HUNTING THE SEA OTTER. 173 



After the gunboat left us we continued our course across 

 the bay and finally anchored close beside them about 

 sundown. 



On our way we were accompanied by three of the larger 

 killers, or grampuses (Orca gladiator], who evidently 

 mistook us for some unknown species of whale, and looked 

 as if they meditated an attack, for they swam round about 

 us in a very menacing and aggressive manner. Every now 

 and then they would turn on their backs, showing their 

 white bellies in vivid contrast to the polished glossy black 

 of their backs. 



This is the only species of whale which is habitually 

 carnivorous, feeding only occasionally upon fish, but 

 generally upon such warm-blooded animals as seals and 

 whales, and no doubt also upon the sea otter. In fact, it is 

 difficult to imagine how the latter could exist where the 

 killer was found in any numbers. 



We had several times come across them in small packs 

 hunting amongst the half-submerged rocks after seals. 

 They were extraordinarily bold, taking no notice whatever 

 of the boats as they twisted and turned, regardless of our 

 presence, like a pack of hounds puzzling out a scent. With 

 its long, beautifully moulded form and broad, oval shaped 

 flippers, the dorsal fin high and falcate, it gives the idea of 

 great strength and swiftness. But, in spite of its symmetry 

 and beauty, it has the distinctly menacing look and preda- 

 tory appearance of the born pirate, and as such does not 

 belie its reputation. Standing upon the deck and looking 

 down upon the clear water, we had an excellent opportunity 

 of observing their swift and graceful movements as they 

 almost rubbed against the sides of the schooner while 

 inspecting her. 



The seal, white whale, and porpoise live in terror of this 

 cetacean, running ashore or springing out of the water to 

 avoid a pursuit as ruthless as it is implacable. The whaler 

 hates it, as its appearance is a signal for the departure of 

 every whale from the neighbourhood. For, combined in 



