1 1G HABITS OF THE WHALE. 



most energetic application of those resources of art, dexterity and 

 decision, which are peculiarly at the command of man, it would 

 probably be in every case successful ; but if the whale be not allowed to 

 be a very intellectual animal, its affections, at least towards its own 

 kind, appear to be deep seated and strong. The fishers, indeed, are in the 

 habit of taking advantage of the love of the old whale for its offspring to 

 entice it into their snares, and the artifice often succeeds when probably 

 no other would. The cub, though of little value in itself, is struck to 

 induce the mother to come to its assistance. " In this case," says 

 Captain Scoresby, "she joins it on the surface of the water whenever it 

 has occasion to rise for respiration, encourages it to swim off, assists its 

 flight by taking it under her fin, and seldom deserts it while life 

 remains. She is then dangerous to approach ; but affords frequent 

 opportunities fcr attack. She loses all regard for her own safety in 

 anxiety for the preservation of her young, dashes through the midst of 

 her enemies, despises the dangers which threaten her, and even 

 voluntarily remains with her offspring after various attacks on herself 

 from the harpoons of the fishers. 



"In June 1811, one of my harpooners struck a sucker, with the hope of 

 its leading to the capture of the mother. Presently she arose close by 

 the 'fast b6at/ and seizing the young one, dragged about one hundred 

 fathoms of the line out of the boat with remarkable force and velocity. 

 Again she arose to the surface ; darted furiously to and fro; frequently 

 stopped short or suddenly changed her direction, and gave every 

 possible intimation of extreme agony. For a length of time she 

 continued thus to act though closely pursued by the boats, and, inspired 

 with courage and resolution by her concern for her offspring, seemed 

 regardless of the danger which surrounded her. At length one of the 

 boats approached so near that a harpoon was hove at her. It hit, but 

 did not attach itself. A second harpoon was struck; this also failed to 

 penetrate : but a third was more effectual and held. Still she did not 

 attempt to escape, but allowed other boats to approach ; so that in a few 

 minutes three more harpoons were fastened, and in the course of an hour 

 afterwards she was killed." 



