THE ORDER CETACEA. 131 



admitted. At all events we know that there are two va- 

 rieties of these animals, which are sufficient to prove 

 that they should be deemed as distinct species, inasmuch 

 as they differ by fixed and permanent characters. Ac- 

 cordingly Count La Cepede has so distinguished them. 

 The Rev. Dr. Fleming, in an excellent paper on one of 

 these species,* has followed his example, although his 

 specific characters differ from those of the French na- 

 turalist. 



SPECIES I. 



MONODON MONOCEROS, OR COMMON NARWHALE. 



" In the creation of this curious animal, the Omnipotent Architect has 

 not only exhibited a still further striking- proof of his own power, but has 

 likewise shown that for some wise purposes unknown to man that he 

 can produce an enemy equal in power, though not in bulk, to the stu- 

 pendous creatures I have been describing." 



The Monodon Monoceros, or Common Narwhale, is an 

 animal possessing almost colossal strength, inasmuch 

 as it precipitates itself upon every thing giving it the 

 least offence, and furiously rushes against the most 

 trifling obstacle. Its habitual sojourn is among the ice 

 and icebergs of the Arctic Seas. Here, in the vast em- 

 pire of eternal frost, where darkness reigns for so great 

 a portion of the year, this giant of the frozen ocean 



* Memoirs of the Wernerian Society, voi. i. p. 131. 

 K 2 



