76 BOTTLE-HEADED ^VHALE. 



On the occurrence of a Bottle-headed Whale^ Hyperoodon 

 rostratum? (Gray,) in Swanage Bay. 



Abstract of a Paper read at Corfe, November 9th. 1855. 



On the 29th of October, some kind of Whale was observed 

 blowing in Swanage bay, and soon after, it became entangled in 

 mullet nets, not far from the Coast Guard station; breaking 

 away from these, it passed on to the southward towards the 

 mouth of the bay, and coming within range at Peverel Point, 

 was shot at by Stevens, one of the preventive men. Getting 

 into the shallow water amongst the rocks, it was partly stranded ; 

 boats were accordingly launched, and by means of creepers and 

 grapnels it was towed ashore. Owing to the steepness of the 

 shingle bank where it was moored, and the height of the water 

 on. the south side of the bay caused by the north-easterly gales, 

 it was not easy to take all the measurements that could have 

 been wished; and the rain which fell incessantly, likewise 

 prevented a sketch from being made on the spot. 



The following are the measurements obtained. 



feet in. 

 Greatest length, measured across the curve of the 



back, . . . . . . . . 26 : 2 



Greatest girth, . . . . . . . . 16 : 2 



Girth at the junction of the tail, . . '3:7 



Length of the snout, . . . . . . 1:8 



Girth of ditto, .. .. .. 2:2 



Length from tip of snout to dorsal fin, . . 15:8 



Dorsal fin, measured along anterior edge, ... 2:8 



" " posterior edge, . . 2:1 



" " the line of back, 2 : 



Length from Dorsal fin to the commencement of the 



tail, . . . . . . . . 6:4 



