BELUGA.—Beluqa Catodon. 
laid from bank to bank. A number of boats then start in chase of the animal, while 
others are stationed along the line of nets, and manned with well-armed crews. When 
alarmed by the boats, the Beluga makes for the sea, but is interrupted by the nets, which 
bar its farther progress seawards, and soon falls a victim to the bullets, spears, and other 
missiles which are rained wpon it by its assailants. Sometimes the harpoon and rope are 
employed in this chase, and small specimens are occasionally taken by means of hooks 
baited with fish. Those Belugas which are taken in the St. Lawrence are seldom more 
than fifteen feet in length. ; 
The skin of the Beluga is subjected to the process of tanning, and can be made into a 
peculiarly strong though soft leather, which is said to be able to resist an ordinary 
musket-ball. The flesh is held in some estimation, and is said to bear some resemblance 
to beef. Its oily flavour, however, which cannot easily be destroyed, would render it 
unpalatable to European palates. When prepared with vinegar and salt, it is thought to 
be equal to the best pork. The fins and tail are considered as the best portions. 3 
It is a migrating animal, visiting the western coasts of Greenland at regular intervals, 
reaching that locality about the end of November. It swims in large herds, and is of 
exceeding value to the natives, who not only eat its flesh, and burn and drink its oil, but 
employ the sinews for thread, which may be made of any degree of fineness by splitting 
the tendons, and use the delicate internal membranes for windows to their huts. The 
coming of the Beluga is anxiously expected by the Greenlanders, as their provisions 
generally run short about the end of November, and are replenished by the flesh of their 
welcome visitor. 
Most familiar of all the Dolphin fraternity is the well-known PorpoisEg, or SrA Hog, 
an animal which may be seen on any of our coasts, tumbling about on the waves, and 
executing various gambols in the exuberance of its sportive feelings. 
Before steamboats came into general use, the Porpoises were constant attendants on 
the packet and passenger boats, sometimes pursuing the vessels from sheer curiosity, and 
at other times following in their wake in hopes of picking up the garbage that might be 
