94 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF 



by diving or changing its direction. If harpooned, or 

 otherwise wounded, it then exerts all its energies, and 

 escapes with its utmost velocity ; but shows very little 

 disposition to retaliate on its enemies, or to repel their 

 attacks by engaging in combat. The seamen frequently 

 endeavour, as an amusement, to wound it with a musket- 

 ball; but I never saw one that showed any symptoms 

 of injury from its effects. At a distance, it is occasion- 

 ally mistaken for the balcvna mysticetus; yet it is gene- 

 rally distinguished by its appearance and actions, which 

 are so very different. It seldom lies quiet on the surface 

 when blowing, but usually has a velocity of four or five 

 miles an hour : when it descends, it very rarely throws 

 its tail in the air, as is the case with the bakena mys- 

 ticetus. 



Besides the two half pectoral fins, it has a small 

 horny protuberance, which is a species of rayless or 

 immovable fin, at the extremity of the back ; hence the 

 derivation of razor-back by the whalers. 



From the small quantity of oil afforded by this animal, 

 and the great velocity with which it darts through the 

 water, renders it almost unworthy the time and attention 

 of the whalers. However, when it is struck, it not un- 

 frequently drags the fast-boat with tremendous speed 

 through the water, but it is liable to be carried imme- 

 diately out of the reach of assistance, and thus soon out 

 of sight of both boats and ships : hence, the harpooneris 

 commonly under the necessity of cutting the line, and 

 sacrificing his employer's property, for the purpose of 

 saving his own life, and those of his companions. 



Captain Scoresby informs us that he has made several 

 attempts to capture one of these formidable creatures. 

 In the year 1818, this gentleman ordered a general chase 

 of them, providing against the danger of having his crew 



