CETACEANS. 233 



PHOCvENA SP. 



(The Black Fish of South-Sea Whalers.) 



This whale was very frequently noticed during the 

 voyage of the Tuscan, and many examples were har- 

 pooned and taken on board. The largest we obtained 

 measured twenty feet in length ; but the average length 

 of other examples did not exceed sixteen. Its form is 

 clumsy ; the carcase being disproportionately round and 

 broad, the back somewhat arched, and the termination 

 of the trunk in the tail-fin rather abrupt. Its head is 

 thick, square, and short ; the snout blunt, and but little 



prominent. The angles of the lips are curved upwards, 

 giving the physiognomy of the animal an innocent, 

 smiling expression. The entire surface of the body is 

 of an uniform black colour, and when moist has a 

 polished appearance, like that of japanned leather. On 

 the head, and chiefly around the lips, the skin is marked 

 with many scattered circles, each the size of a sixpence, 

 and composed of a single row of small depressed dots, 

 which would appear to mark a disposition to the for- 

 mation of vibrissce, or whiskers. 



