THE SPERMACETI WHALE. 163 



along a great part of the coast of Brazil, keeping at 

 nearly the same distance. He also states, that 

 another similar bank occurs near Cape Horn in 

 57^ south latitude. Statements of this sort could 

 easily be multiplied ; and hence we cannot but 

 suppose that this kind of food which is ascertained 

 to afford such rich nourishment to the other great 

 Cetacea, may very possibly be appropriated by the 

 Sperm Whale to the same purpose. 



The Sperm Whale is remarkably distinguished 

 from its congeners by its blowing, so that it may 

 be recognized at a great distance even by the most 

 inexperienced whaler. When at the surface for 

 the purpose of respiration, it usually remains still ; 

 but occasionally makes a gentle progress during the 

 whole process. If the water be smooth, the first part 

 observed is the hump, projecting two or three feet 

 above the surface : at very regular intervals of time 

 the snout emerges, at the distance of forty or fifty 

 feet; from the extremity of the snout the jet is 

 thrown up, and when seen from a distance, appears 

 thick, low, and bushy, and of a white colour ; it is 

 formed, says Mr. Beale, by the air expired forcibly 

 through the spiracle, acquiring its white colour from 

 minute particles of water, previously lodged in the 

 external fissure : it is projected at an angle of 45^ 

 in a slow and continuous manner, for about three 

 seconds, and may be discovered at the distance of 

 four or five miles. 



The regularity with which the actions connected 

 with breathing are performed is very remarkable. 



