146 ESQ UIMA UX METHOD OF A TTACKINQ WHALES, 



has been stated that the weight of the animal being seventy 

 tons would be nearly that of three hundred fat oxen. Of 

 this vast mass the oil of a rich whale comprises about thirty 

 tons, which renders it a valuable capture. 



The whale has no external ear, but, when the skin is re- 

 moved, a small opening is perceived for the admission of 

 sound. This sense may seem imperfect, yet the animal, by 

 a quick perception of all movements made on the water, dis- 

 covers danger at a great distance. The eyes appear small 

 for such a huge animal, being about the size of those of an 

 ox; but the sense of seeing is very acute. Behind them are 

 the fins; these are about nine feet long and four or five feet 

 broad, and are enclosed by very elastic membranes, also pro- 

 vided with bones, similar in form and number to those of the 

 human hand. 



The whale does not attain his full growth under twenty- 

 five years, and is said to reach a very great age. The flesh 

 is red, firm, and coarse, and is eaten raw by the Esquimaux, 

 who also drink the oil with much enjoyment. In the bleak 

 Polar regions, where the means for satisfying hunger are very 

 scant)^ the capture of a whale by the natives is an occasion 

 for great rejoicing. 



Captain McClure mentions the Esquimaux method of 

 attacking the whale : 



"A woman's boat, is manned by ladies, having as bar- 

 pooner a chosen man of the tribe, and a shoal of small fry in 

 the form of kayaks, or single men canoes, are in attendance. 

 The harpooner singles out a whale and drives his weapon 

 into its flesh. To the harpoon an inflated seal-skin is attached 

 by means of a walrus-hide thong. The wounded fish is then 

 incessantly harrassed by men in the kayaks with harpoons, a 

 number of which, when attached to the whale, baffle its 

 efforts to escape, and wear out its strength, until, in the 

 course of a day, the whale dies from sheer exhaustion and 

 loss of blood. 



