CETACEANS. 239 



(Phoccena orca) of the North Seas may be fairly ques- 

 tioned ; but should it prove to be so, the geographical 

 range of the latter species must be indeed extensive. 



FIN-BACKS, COW-FISH, AND KILLERS. 



These are cetaceans known to South-Sea whalers by 

 their respective names, and which came under our notice 

 frequently in the course of the Tuscan's voyage. They 

 are too little profitable to be made objects of pursuit ; 

 and are, consequently, in a great measure lost to in- 

 vestigation. Whalers, however, are shrewd and ac- 

 curate observers ; hence we must believe, that the trivial 

 names they employ express as many distinct, and 

 probably new, species of whales, the habits of which 

 may long remain unknown to naturalists. 



The Killer is, as its name implies, the reputed 

 destroyer of other, and the largest kinds of whales in 

 fact, the cannibal of its race. Whales thus designated 

 appeared to us in small bands, and chiefly in the 

 vicinity of the Equator. They are of moderate size, 

 spout much like the Cachalot, and are distinguished by 

 a tall and erect dorsal-fin; in this latter respect they 

 resemble the Grampus, (P. orca,) or Killer of the North 

 Seas. 



I have been unable to glean any facts confirmatory 

 of the prevailing opinion respecting the sanguinary 

 habits of this species. The same traditionary records 

 of its ferocious disposition* are preserved in the 

 Southern, as in the Northern Whale-fishery ; but are 

 equally unsupported by personal observation. 



* The strongest proof that a cannibal propensity ever exists amongst 

 whales, is supplied to us by the fact, that the tail of a Porpoise was 

 found by Mr. John Hunter in the stomach of a Grampus he examined. 

 But this circumstance, when duly considered, will be found to be more 

 mysterious than conclusive. 



