222 



TWELFTH GENUS. PHOC^ENA. 



Distinguishing Characters The Porpoises have a short snovl 

 uniformly rounded to the extremity. 



We shall introduce first, 



THE COMMON PORPOISE. 

 PLATE XIX. Fig. 1. 



Phocsena Communis Delphinus Phoccena, Lin. Bonn., $e. 

 Popular names, Maris Sus. Marsouin. Sea Pork.-^Spring- 

 whal. Tumbler Porpess. 



THE Common Porpoise is, of all the Cetacea, that 

 which is hest known in this part of the world. It 

 lives on our coasts, frequents our estuaries, ascends 

 our fresh-water rivers, frequently exhibiting itself in 

 numerous groups. 



Like the proper dolphin, it is amongst the smallest 

 of the order ; and between these two there is much 

 general resemblance in colour, shape, and disposi- 

 tions, so far as these dispositions are known. The 

 shape of the head constitutes a distinction. The 

 porpoise has no beak, the muzzle is gently curved 

 at its termination, and possesses in breadth what 

 it wants in length. 



