500 BLUNT-HEADED CACHALOT. 



is found in large masses in the intestines, being 

 in reality no other than the fceces. 



A very large specimen of this Whale was once 

 stranded on the coast of Norfolk ; and is particu- 

 larly commemorated by Sir Thomas Brown, who 

 seems to have been desirous of discovering Am- 

 bergris in it, but was repelled by the intolerable 

 fcetor of the animal, which had lain several days 

 in a state of putrefaction. Sir Thomas recites the 

 anecdote in his usual forcible style, and appears 

 to have been rather in doubt of what is now pretty 

 well ascertained, viz. that this perfume has really 

 the origin above described. 



" In vain it was to rake for ambergriese in the 

 paunch of this Leviathan, as Greenland disco- 

 verers and attests of experience dictate, that they 

 sometimes swallow great lumps thereof in the sea, 

 insufferable fcetor forbidding that enquiry; and 

 yet. if, as Paracelsus encourageth, odure makes 

 the best musk, and from the most fetid substances 

 may be drawn the most odoriferous essences, all 

 that had not Vespasian's nose might boldly swear, 

 here was a fit subject for such extractions." 



