222 



Twelfth Genus.— PHOC^NA. 



Didinguishing Characters The Porpoises have a short snout, 



uniformJy rounded to the extremity. 



We shall introduce first, 



THE COMMON PORPOISE. 

 PLATE XIX. Fig. 1. 



Phocaena Communis Delphinus Phocaena, Lin. Bonn., ^c. 



Popular names, Maris Sus Marsouin. — Sea Pork.— Spring- 



whal — Tumbler. — Porpess. 



The Common Porpoise is, of all the Cetacea, that 

 which is best known in this part of the world. It 

 lives on our coasts, frequents our estuaries, ascends 

 our fresh-water rivers, frequently exhibiting itself in 

 numerous groups. 



Like the proper dolphin, it is amongst the smallest 

 of the order ; and between these two there is much 

 general resemblance in colour, shape, and disposi- 

 tions, — so far as these dispositions are kno^vn. The 

 shape of the head constitutes a distinction. The 

 porpoise has no beak, the muzzle is gently curved 

 at its termination, and possesses in breadth what 

 it wants in length. 



