THE PORPOISE, OR PORPESSE. 541 



laid from bank to bank. A number of boats then start in chase of the animal, while 

 others are stationed along the line of nets, and manned with well-armed crews. When 

 alarmed by the boats, the Beluga makes for the sea, but is interrupted by the nets, which 

 bar its farther progress seawards, and soon falls a victim to the bullets, spears, and other 

 missiles which are rained upon it by its assailants. Sometimes the harpoon and rope 

 are employed in this chase, and small specimens are occasionally taken by means of 

 hooks baited with fish. Those Belugas which are taken in the St. Lawrence are seldom 

 more than fifteen feet in length. 



The skin of the Beluga is subjected to the process of tanning, and can be made into a 

 peculiarly strong though soft leather, which is said to be able to resist an ordinary 

 musket-ball. The flesh is held in some estimation, and is said to bear some resem- 

 blance to beef. Its oily flavor, however, which cannot easily be destroyed, would render 

 it unpalatable to European palates. When prepared with vinegar and salt, it is thought 

 to be equal to the best pork. The fins and tail are considered as the best portions, 



BELUGA. Beluga Catodon. 



It is a migrating animal, visiting the western coasts of Greenland at regular intervals, 

 reaching that locality about the end of November. It swims in large herds, and is of 

 exceeding value to the natives, who not only eat its flesh, and burn and drink its oil, 

 but employ the sinews for thread, which may be made of any degree of fineness by 

 splitting the tendons, and use the delicate internal membranes for windows to their 

 huts. The coming of the Beluga is anxiously expected by the Greenlanders, as their 

 provisions generally run short about the end of November, and are replenished by the 

 flesh of their welcome visitor. 



MOST familiar of all the Dolphin fraternity is the well-known PORPOISE, or SEA HOG. 

 an animal which may be seen on any of our coasts, tumbling about on the waves, and 

 executing various gambols in the exuberance of its sportive feelings. 



Before steamboats came into general use, the Porpoises were constant attendants on 

 the packet and passenger boats, sometimes pursuing the vessels from sheer curiosity, 

 and at other times following in their wake in hopes of picking up the garbage that 



