248 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



is ioimd in all parts of tlio intestinal canal, but more ijeiu'i-ally at 

 2 to G feet from tlie vent. The instrument used in tlie seareli is a 

 common cuttinu-spade. The pivsence of the prize is (hMeeted by the 

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

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

 spade, or by its iioating out upon the water Avhen the intestines are 

 opened. 



Ambergris occurs in rough lumps varying in weight from less than 

 1 pound to loO pounds or more. Tt generally contains fragments of 

 the l)eak or numdible of squid or cuttle-lish, which constitutes the pi'in- 

 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, lightei- in color, and assumes the 

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

 in weight, opaciue, 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 onlj' cui'ing 

 process it undergoes — it yields a subtle odor faintly I'esembling that of 

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

 easily penetrated by a needle. A proof of its good (piality 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 gradually evaporates, 

 reducing its weight, but increasing its intrinsic value. 



The amount of ambergris produced annually from all sources Naries 

 greatly, scarcely an ounce being obtained in some years, while in othei's 

 the product may exceed $50,000 in value. 'I'he small compass within 

 which a very valuable quantity niaj^ be stored without attracting 

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

 deemed advisable to preserve secrecy concerning a lind, render it 

 exceedingly difficult to follow closely the imports 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 infornuition. 



Probably the most valuable piece secured previous to tlie 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, (XX) 

 thalers. Its origin is unknown. Probabl}' 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 apiece that weighed 

 130 pounds in a whale secured in 1782 about 150 miles southwest of 

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

 fancy that the i-eported weight is exaggerated. 



