180 PRODUCTS OP THE SPERM WHALE. 



clusively for the use of the rajahs. The coasts of 

 Formosa, of the Molluccas, of Brazil, the Antilles, 

 and Madagascar are also famous for it. It occurs 

 also, but in much smaller quantities, in the Baltic 

 and other European shores. Its use is almost wholly 

 confined to the perfumer. 



Among many of the South Sea islanders a most 

 extraordinary value is attached to the teeth of this 

 animal. They offer them as gifts to their idols, or 

 adorn with them their queens. In their estimation, 

 they form the ne plus ultra of what is valuable ; and 

 thus they become the most precious subjects of barter, 

 by which most of the whale captains purchase fresh 

 provisions for their crews, or what else of value can 

 be obtained on the islands. It has been mentioned 

 that the inhabitants of the Marquisas consider a 

 good one equal to great riches ; and the same is the 

 estimate made by the inhabitants of Fidjis, Ro- 

 touma, and by many others of tkis singular and 

 simple race. 



