THE RHINOCEROS WHALE. 



surprised to perceive that they had a fin on their 

 head bent backwards, the same as that on their 

 backs. The size of this animal was about double 

 that of the common Porpoise ; and the upper part 

 of its body to the dorsal fin was spotted black and 

 white. 



" We did our best to examine them, all the time 

 they accompanied us ; but although they often passed 

 the prow of the vessel, with the highest part of 

 their back out of the water, yet their heads were so 

 submerged, that neither M. Arago nor we could 

 discover whether their snout was long or short ; and 

 their habits could not assist us on this point, because 

 tliov never sprang above the wave, as is common 

 with other species. From their very singular con- 

 formation, we have assigned men i their name Rhi- 

 noceros," 



' 



