THE ORDER CETACEA. 87 



The edges of the baleen, which touch the tongue, are 

 surrounded by black bristles, which act as a preservative 

 from injuries it might sustain. The portion of the ba- 

 leen touching the inferior lip is smooth and soft, but 

 devoid of bristles or fringe. 



The length of each pectoral fin exceeds the fifth part 

 of its whole length, and its two arm-bones, which are 

 contained within the fin, these are situated within the 

 first division of its length. 



The tail is slender at its extremity, where it forms a 

 species of double fin, not only slanting, but as it were a 

 little festooned ; posteriorly the lobes are so long that 

 from the external termination of one to the other there is 

 an equal distance from the centre. On the belly of the 

 male is seen a longitudinal fissure, the length of which 

 is equal to the sixth part of the total length of the 

 animal, the edges of which divide, so as to allow the ac- 

 tions of the organs of procreation. The anal orifice is a 

 little circular opening, situated a little posterior to this 

 longitudinal fissure. 



The general colour of the B. Jcelandica is of a gray, 

 more or less distinct in its shades, which are rather uni- 

 form in their appearance. The lower part of the head 

 often appears like a great oval of very shining white, at 

 the centre and circumference of which are seen gray or 

 black spots, irregular and confused. 



Although the quickness of the B. mysticetus is sur- 

 prising, that of the B. Icelandica is still more so ; its 

 tail being more slender and also flexible; its caudal 

 fin more extended in proportion to its body, and this 

 being also very flexible, affords it a much larger sweep 

 when used as an oar, which is much quicker agitated ; 

 it is more powerful, and the strength with which it 

 can flee, when pursued, darting like an electric shock 



