43 1- Mr. J. Couch on the species of Whales 



from the tail, and the other close to the head — if, indeed, it was 

 not on the very forehead itself; for the creature was not caught, 

 and the observers were unable to discern with certainty the head 

 itself. Several examples of this remarkable species were seen at 

 a short distance from the ship ; but these naturalists remained 

 at last uncertain whether they should regard the anterior pro- 

 tuberance as a fin or a horn ; although we may judge that their 

 final opinion inclined to the latter supposition, from the fact of 

 their assigning to it the name of the " Rhinoceros Dolphin.^' We 

 can scarcely suppose that this remarkable species, seen in the 

 South Pacific Ocean, can be the same with that which was no- 

 ticed in the Mediterranean by M. Rafinesque, and which also 

 was furnished with two fins on the back ; but, unfortunately, in 

 the last-named instance also, no specimen was caught ; and we 

 can only judge it to be the same with an example lately seen 

 under favourable circumstances on our own coast, by the close- 

 ness of the described likeness, and the known disposition to 

 wander, which all the cetacean animals possess. 



In the month of April of the present year (1857), a close and 

 accurate observer of nature, in company with some friends, had 

 an opportunity of observing a company of dolphins at play, at a 

 very short distance from him, with the water so clear, that the 

 projecting snout was easily seen, and all actions closely traced. 

 Being elevated on a rock above them, an individual was made 

 out, which without difficulty was distinguished from the others 

 by the remarkable character of having two dorsal fins. It was 

 the belief of the observers that there was a pair of these two- 

 finned Dolphins in the herd ; but one of them was especially the 

 object of their attention : the snout of the Dolphin distinctly 

 visible ; length of the body from 6 to 8 feet ; the shape more 

 slender than in the common Dolphins, of which about a dozen 

 were in the company; the colour much as in the oi*dinary 

 species ; and as it repeatedly came to the surface, it was noticed 

 that the first dorsal fin was at about the middle of the length, 

 and the other 2 feet nearer the tail. Its motions were like those 

 of the other Cetaceans that were then amusing themselves at 

 their leisure near the rocks in Lantivet Bay, but they appeared 

 a little more active. There is no reason to suppose that this 

 species has ever been taken; but, should it fall into the hands 

 of a fisherman, it is important to science that it should be exa- 

 mined by some competent naturalist, as there can be no doubt 

 it will show some other peculiarities besides that of having two 

 dorsal fins. 



2. Phoccena. 



Pilot or Leading Whale. — Delphintis Deductor, Scoresby. D. 



