APP. N° VIII.] ACCOUXT Of THE S. SEA WHALE-FISHEHT. 5S3 



22. Can you furnish any anecdotes as to the dangers at- 

 tendant on the southern fishery ? 



An. Many ; but as they would appear rather of a marvel- 

 lous description, they might be misunderstood, or considered 

 as exaggerated, if communicated. 



23. Do you ever procure any ambergrease ? if so, do you 

 get it from the rectum of the whale, or is it foundfloating in 

 the sea ? 



An. Ambergrease is frequently procured from the rectum 

 of the whale, and sometimes found floating on the water. 

 This substance appears to be formed in the rectinn, and arises 

 out of an extreme costive habit of the body of the animal. 

 It is frequently voided during any extraordinary exertion or 

 emotion, particularly on the whale being struck ^\ith a har-? 

 poon or lance. 



The following additional remarks on this subject, obtained 

 from conversations mth various southern fishers, will con- 

 clude this article ; 



1. Fishery of the Sjyermaceti Whale. — This fishery is con- 

 ducted on the western coast of America, in various parts of 

 the Pacific Ocean, or in the Indian or Cliina Seas, pailicular- 

 ly about the island Timor. 



The spenn whale is a gregai'ious animal, generally occur- 

 ring in herds, sometimes of 200 or upwards. In such cases, 

 there may often be seen one, two or three old buIJ-whaleSy 

 which constitute the lords of the herd, the rest being princi- 

 pally, if not all, females. When other whales approach the 

 herd, and attach themselves to any of the females, hard con- 

 flicts with the bulls will ensue, in which case they excoriate 

 one another in a formidable manner. These whales divide 

 themselves into classes, according to their age or sex ; young 

 males being found by themselves ; young females under the 

 protection of old cozes ; half-grown males by themselves, and 

 so on. When the young males obtain sufficient strength, 

 they venture into a herd under the protection of some ^ery 

 old bulls ; tliis trespass on the seraglio is generally followed 



