THE ORDER CETACEA. 93 



The principal characteristics of this animal, contrasted 

 with the B. mysticetus, are the following : — First, as 

 already mentioned, its body is longer and more slender; 

 secondly, the baleen, or whalebone, is shorter ; thirdly, 

 it produces, when killed, less blubber and oil ; fourthly, 

 its colour has a much bluer tinge ; fifthly, it has a greater 

 number of Jitis ; sixthly, in respiration, or blowing, it is 

 more violent ; seventhly, we find it quicker and more 

 restless in its actions; and it is likewise considerably 

 bolder in its conduct. 



The greatest circumference of the balanoptera gibbar 

 is from twenty-eight to thirty-seven feet, and its entire 

 length more or less about a hundred feet. The longest 

 lamina of baleen taken from this species measures 

 somewhat about four feet. The greatest quantity of 

 blubber recorded, of having been flensed from one of 

 these animals was not more than ten or twelve tons. 

 In colour, it bears a considerable resemblance to the 

 sucking mysticetus. The body is not cylindrical, but is 

 considerably compressed upon the sides, and angular at 

 the back. A transverse section near the fins is an oblong, 

 and, at the rump, a rhombus. 



The respiration or blowing of this animal is very 

 violent, and in calm weather may be heard at the dis- 

 tance of a mile. It swims with greater velocity than the 

 common whale ; and it has been estimated by Captain 

 Scoresby to be about twelve miles an hour. It does not 

 appear to be a very mischievous animal ; neither is it 

 timid or cowardly : when closely pursued by the boats, it 

 exhibits very little fear, and does not attempt to outstrip 

 them in the race, but merely endeavours to avoid them, 



bergen ;" Pennant's " Brit. Zoology," vol. iii. ; Balcenoptera Gibbar, La 

 Cepede, p. 114. 



