much inferior to the oil of the Sperm Whale. 



It is an inhabitant of the Greenland seas, and is said to be found in greater profusion 

 than any other species. It is furnished with baleen, but this substance is of no very great 

 value, being short, and not splitting "kindly," like that of the Greenland Whale. When 

 dry it takes a slight twist. When first born, the young of the Hump Whales are devoid 

 of baleen, but a considerable number of rudimentary teeth are found in both jaws. The 

 . spout or blow-holes are situated on the top of the head, and not on the snout like those of the 

 Sperm Whale. 



The name Megaptera signifies "great-finned," and is given to this genus on account of the 

 large size to which the pectoral fin extends. This member sometimes measures as much as 

 seventeen feet in length, being equal to the head, or about one-fifth the entire length of the 



