242 THE VITAL FUNCTIONS. 



of the deep, they are still, from the conformation of their 

 respiratory organs, dependent on another element. If a seal, 

 a porpoise, or a dolphin were confined, but for a short time, 

 under the surface of the water, it would perish with the 

 same certainty as any other of the mammalia, placed in the 

 same situation. We observe them continually rising to the 

 surface in order to breathe, under every circumstance of pri- 

 vation or of danger; and however eagerly they may pursue 

 their prey, however closely they may be pressed by their 

 enemies, a more urgent want compels them, from time to 

 time, to respire air at the surface of the sea. Were it not 

 for this imperious necessity, the Whale, whose enormous 

 bulk is united with corresponding strength and swiftness, 

 would live in undisturbed possession of the widely extended 

 domains of the ocean, might view, without dismay, whole 

 fleets sent out against him, and might defy all the efforts that 

 man could practise for his capture or destruction. But the 

 constitution of his blood, obliging him to breathe at the sur- 

 face of the water, brings him within the reach of the fatal 

 harpoon. In vain, on feeling himself wounded, does he 

 plunge for refuge into the recesses of the deep; the same ne- 

 cessity recurs, and compelling him again to present himself 

 to his foes, exposes him to their renewed attacks, till he falls 

 in the unequal struggle. His colossal form and gigantic 

 strength are of little avail against the power of man, feeble 

 though that power may seem, when physically considered, 

 but which derives resistless might from its association with 

 an immeasurably superior intellect. 



