4-78 HISTOKY OF 



Yet, notwitbstanding all these ajjpointments for combat, these 

 long and pointed tusks, amazing strength, and iinmatchable cele- 

 rity, the narwhal is one of the most harmless and peaceful inha« 

 bitants of the ocean. It is seen constantly and inolfensively 

 sporting among the other great monsters of the deep, no way 

 attempting to injure them, but pleased in their company. The 

 Greenlanders call the narwhal the foreruimer of the whale ; for 

 wherever it is seen, the whale is shortly after sure to follow. 

 This may arise as well from the natural passion for society in 

 these animals, as from both living upon the same food, which 

 are the insects described in the preceding chapter. These power- 

 ful fishes make war upon no other living creature ; and though 

 furnished with instruments to spread general destruction, are as 

 innocent and as peaceful as a drove of oxen. Nay, so regardless 

 are they of their own weapons, and so utterly unmindful to 

 keep them in repair for engagement, that they are constantly 

 seen covered over with weeds, slough, and all the filth of the 

 sea ; they seem rather considered as an impediment than a de-- 

 fence. 



The manners and appetites both of the narwhal and the great 

 whale are entirely similar ; they both alike want teeth for chew- 

 ing, and are obliged to live upon insects ; they both are peacea- 

 ble and harmless, and always rather fly than seek the combat. 

 The narwhal, however, has a much narrower gape than the great 

 whale, and, therefore, does not want the use of barbs to keep in 

 its food when once sucked into the mouth. It is also much 

 swifter, and would never be taken by the fishermen but for those 

 very tusks which at first appear to be its principal defence. 

 These animals, as was said, being fond of living together, are 

 always seen in herds of several at a time ; and whenever they 

 are attacked they crowd together in such a n-.anner, that they 

 are mutually embarrassed by their tusks. By these they are 

 often locked together, and are prevented from sinking to the 

 bottom. It seldom happens, therefore, but the fishermen make 

 sure of one or two of the hindmost, which very well reward their 

 trouble. * 



* The blubbor of the narw'ial prodiicps A'ory tine oil ; but it is chiefly 

 hunted fur its tusk, which fuiuis ivury of a quality superior to that ol' the 

 elophaiu. 



