2J6 %oo7ogy a7id Comparative Anatomy 



and its oars frightens them exceedingly. In clear water, Cap- 

 tain Scoresby informs us that he has known them to discover 

 each other at an amazing distance. This, however, is cer- 

 tain, that although they are capable of seeing objects through 

 the medium of their native element, yet in the air they are 

 unable to see far ; that is to say, when they are lying on the 

 surface of the water ; consequently, from this cause, they 

 are easily captured. The eyes are situated almost over the 

 entrance to the ears. 



The Organ of Hearing. — The organ of hearing is very 

 nearly as acute as those of vision, by which means these 

 animals are warned of any approaching danger. Thus it 

 would seem that the great Author of nature had given 

 them these advantages, as they multiply but little, in order 

 that the species may be preserved. It is true, however, that 

 they have no external ear, and the opening leading to the 

 internal is almost imperceptible; but were this otherwise, 

 it might probably embarrass them in their natural element: 

 but when the delicate external scarf-skin is removed, a black 

 spot is discovered behind the eye, beneath which is the canal 

 leading to the organ of hearing. In short, the whale hears 

 the smallest sounds under water ; but above it. Captain 

 Scoresby considers these animals extremely dull of hearing : 

 for a noise in the air, such as is produced by a person loudly 

 shouting, is not noticed when only at the distance of a ship's 

 length ; but a very slight splashing in calm water excites its 

 attention, and occasions great alarm. The sailors frequently 

 preserve the internal organ of hearing ; the bone composing 

 it is extremely dense, and capable of the highest polish : it is 

 contained, according to M. Dubar, in two bones totally un- 

 connected with the skull, or any of the envelopements of the 

 brain ; it is irregular, being united to it by means of firm 

 ligaments. As in man, and other animals, this part is fre- 

 quently denominated the petrous or rocky bone. Baron 

 Cuvier describes the anatomy of the internal ear, which, 

 according to this eminent zootomist (Regne Animal, iv. 414.), 

 presents the following interesting peculiarities: — "From the 

 external orifice there is a narrow cartilaginous tube proceed- 

 ing to the tympanum or drum of the ear, winding through 

 a bed of fat : this canal pierces the superior maxillary or jaw 

 bone, and terminates above the spiracle or blow-hole in an 

 orifice rendered, by means of a small valve, impenetrable to 

 water. The internal ear is composed, similarly to that of other 

 Mammalia, of a labyrinth or cochlea, cochlearian orifice, three 

 semicircular canals, a vestibulum and its orifice, a tympanum 

 and its membrane, also articulated osselets placed within the 



