290 FAUNA AMERICANA. 



CHARACTERS. 



(r Incisor 2. 

 superior 2. < Canine 0. 

 rSoro: 



l_inferior 0. s Canine 0. 

 C Molar 0. 



One or two large tusks, implanted in the os 

 incisivum, straight, long and pointed, directed in 

 a line with the axis of the body. No other teeth. 



General form analogous to that of the Dol- 

 phins. 



Orifices of the blowing holes united, and situ- 

 ated at the highest part of the back of the head. 

 A longitudinal crest taking the place of the dor- 

 sal fin ; fins of the fl^anks of an oval form. 



Habit. These animals, somewhat similar to 

 the Dolphins in their manners, swim in troops, 

 and feed on fish of the genus Pleuronectes, as well 

 as on shells ; they attack the Whale, and some- 

 times inflict mortal wounds with their tusks, when 

 they eat the tongues of their victims. 



Species. 



1. Monodon monoceros^ Linn. Erxleb. GmeL 

 Monodon^ Artedi, Gen. p. 78. N. 1. JVarivhal, oder 

 einhorn, Anderson, Island, p. 22.5. Muller, Zool. 

 Dan. Prodrom. p. 6. No. 44. Monodon narwhal, 

 Oth. Fabric. Faun. Groendland. p. 29. JSTarwhal, 

 Bonnaterre, Cetolog. p. 10. JVarwhal vttlgaire, 

 Lacep. Shaw, Gen. Zool. vol. ii. part 2. pi. 225. 



