DOLPHIN. 



Genus Delphinus. 



PLATES XXVI. AND XXVII. THE DOLPHIN. 



Lacepede, after separating the Delphinapterae, intro- 

 duced eleven species into his history ; and Cuvier, afte] 

 withdrawing the porpoises likewise, and introducing othei 

 improvements into the classification, reduced the numbe] 

 of living species, established in 1823, to five. Though 

 the old genus Delphinus has now been broken down intc 

 no less than nine subdivisions, and there are many species 

 in these, yet in the genus of proper Dolphins the numbe] 

 of species already amounts to nearly twenty, and it is the 

 opinion of those most conversant with the subject, that this 

 forms but a small proportion of the existing varieties. 



The general features which distinguish the Dolphins an 

 few and simple. Their snout is considerably elongated 

 broad at the base, round at the extremity, resembling con- 

 siderably a goose's bill, whence they derive their commor 

 appellation. The beak is always flattened transversely 

 largest at its posterior parts, and both jaws are suppliec 

 with many and sharp teeth ; it is also separated from the 

 forehead by a distinct groove. The dorsal fin is always 

 single. 



It used to be held that the Common Dolphin was an in 

 habitant of every sea throughout the world. This appearec 

 the more credible, since the strength of the animals, anc 

 the velocity of their swimming, exceeding that of a shij 

 in full sail, would readily account for their appearance ir 

 all seas, and even at the opposite poles. A very difFeren 

 opinion, however, is now gaining ground, confirmatory of '<. 

 sentiment of Buffon's in relation to land animals, viz., tha 

 every species has its distinct locality, and this circum 

 scribed within rather narrow limits. It is more difficult o 



