I92 A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SEAS 



maintained at the body temperature of the animal and 

 fills special cavities in the head. Its use to the Whale is 

 unknown, but it is prized in commerce for the manufacture 

 of candles and ointment. It solidifies into a white crystal- 

 line substance on exposure to the air. 



The Cachalot, one of the most ferocious of Whales, 

 often attacking the smaller whaling crafts, is distinguished 

 by its huge square-ended head and in having teeth in the 

 lower jaw only. It is a sociable animal travelling in large 

 herds. It lives chiefly on giant cuttlefish, but seals and even 

 rock lobsters also figure in its diet. Though an inhabitant 

 of warmer seas it may wander in summer as far north as 

 Iceland. 



No account of the Sperm Whale could be complete 

 without some reference to ambergris, a fatty compound 

 secreted in the intestinal track of Sperm Whales when in 

 poor condition, and analogous to the gall stones of higher 

 animals. It has been well named " floating gold," for its 

 price is all but fabulous and a world of romance attaches to 

 the substance. 



The name " grey amber " was coined by French 

 merchants to distinguish it from true amber, though until 

 comparatively recent times both products were regarded 

 as being of vegetable origin. Whereas to-day the substance 

 is used merely as an essential in the manufacture of per- 

 fumes, its natural aroma strengthening the original 

 " bouquet " of the blossoms, it was formerly put to many 

 other purposes. In the Pharmacopoeia Londonensis, 1691, 

 it is described as " An excellent corroborative, strengthens 

 heart and brain, revives and recreates spirits natural, vital 

 and family." 



