CHAPTER XXIV. 

 The Porpoise, the Walrus, the Narwhal and the Seal. 



character and value of these animals — the porpoise fisheries 

 — the walrus hunt — peculiarities of the narwhal — proba- 

 bilities of a seal breeding ground in the strait — great 

 opportunities of the oil industry. 



HUDSON'S Bay and Strait are the dwellings of the porpoise. 

 There, countless thousands may be seen tumbling about on 

 the waves and performing all sorts of sportive exercises. 

 They herd together in vast droves — often thousands and 

 tens of thousands in one swarm. Sometimes these shoals will form 



A PORPOISE (WHITE WHALE). 



in " Indian file," and shoot over the water, showing their backs like 

 a long, black, winding, ever-changing streak on the surface of the 

 sea. We met with them everywhere, and I am justified in saying 

 that the waters are alive with them. 



Their mouths are furnished with sharp teeth, which are so 

 arranged that they interlock when the animal closes its jaws, so 

 that it is well adapted to devour the food upon which it lives and 



