278 



DELPHINID^. 



*' Having no specimens for examination, we cite Mr. Peale's de- 

 scription of this interesting species. From his figures, however, 

 to be found in the Atlas to the volume above cited, it appears to 

 us probable that it does not belong to the genus Belpliinapterus, or 

 to the group of which D. Peronii is the type. In colour and general 

 appearance this species appears to resemble Z>. hastatus, F. Cuvier 

 (Schreber, Sjiugethiere, vii. pi. 351 ; Reichenbach, Cetaceans, pi. 10. 

 figs. 29 & 30), notwithstanding that it has no dorsal fin. It may be 

 the young of a species of Beluga. From DelpMnus hastatus the 

 present species appears to differ essentially in size, and it is without 

 the large hastate spot on the abdomen which characterizes that 

 animal, and it does not belong to the same generic group. To this 

 species Mr. Peale alludes as follows : — 



" While in the water it appears to be entirely black, the white 

 line being invisible. It is remarkably quick and lively in its motions, 

 frequently leaping entirely out of the water, and, from its not having 

 a dorsal fin, is sometimes mistaken for a seal. 



*' Specimens were taken in the North Pacific Ocean, latitude 

 46° 6' 50", longitude 134° 5' W. from Greenwich. Great quantities 

 of a species of Anot if a were floating on the surface of the sea, on which 

 they were probably feeding. Two, which had been struck and badly 

 wounded with the harpoon, escaped, but the othei-s did not leave the 

 ship as the Delphini usually do when one of their number is 

 wounded." 



" From the latitude and longitude given by Mr, Peale, it wiU be 

 found that the land nearest to the point at which the animal was 

 obtained is the coast of Oregon. It is therefore to be regarded with 

 additional interest as entitled to admission into the fauna of the 

 United States." — Cassin, 1. c. 



This species appears to resemble Delphinapterus only in the absence 

 of the dorsal fin, in which respect it also resembles Beluga, of which 

 it is probably a species. 



B. Head rounded in front, scarcely beaked. The beak of the skidl broad, 

 dcjiressed, scarcely so long as the brain-cavity. 



* Latered tvings of the maxilla horizontal, 2rroduced over the orbits. 

 Dorsal distinct. Teeth conical. 



7. ORCA. 



Head rounded, scarcely beaked. Skull rounded ; the hinder wing 

 of the maxilla horizontally spread over the orbits ; beak short ; the 

 intermaxillaries about half the width of the jaw-bones ; forehead 

 flattened. Triangle in front of blowers slightly concave. Palate 

 convex. 



Teeth conical, acute, large, occupying the whole edge nearly to 

 the notch, permanent. Dorsal fin high, falcate, in the middle of the 

 back. Pectoral broad, ovate. Black, with white streaks beneath. 



Orca, Rondel. Pise. ; Grai/, Zool. Ereh. 8f Terr. 33, 1846; Cat. Cetac. 

 B. M. 1850, 92; Proc^ Zool. Soc. 1864, 244. 



