- VOYAGE TO SPITZBERGEX. 109 



The oil produced by the Monodon monoceros, 

 though scanty, is, in point of quality, superior to 

 any other cetaceous oil. 



The horn of the Narwhal was long the object 

 of a kind of superstitious respect. It was said to 

 be efficacious in the cure of several distempers ; 

 and was prized as being of the very highest value. 

 The Margraves of Bareuth possessed one which 

 cost them 600,000 rix dollars ; and the kings of 

 Denmark have a most magnificent throne formed 

 of these horns, which is esteemed more valuable 

 than if composed of gold. Captain Scoresby (of 

 the Resolution,) has a very fine bed made of the 

 same materials. It is reckoned a great curiosity, 

 and is extremely handsome. The horn is of a fin- 

 er texture, and takes a better polish than that of 

 the elephant. 



11th, Got two fish. Several sail of Greenland- 

 men in company. 



12th, Strong easterly breeze. Ran a consider- 

 able vvay to the westward. 



13th and 14th, Gale increased, and we ran a 

 considerable way farther to the westward. Cold 

 very intense. 



June 15th, Latitude, by observation, 78° 15'. 

 Made fast to a large iceberg. 



