1/2 ZOOLOGY. 



" body of Whales/ 5 On some tracts of ocean, peculiarly 

 favoured as their haunts, the number of Sperm Whales, 

 seen in one large body or in many distinct schools, is 

 beyond all reasonable conception; and could it be 

 accurately named, would appear incredible to persons 

 who alone consider the vast size of this animal, or 

 who may have traversed the main for many months 

 without noticing more than a single whale spouting in 

 the distance. At particular times and places, however, 

 we have seen the ocean, for several miles around the 

 ship, strewn with a constant succession of spouts, 

 denoting a greater number of Cachalots than, could 

 they all have been secured, would have afforded a full 

 cargo of oil for three or four ships. 



These large assemblies sometimes proceed at a rapid 

 pace in one determinate direction, and are said to be 

 fe making a passage ; 5 ' when, although the whales evince 

 no appearance of alarm, their speed renders them 

 difficult to approach, unless the boats are favourably 

 placed to intercept them in their route. 



At other times they are observed to be scattered on 

 the surface of the sea, basking or sleeping, spouting 

 leisurely, and exhibiting every indication of being " at 

 home," or on their feeding-ground. 



Notwithstanding its unwieldy bulk, this whale is not 

 deficient in activity. When first pierced by the har- 

 poon, it will tow the attached boat at the rate of more 

 than fifteen miles an hour ; but this velocity of motion 

 is the effect of extreme excitement, and does not con- 

 tinue long. Under ordinary circumstances of alarm, 

 as when conscious of being pursued by enemies, its 

 speed averages about eight or ten miles an hour: 

 Whale-boats, propelled by both sails and oars, and a 

 ship, having the advantage of a strong breeze, will 



