68 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST. 
yet been discovered north of the equator, in the Pacific, where the north-western 
Right "Whales go to calve ; and, as before mentioned, nothing is definitely known 
of their winter resort. The last seen of them in high latitudes, by whalemen, is 
on their return from the Arctic Ocean, when they are found in the vicinity of St. 
Paul's Island, Behring Sea, in the month of October, and these are usually very 
large. In view of all the facts we have been able to gather, there is little doubt 
that these gigantic animals, although of another group, have the same constitutional 
habits as the Sperm Whales, of bringing forth their young at any time or place 
that nature may require, without resorting to sheltered inland retreats. In the 
Okhotsk Sea, the Right Whale is found toward the northern borders in the early 
part of the season ; later, the ships cruise in the southern quarter, about the 
Kurile Islands. 
We find the habits of these animals, when roaming over the ocean, full of 
interest. They are often met with singly in their wanderings ; at other times in 
pairs, or triplets, and scattered over the surface of the water as far as the eye can 
discern from the mast-head. Toward the last of the season they are seen in large 
numbers, crowded together. These herds are called "gams," and they are regarded 
by experienced whalemen as an indication that the whales will soon leave the 
ground. Their manner of respiration is to blow seven to nine times at a "rising," 
then "turning flukes" (elevating them six or eight feet out of the water), they go 
down and remain twelve or fifteen minutes. It is remarked, however, since these 
whales have been so generally pursued, that their action in this respect has some- 
what changed. When frightened by the approach of a boat, they have a trick of 
hollowing the back, which causes the blubber to become slack, thus preventing the 
harpoon from penetrating. Many whales have been "missed," owing to the boat- 
steerer darting at this portion of the body. Having been chased every successive 
season for years, these animals have become very wild and difficult to get near to, 
especially in calm weather. The manner of propelling the boat at such times is by 
paddling, and when there is a breeze, by sailing, if practicable, vising the oars only 
when it is not possible to use sails or paddles. Sometimes, during the first of the 
season, the animals are very wild and shy, and for days in succession the boats 
may be in hot pursuit without success. 
Among right- whalemen there is a difference of opinion about "going on to a 
whale,"* whether it is best to get out of or into its wake, to avoid "gallying" it. 
As regards safety, some prefer to have a good breeze ; then, setting all practicable 
*" Going on to a whale" is a -whaleman's term for getting near enough to dart the harpoon. 
