The Porpoise. 413 



minster Bridge. They have no gills, and blow out the 

 water with a loud noise, which in calm weather may 

 be heard at a great distance. They are seen nearly in 

 all seas, and are very common upon the British coasts, 

 where they sport with great activity, chiefly at the 

 approach of a squall. 



The Grampus (PhoccBna Oreo) is a species of Porpoise, 

 and a decided and inveterate enemy to whales ; which 

 they attack in great flocks, fastening round them like 

 so many bull-dogs, making them roar with pain, and 

 frequently killing and devouring them. They are 

 usually from twenty to twenty-five feet in length, and 

 in general form and colour resemble the common Por- 

 poise ; but the lower jaw is considerably wider than 

 the upper, and the body is somewhat broader and more 

 deep in proportion. The back-fin sometimes measures 

 six feet in length, In one of the poems of Waller, a 

 story (founded on fact) is recorded of the parental 

 affection of these animals. A Grampus and her cub 

 had got into an arm of the sea, where, by the desertion 

 of the tide, they were enclosed on every side. The men 

 on shore saw their situation, and ran down upon them 

 with such weapons as they could at the moment collect. 

 The poor animals were soon wounded in several places, 

 so that all the immediately surrounding water was 

 stained with their blood. They made many efforts to 

 escape; and the old one, by superior strength, forced 

 itself over the shallow into the ocean. But though in 

 safety herself she would not leave her young one in the 

 hands of assassins. She therefore again rushed in ; and 

 seemed resolved, since she could not prevent, at least 

 to share the fate of her offspring. The story concludes 

 with poetical justice ; for the tide coming in, conveyed 

 them both off in safety ; and it is probable, from the 

 great thickness of their skins, that their wounds had 

 not been very deep. 



