THE ORDER CETACEA. 181 



pure white ; the saddle-like mark on each side the back 

 is of a silvery grey. The dorsal line is prominent, sharp, 

 and of a jet black. Its weight is computed at about 

 three and a half tons ; and it was purchased of the fisher- 

 men for £23 ; it was not, however, expected to yield a 

 sufficiency of oil to repay the purchaser; but as he 

 realized something by exhibiting the animal, and after- 

 wards sold its head for £7 to a gentleman in the neigh- 

 bourhood, he was not likely to be a loser by his 

 bargain.* 



SPECIES IV. 



DELPHINUS GLADIATOR, 



OR 



THE SWORD GRAMPUS.t 



This species has the dorsal fin long and bony, broad at 

 the base, and curved like a scymitar. As these animals 

 advance in age, this instrument grows longer; so that 

 the leader, or old animal, can be distinguished from his 

 followers by the superior height of his fin. This is one 

 of the fiercest enemies of the whale, from his being thus 

 provided with such an efficient weapon of annoyance. 



The sword grampus pursues also seals, and the latter, 

 in their clumsy efforts to escape upon the ice or rocks, 

 are frequently overtaken by their active adversary. When 

 the seals are swept from their place of retreat back into 

 the water, they are speedily vanquished. 



The sword grampus varies much in size according to 



The author of this paper signs his communication G. M., Lynn 

 Regis,— December 1, 1830. 



t Synonyme. — Dauphin Orquc avec un sabre 



