THE WHALEBONE WHALES OP THE WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC. 



BALMNOPTERA PBYSALUS O,.). AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN. 



115 



It appears from this table that both the maximum and the average total length 

 of mature individuals of both sexes from Newfoundland waters are considerably less 

 than for European specimens. The close approximation of the averages for mature 

 individuals of both sexes, based on Cocks's observations at the Norwegian fisheries, 

 with those for the various specimens stranded or captured at other points on the 

 European coast is of much interest. Further, the table shows, as might be antici- 

 pated, that averages which include many immature individuals are very unreliable. 

 The reason why the average for female European specimens of all ages is so much 

 below that for the males is simply that the collected records on which the averages 

 are based include many more immature females than males. 



PROPORTIONS. 



In comparing proportions it is desirable, in order to avoid misinterpretation, to 

 select measurements which different observers are likely to take from the same 

 points and in the same manner. The following are among the best : Total length, 6 

 tip of snout to eye, ditto to posterior margin of dorsal fin, breadth of flukes from 

 tip to tip, notch of flukes to anus, ditto to navel. Such measurements as "length 

 of base of dorsal fin " are of little value, as the fin rises from the back in a very 

 gradual curve, and it is impossible to fix on any point of origin. Even the meas- 

 urement of the length of the pectoral fin, though so important, is uncertain. It 

 may be taken from either the anterior or the posterior insertion (both points of in- 

 definite location) or from the head of the humerus. The latter is alone satisfactory. 



In measuring a considerable number of whales it will be found impossible to 

 follow any system rigorously or completely, as the different individuals cannot be 

 turned about and handled at will, as in the case of small animals. In the follow- 

 ing table a large variety of measurements is included, many of which are taken from 

 but a single specimen. From this series will be selected such as are suitable for 

 comparison with measurements of European specimens : 



1 Specimens 55' 7" long and over. * Everything below 41' 8" thrown out to agree with other general averages. 



3 Monte Rosso, Italy, Oct., 1878. * St. Cyprien, France, Nov. 27, 1828. 



6 A specimen stranded in 1879 at Soulac in an advanced state of decomposition, and variously estimated as 27 m., 

 24 m., and 85 or 90 ft. long, is cited by Fischer (CA S. 0. France, 1881, p. 70) as belonging to this species. Also one at 

 Dunquerque, 1863, 30 m. long, and the Ostend specimen, more than 30 m. long. The latter is certainly B. musculus, 

 and Van Beneden is doubtless correct in including the others also under that species. 6 See p. 4. 



