248 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



is found in all i:)arts of the intestinal canal, but more generallj' at 

 2 to 6 feet from the vent. The instrument used in the search is a 

 common cutting-spade. The presence of the prize is detected by the 

 peculiar feeling or impression on striking it, very much like the cut- 

 ting of cork or rubber, and also bj- its sticking or adhering to the 

 sj^ade, or by its floating out upon the water when the intestines are 

 opened. 



Ambergris occurs in rough lumps varying in weight from less than 

 1 pound to 150 pounds or more. It generally contains fragments of 

 the beak or mandible of squid or cuttle-fish, which constitutes the prin- 

 cipal food of the sperm whale. When first removed from the animal 

 it is comparatively soft and emits a repugnant odor, but upon expos- 

 ure to the air it grows harder, lighter in color, and assumes the 

 appearance it presents when found floating on the ocean. It is light 

 in weight, opaque, wax-like, and inflammable. Its color ranges from 

 black to whitish gray, and is often variegated with light stripes and 

 spots resembling marble somewhat. When dried — the only cui'ing 

 process it undergoes — it yields a subtle odor faintly resembling that of 

 honey. It softens under heat like wax, and in that condition may be 

 easily penetrated by a needle. A proof of its good quality is a polished 

 needle meeting with no obstacle when thrust through it, and if the 

 needle be red hot the substance will exude an oil. It fuses at 140° 

 to 150° F., and when heated to 212° F. it dissolves into a blackish, 

 thick oil, and gradually evaporates, leaving no trace of its presence. 

 When stored for a length of time it becomes covered with dust like 

 chocolate. It contains some moisture that graduallj^ evaporates, 

 reducing its weight, but increasing its intrinsic value. 



The amount of ambergris i^roduced annuallj' f rom all sources varies 

 greatly, scarcely an ounce being obtained in some years, while in others 

 the product may exceed $50,000 in value. The small compass within 

 which a very valuable quantity may be stored without attracting 

 attention, and the ease with which it may be brought in where it is 

 deemed advisable to jireserve secrecy concerning a find, render it 

 exceedingly difficult to follow closelj' the imjports of the article. How- 

 ever, a brief account is here 'given of some of the principal masses 

 obtained. In this compilation we are indebted to Mr. Francis II. 

 Sloan and to Messrs. J. and W. R. Wing for information. 



Probably the most valuable piece secured previous to the last cen. 

 tury was a 182-pound lump purchased in 1693 from the King of 

 Tydore by the Dutch East India Company for the sum of 11,000 

 thalers. Its origin is unknown. Probably it was found afloat on the 

 sea or drifted ashore. It is stated that the Grand Duke of Tuscany 

 offered 50,000 crowns for it — with what success is unknown. 



An American fisherman is credited with finding a piece that weighed 

 130 i)ounds in a whale secured in 1782 about 150 miles soutlnA^est of 

 Windward Islands. This sold for £500, the low price leading one to 



