306 THE WEALTH OF THE SEA 



whales feed. Whalebone is similar in composition to 

 hair, finger-nails, and toe-nails, consisting of kera- 

 tin; on this account, whalebone is very strong and 

 flexible. 



The baleen obtained from the Greenland right 

 whale is of better quality than is obtained from any 

 other species, as it is very long, sometimes as much 

 as fifteen feet. An average-sized whale of this species 

 yields a ton of whalebone. Formerly baleen sold at 

 four to five dollars a pound, and thus these whales 

 yielded about ten thousand dollars' worth. The other 

 right whales and the humpback also yield valuable 

 whalebone. The whalebone obtained from the blue, 

 finback, sei, bottle-nosed, and California gray whale 

 is short and of relatively little value. 



After the whalebone has been removed from the 

 jaw, it is separated into pieces containing three to 

 six slabs each, and freed from flesh and blubber. It 

 is then washed with salt water and thoroughly dried. 

 The dried product is shipped to factories, where it is 

 manufactured into useful articles. Its great value lies 

 in its lightness, elasticity, flexibility, and its property 

 of permanently retaining any shape that may be 

 given it when it is heated and then cooled under pres- 

 sure. The most important uses of whalebone are for 

 the manufacture of corset and dress stays and whips. 

 The Japanese are unusually clever at working whale- 

 bone, and make cigar and cigarette cases, sandals, 

 and many other novelties from it. For such articles 

 they are able to utilize the short, lower grades such 

 as are obtained from the finback and blue whales. 



