101 



THE BATTLE OF WHALES. 



On the 21st of June, 3.818, no fewer than 

 two hundred and six whales, called the bottle- 

 nose, came into Stornaway Harbour; when a 

 desperate battle ensued between them and the 

 inhabitants of the place, armed with axes, 

 swords, and knives, so that very few of these 

 extraordinary visitors escaped ; some of them 

 measured above twenty feet long, by fifteen in 

 circumference. 



PORCUPINE FISH. 



TheDiodonhystrix, in point of habit or exter- 

 nal appearance, may be said to connect in some 

 degree the tribe of fishes with that of spiny 

 quadrupeds, such as porcupines and hedge- 

 hogs ; it is also allied in a similar manner to the 

 Echini, or sea-urchins. The Diodon hystrix, 

 commonly termed Sea-Porcupine, is said to 

 afford an amusing sight when taken by a line 

 and hook, baited by a species of crab; after 

 seizing the bait by a sudden spring, on finding 

 itself hooked, it exhibits every appearance of 

 violent rage, inflating its body, and elevating its 



