80 



COMMON BRITISH ANIMALS 



tlie spermaceti. This substance is an oil at the 

 temperature of the animaFs body, but solidifies when 

 the temperature is lowered. Spermaceti has been 

 known as a drug and mentioned in pharmacopoeias 



Fig. 25. — The Porpoise {Phocxna communis). About 

 y*g natural size. (British Museum.) 



since the year 1100, though never accurately described 

 until Hunter stated its true source and nature about 

 100 years ago. 



Ambergris is another valuable substance for which 



Fig. 26. — Skull of Porpoise. About | natural size. 

 (British Museum.) 



the sperm whale is hunted. It has a very distinct 

 and sweet scent and is used in perfumery, though it 

 is a very costly article, bepg about £4 \0s. an ounce. 

 Ambergris is a concretion formed in the intestine of 

 the sperm whale, and when first extracted from the 



