ZOOLOGY, — PJIYSALIS. 47J) 



It differs from the mysticetus in its form being 

 less cylindrical, and its body longer and more slen- 

 der ; in its whalebone being shorter ; in its produce 

 in blubber and oil being less ; in its colour being of 

 a bluer tinge ; in its fins being more in number ; in 

 its breathing or blowing being more violent ; in its 

 speed being greater ; in its actions being quicker 

 and more restless, and in its conduct being bolder. 



The length of the physalis is about 100 feet; its 

 greatest circumference 30 or 35. The body is not 

 cylindrical, but is considerably compressed on the 

 sides, and angular at the back. A transverse sec- 

 tion near the fins is an oblong ; and at the rump a 

 rhombus. The longest lamina of whalebone measures 

 about 4 feet. It aflbrds 10 or 12 tons of blubber. 

 Its colour is a pale bluish-black, or dark bluish-grey, 

 in which it resembles the sucking mysticetus. Be- 

 sides the two pectoral fins, it has a small horny pro- 

 tuberance, or rayless and immoveable fin, on the ex- 

 tremity of the back. Its blowing is very violent, 

 and may be heard in calm weather, at the distance of 

 about a mile. It swims with a velocity, at the great- 

 est, of about twelve miles an hour. It is by no 

 means a timid animal ; yet it does not appear to be 

 revengeful or mischievous. When closely pursued 

 by boats, it manifests little fear, and does not at- 

 tempt to outstrip them in the race ; but merely en- 

 deavours to avoid them, by diving or changing its 

 direction. If harpooned or otherwise wounded, it 



