44 CALIFORNIA MAMMALS. 



of two monientarv observations by vScaninion. Teeth 22 — 22. 

 Habitat; Nortli Pacific O'cean , Monterey, California and Lower 

 California." (True). 



"This Porpoise is larger than the Striped or Right Whale 

 species, and is known by the name of Cowfish. It is longer also 

 in proportion to its girth, and its snout is somewhat contracted. 

 Its teeth are much larger, straight, conical, and sharply pointed, 

 but less in number. A specimen taken at Monterey in 187 1, had 

 24 — 2^, 24 — 23. The animal also differs in color, it being black 

 all over, lightened a little below. 



"The habits of the Cowfish, as observed on the coast of 

 California and Mexico, are strikingly different from those of the 

 true Porpoise. It is often remarked by whalemen that they art 

 'a mongrel breed' of doubtful character, being frequently seen 

 in company with Blackfish, sometimes with Porpoises, and oc- 

 casionally with Humpbacks when the latter are found in large 

 numbers on an abundant feeding ground. They are met with 

 likewise in the lagoons along the coast, singly, in pairs, or fives, 

 or sixes, rarely a larger number together, straggling ^bout in a 

 vagrant manner in the winding estuaries, subsisting on the fish 

 which abound in these circumscribed waters. At times they are 

 seen moving lazily along under the shade of the mangroves that 

 in many p'laces fringe the shores; at other times lying about in 

 listless attitudes among the plentiful supplies of food surround- 

 ing them." (Scammon). 



