25*2 beale's history of the sperm whale. 



time of his feeding. How far such an observation can apply to the Green- 

 land whale, which feeds near the surface, will be noticed in the conclusion 

 of these remarks ; but I can state here, that such an observation cannot 

 hold good with regard to the sperm whale, for that creature feeds far below 

 the surface, and, in so doing, the large male continues in the depths of the 

 ocean from an hour to an hour and twenty minutes, without once showing 

 himself above ; so that, if he wishes to eject water from the mouth through 

 the nostril, to avoid swallowing it, (if, indeed, he has any anatomical ar- 

 rangement for so doing), it must be performed in the depths of his native 

 element, into which he descends to feed, and therefore the operation is re- 

 mote from observation." 



Mr. Beale appears to be completely in his element when 

 describing the chase and capture of this giant of the ocean. 



" Let the reader suppose himself on the deck of a south-seaman, cruising 

 in the North Pacific Ocean at its Japanese confine. He may be musing 

 over some past event, — the ship may be sailing gently along over the smooth 

 ocean, every thing around solemnly still, with the sun pouring its intense 

 rays with dazzling brightness ; suddenly the monotonous quietude is brok- 

 en by an animated voice from the mast-head exclaiming " there she spouts." 

 The captain starts on deck in an instant, and inquires " where away ? " but 

 perhaps the next moment every one aloft and on deck can perceive an enor- 

 mous whale lying about a quarter of a mile from the ship, on the surface of 

 the sea, having just come up to breathe, — his large "hump " projecting 

 three feet out of the water, when at the end of every ten seconds the spout 

 is seen rushing from the fore-part of his enormous head, followed by the cry 

 of every one on board, who join heart and soul in the chorus of "there 

 again!" keeping time with the duration of the spout. But while they have 

 been looking, a few seconds have expired — they rush into the boats, which 

 are directly lowered to receive them — and in two minutes from the time of 

 first observing the whale, three or four boats are down, and are darting 

 through the water with their utmost speed towards their intended victim, 

 perhaps accompanied with a song from the headsman, who urges the quick 

 and powerful plying of the oar with the common whaling chant, of — 



"Away my boys, away my boys, 'tis time for us to go." 



But we have not time to go with them, and must therefore 

 refer our readers to the preceding spirited sketch, which forms 

 one of the series in Mr. Beale's work ; at the same time hear- 

 tily recommending the volume to their perusal, as containing 

 a great deal of entertaining matter, blended with really valua- 

 ble scientific information. 



