THE DOLPHINS. 91 
the island of Santa Barbara, in animated pursuit of their prey. Only four of the 
short -finned Killers were in the band. It was a windy day, and a heavy surf 
beat high and spitefully against the rugged points and bluffs, which seemed to 
arouse both aquatic beast and bird into most unusual activity, for the gulls and 
eagles hovered and swooped above, watching to snatch any morsel that might 
di'op from the murderous jaws of the pursuing Killers, who were making the circuit 
of the island, apparently intent on surprising any unwary seal that might be play- 
ing in the surge ; and upon meeting with one they would instantly dive after it, 
or bound over the projecting rocky points in hot chase, as the surf swept over 
them ; but as soon as they discovered our boat, they clashed their flukes in the 
air, and made off for the open sea. Even the largest male sea -lions endeavor to 
avoid the Orcas ; for whenever the latter are about the rocks and islets, those 
howling monsters seek a safe retreat on shore. 
That the Orca is possessed of great swiftness is undeniable, when we realize 
the fact that the numerous species of Dolphins are overtaken by them and literally 
swallowed alive. Eschricht, in his interesting memoir on The Northern Species of 
Orca, states that it had been known to swallow four porpoises in succession, and 
that thirteen of these animals, together with fourteen seals, had been found in the 
maw of one of these greedy creatures, which measured only sixteen feet in length. 
The fierce character of the Orca, and the nature of its food, necessarily bring its 
haunts at or near the coast ; and the sounds and bays, which teem with every 
variety of marine animal life, are much more frequently its feeding -grounds than 
the periodical abodes of the bakenas, which are farther out in the ocean. The vast 
net -work of inland waters on the western coasts of British Columbia and Alaska 
is a favorite resort for the Orcas throughout the year. In the fishing season we 
have met with them in the vicinity of the Nass River, exhibiting their variously 
figured dorsals and colored marks, as they made their gambols or shot out upon the 
surface in the chase. During the early spring months the oulacon literally choke 
the mouth of the Nass, and here the seals and porpoises congregate to fill them- 
selves to repletion from the myriads of those minnows ; and, in turn, in obedience 
to the laws of nature, the Orcas are found here, pursuing and devouring the ene- 
mies of the ''small fish."* They will sometimes be seen peering above the surface 
with a seal in their bristling jaws, shaking and crushing their victims, and 
swallowing them apparently with great gusto ; or, should no other game present 
itself, porpoises and salmon may fill their empty maws, or a Humpback or Finback 
whale may furnish them an ample repast. 
* ' ' Small fish " is th& common name for oulacon. 
