230 The Under-Water World 



(Euphausia), and a study of that species 

 was one of the subjects to which the 

 Expedition devoted attention. Dr. J. L. 

 Suarez, of Buenos Aires, has estimated 

 the number of whales left in the 

 Antarctic as between 10,000 and 12,000, 

 of which not fewer than 1,500 are 

 slaughtered every year. Dr. Suarez has 

 given particulars of the enormous profits 

 made by the whaling companies. The 

 annual profit of one Norwegian firm is 

 roughly 165,000, and this company 

 paid its shareholders a dividend of over 

 fifty per cent, on its capital. 



The whale, like most aquatic animals, 

 is outlined like a submarine, a shape 

 best suited to cleave the water when 

 travelling at high speed. The animal is 

 so rich in fat, or blubber, that it may 

 cover large specimens to a depth of 

 several feet. The fat being a mass of 

 tissue impregnated with oil protects the 

 whale from extreme cold, and ensures 



