CETACEANS. 177 



them of a bold and mischievous disposition, which 

 leads them, when molested, to attack and destroy both 

 boats and men, yet such traits rather belong to the 

 individual, than to the general character, and may be 

 compared to the aberrations from a mild to a vicious 

 temper, occasionally displayed amongst oxen, horses, 

 deer, and other herbivora. A shoal of Dolphins, leaping 

 in their vicinity, is sufficient to put to flight a large 

 party of Cachalots ; and when on a well-beaten cruising 

 ground, where the whales are exceedingly watchful, 

 the whaler finds it necessary to be constantly on his 

 guard, not to excite or confirm their suspicions, until 

 he has made sure of his prizes. 



The signs they exhibit of a suspicion of danger, are 

 occasionally ceasing to spout ; lying motionless on the 

 water ; (evidently listening ;) sweeping their flukes slowly 

 from side to side, in search of some invisible but 

 dreaded object ; and turning upon the side, or rearing 

 the head perpendicularly above the waves, to bring 

 surrounding objects upon the axis of vision. When 

 pursued, they may be considered to exhibit two de- 

 grees of alarm ; namely, that which puts them to the 

 top of their speed, and which often enables them to 

 escape the boats ; or a more powerful and overwhelming 

 impression, produced by the near approach of their 

 enemies, or by one of their number being injured; 

 when they will occasionally crowd together, stationary 

 and trembling, or make but confused and irresolute 

 efforts to escape. The females, when attacked, will 

 often endeavour to assist each other, and those that 

 are uninjured will remain for a long time around their 

 harpooned companions ; while the males, in which the 

 social disposition is less strong, as commonly make a 



VOL. II. N 



