2H2 WHALK-FISIIERV. 



the mean fishing Latitude, that is 780,-799, have 

 more commonly short hroad heads, compared with 

 the size of the body. In some individuals, the 

 head is at least one-third of the whole length of the 

 animal, but in others scarcely two-sevenths. Hence, 

 it is exceedingly probable, that the whales seen early 

 in April, in the latitude of 80 , are a peculiar tribe, 

 which do not re-appear during the remainder of the 

 season ; and that those inhabiting the latitude of 78* 

 and of 76**, are likewise distinct tribes. 



Notwithstanding, if we descend to particulars, the 

 great variety and uncertainty which appear in the 

 nature of the situations preferred by the whales, 

 and the apparent dissimilarity observed in their ha- 

 bits, — it is probable, that were the different tribes 

 distinguished, we should find a much greater de- 

 gTce of similarity in their choice of situation and in 

 their general habits, than we are at present able to 

 trace. 



Annoyed as the -svhales are by the fishers, it is 

 not surprising that they sometimes vary their usual 

 places of resort ; and it is not improbable, were they 

 left undisturbed for a few years, but that they 

 might return to the bays and sea- coasts of Spitzber- 

 gen and its neighbouring islands, as Avas formerly 

 the custom with certain tribes, at the commencement 

 of this fishery. We are doubtless, in a great mea- 

 sure, indebted to the necessity they are under, of 

 performing the function of respiration in the air, at 



