130 THE WHALE. 



of the ligamentous fibres of which it is partly com- 

 posed. 



The maternal affection of the whale, which, in 

 other respects, is apparently a stupid animal, is strik- 

 ing and interesting, the cub, being insensible to dan- 

 ger, is easily harpooned; when the tender attachment 

 of the mother is so manifested as not unfrequently to 

 bring her within the reach of the whalers. Hence, 

 though a cub is of little value, seldom producing 

 above a ton of oil, and often less, yet ii is sometimes 

 struck as a snare for its mother. In this case she 

 joins it at the surface of the water, whenever it has 

 occasion to rise for respiration; encourages it to 

 swim off; assists its flight, by taking it under her 

 fin, and seldom deserts it while life remains. She 

 is then dangerous to approach; but affords frequent 

 opportunities for attack. She loses all regard for 

 her own safety, in anxiety for the preservation of 

 her young; dashes through the midst of her ene- 

 mies; despises the danger that threatens her; and 

 even voluntarily remains with her offspring, after 

 various attacks on herself, from the harpoons of the 

 fishers. In June, 1811, one of my harpooners 

 struck a sucker, with the hope of its leading to the 

 capture of the mother. Presently she arose close 

 by the " fast boat," and seizing the young one, 

 dragged about a hundred fathoms of line with re- 

 markable force and velocity. Again she arose to 

 the surface; darted furiously to and fro; frequently 



