ZOOLOGY. 43 



spiral, extending straight forwards ; spiracle on the for« 

 and upper parts of the head. 



2. Balcena. Whale. Teeth wanting, instead of which are 

 horny laniince in the upper jaroy spiracle with a doubla 

 opening on the top of the head. 



S. Pht/seter. Cachalot. Teeth in the lower jaw, none 

 in the upper jaw ; spiracle on the head or snout. 



4. Delphinus. Dolphin. Teeth iq both jaws; spiracle on 

 the head. 



All these genera are inhabitants of the ocean, and princi- 

 pally abound in the Norfhern Seas, where they associate in 

 great numbers; the first genus is only valuable on account of 

 its teeth, which are of equal value with the finest Ivory. The 

 Whale affords an immense quantity of oil, the horny, laminae 

 with which the interior of the mouth is furnished, is the 

 article generally called Whalebone^ and en account of these 

 two productions, the Whale is an object of very considerable 

 importance, as the catching of them, and the preparation of 

 the oil, affords employment to a very considerable number 

 of our population. The two last genera both produce oil, 

 but neither of so good a quality, nor in the like abundance 

 with the Whale. 



The greater part of the foregoing genera being rendered 

 subservient to the uses, comforts, or convenience of Man- 

 kind ; and being so widely and generally dispersed, it is 

 particularly desirable to obtain information relative to the 



