THE HUMPBACK WHALE. 45 
grations with the rest of its wandering companions, and the time of passing 
Point Pinos (the outer headland of the bay), was ascertained to be during or 
near the month of September. Repeated efforts were made, from year to year, 
to capture the member of the "gam" thus distinguished by a white hump; but 
it was only when the bomb - gun and bomb - lance had come into use that its 
destruction was effected. The animal proved to be of enormous size, but its 
product of oil was comparatively small, amounting only to about eighty - five 
barrels. 
After many years' study of the characteristic habits of the Humpback, we be- 
lieve that the females of this species resort in large numbers to favorite inland 
waters, connected with the ocean, to bring forth their young ; but there are many 
exceptions to this rule, incident to their roving disposition. They are found on 
different coasts in all accessible latitudes, from the new-born calf to the extremely 
aged. In their wanderings, they are addicted, more than any other rorqual, to 
"breaching," "bolting," and "finning." In the mating season they are noted for 
their amorous antics. At such times their caresses are of the most amusing and 
novel character, and these performances have doubtless given rise to the fabulous 
tales of the sword-fish and thrasher attacking whales. When lying by the side of 
each other, the megapteras frequently administer alternate blows with their long 
fins, which love -pats may, on a still day, be heard at a distance of miles. They 
also rub each other with these same huge and flexible arms, rolling occasionally 
from side to side, and indulging in other gambols which can easier be imagined 
than described. The time of gestation is not known ; but in all probability it is 
the same as that of other large Cetaceans, not exceeding ten or twelve months. 
The calf, when brought forth, is about one-fourth the length of the dam ; and it 
suckles by holding the teat between the extremity of the jaws or lips, while the 
mother reclines a little on one side ; raising the posterior portion of her form 
nearly out of water, and lying in a relaxed condition. This peculiar manner of 
suckling the young appears to be common to all the whalebone whales. In this 
way two calves would be enabled to obtain their nourishment at the same time. 
The Humpbacks are captured with a common hand -harpoon and lance, or 
"Greener's Harpoon Gun," and the bomb -lance, by the whaleship's crew; and as 
they are very liable to sink when dead, every exertion is made to get the har- 
poon in, with line attached, before the bomb -gun is discharged. Then, if the crea- 
ture goes to the bottom, a buoy is attached to the end of the line, or a boat lies 
by it, until the decomposition of its flesh has generated sufficient gas to allow the 
animal to be drawn up. The length of time that elapses before this takes place of 
