258 



NATURAL HISTORY. 



tongue. In one instance he relates that a Califomian Grey Whale and her young were assaulted ; the 

 Orcas killed the latter, and sprang on the mother, tearing away large pieces of flesh which they greedily 

 devoured. These brutes have been known to attack a white-painted herring-boat, mistaking it for a 



KILLER WHALE, OR ORCA. 



Beluga ; and it is stated that occasionally they will boldly lay siege to "Whales killed by the whalers, 

 almost dragging them perforce under water. Near some of the Pacific sealing-grounds they con- 

 tinually swim about and swoop off the unwary young ; even the large male Sea Lions hastily retreat 

 ashore and give these monsters a wide berth. The Walrus also, with his powerful tusks, cannot keep 

 the Killers at bay, especially if young Moi-ses are in the herd. The cubs on such occasions will mount 

 upon their mother's back for refuge, clinging for dear life ; but the Orca, diving, comes suddenly up 

 with a spiteful thud, and the cub losing its balance falls in the water, when in an instant it is seized 

 by the remorseless Whales. These latter do not restrict themselves in diet solely to their own or the 

 Seal tribe ; for Scammon asserts that they even make marauding expeditions up strong-flowing rivers 



BOTTLE-NOSE DOLPHIN. (4fter F lower.) 





