1 BREATHING OR " BLOWING. 



359 



Scoresby has shown that they emit vapour only, except 

 when the vehement breathing or blowing takes place 

 beneath the surface, and in that case a considerable quan- 

 tity of water is hurled into the air. As often, says Mr. 

 Wilson, as the whale opens his enormous jaws, his mouth 

 of course immediately fills with water; but only the fish, 



WHALES SPORTING. 



fuci, or small marine animals which chiefly compose the 

 cetacean's food, are actually swallowed. " The water 

 itself is partly regurgitated and partly made to pass up- 

 wards, and, by a peculiar and very admirable mechanism, 

 is thrown out by the blow-holes. When the animal 

 breathes on the surface, a moist vapour, mixed with 

 mucus, is exhaled ; but no water is thrown up unless 



