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CHAP. XXVII. 



VERTEBRATA SEASIDE MAMMALIA. 



The Cetacea, or Whale Tribe. The Dolphin. The Sea Unicorn. 

 The Common Whale. Kemarkable Adaptations of Structure, 

 &c. The Seal Family: Form and Habits. Adaptations of 

 Structure. Conclusion. 



THE class which occupies the highest rank in the 

 animal kingdom is that of the Mammalia, and of 

 this class there are several marine animals which 

 make our sea-shores either their occasional resort 

 or their permanent abode. 



The mammalia is the class to which man him- 

 self belongs, and the scientific term being derived 

 from the Latin word mamma, a teat, indicates 

 the characteristic which distinguishes the mam- 

 malia from all the other animals, viz. that they 

 suckle their young. In this class the whale, the 

 seal, and their varieties are comprehended. 



Of the order Cetacea, to which the whale be- 

 longs, there are several examples more or less 

 known in our seas. The Dolphin is one of these ; 

 but it is only occasionally met with. The Narwhal 

 or Sea-unicorn, which Cuvier comprehends in the 

 family of the DelpTiinidce, and which is remarkable 

 for having a spirally twisted tusk projecting from 

 B B 



