154 



THE WHALEBONE WHALES OF THE WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC. 



From Cocks we obtain the following statistics of 36 specimens taken at the 

 Norwegian stations (17 and 18) : 



BALMNOPTERA MUSCULUS (L.). NORWAY. 



On comparing these figures with the previous ones, it will be observed that 

 the Norwegian whales, both males and females, appear to attain a greater length 

 than those of Newfoundland. The average length is also greater, though the com- 

 putation includes individuals smaller than any of the Newfoundland specimens. 

 Before my arrival at Balena station, Newfoundland, in 1901, and also in the pre- 

 ceding year, a number of Sulphurbottom whales had been taken. Adding such 

 of the measurements of these as are available to my own, the following figures 

 are obtained : 



BALMVOPTERA MUSCULUS (L.). NEWFOUNDLAND. 



Though a higher general average is obtained in this way, the maximum and 

 average for females are a little less than for males. This is due to the fact that 

 many comparatively small females and few Very large ones were taken in the 

 summer of 1900. 



Averages obtained in this way, as already remarked in treating of B, p/tysalus, 

 are not satisfactory on account of the inclusion of immature individuals. The best 

 way to get rid of these, in the case of the females at least, will be to omit from 

 consideration all specimens having a length less than that of such as are ascertained 

 to be sexually mature. Guldberg, as we have seen (15, 17, sep.), remarked of the 

 Norwegian specimens, "the individuals that are 70 ft. 1 and under I have always 

 found to be rather young and not full-grown." He also remarked (57, 164) : "It is 

 not easy to fix the minimum for gravid females. I am, however, inclined to fix the 

 minimum at 70 feet \_= 72 ft. 1 in., English measure], and to estimate the average 

 at about 75 feet [23 in.] 2 or more." Of the Norwegian females cited by Cocks as 

 containing foetuses, or having milk running, the smallest is 74 feet 2 in. Of the 

 females taken at Balena station, Newfoundland, 1901, the following females ob- 

 served by myself contained foetuses : 



' Norwegian feet; equals 72 ft. i in., English measure. 



3 77 ft. i in., English measure. 



