100 VOYAGE TO SPITZBERGEN. 



into the bung-hole of the casks, which are all fixed 

 for that purpose previous to the vessel's leaving 

 home. 



The Balcena mysticetus, notwithstanding its 

 immense size, is exposed to the multiplied assaults 

 of various enemies inhabiting its own element. 

 Of these, the most dangerous is said to be the 

 Thyseter rnicrops, or Black-headed Spermaceti 

 Whale. The voracity of this species is very 

 great. Its ordinary food is the seal ; but if it 

 does not find a sufficient quantity of them for its 

 prey, it attacks the common whale, and even 

 the shark, and tears them to pieces. The Sea 

 Unicorn, or Monodon monoceros, is another of the 

 whale's enemies ; and it is said that they never 

 meet without engaging in combat. Its immense 

 tusk, or horn, generally gives it a superiority over 

 the whale. Marten gives an account of a com- 

 bat between the Saw-Fish, Sgualus pristis, and 

 the Iceland whale, to" which he was an eye witness. 

 It was extremely dangerous to -approach the field 

 of battle, and his observations were therefore made 

 at a distance. The water was greatly agitated, and 

 rose to an immense height, accompanied with a 

 noise that stunned the ears of the hearers. A fog 

 coming on prevented Marten from ascertaining the 

 result of this direful combat ; but he was informed 



