CETACEA. 



INTRODUCTION. 



THE present Volume of the NATURALIST'S LIBRARY 

 is dedicated to an order of animals, which in point 

 of interest yields to none presented to our contem- 

 plation in the whole range of animated nature. 



The monarch of the deep is, in regard of dimen- 

 sions at least, the monarch also of creation; the 

 largest and most formidahle of land animals shrink- 

 ing into utter insignificance when brought into com- 

 parison with his prodigious hulk. The vast and 

 expensive preparations which are made for the cap- 

 ture of the whale, and the excitement and perils 

 attendant upon the adventure, not only render it an 

 object of great commercial importance, but throw 

 around it an air of something like chivalrous in- 

 terest, in which every one must instinctively par- 

 ticipate. But the main interest of our subject is to 

 be found in its scientific investigation. If we pass 

 from mere ignorant wonder to comprehensive and 

 accurate observation, we shall find in this order of 

 animals ample materials for exciting and gratifying 



