GIANTS OF THE DEEP 317 



GREY WHALE. This is the only species included in the genus 

 to which it belongs, and it has acquired its name from the greyish- 

 blue colour of the skin. The female is the larger of the two sexes, 

 attaining a length of from forty to forty-four feet, the male being 

 several feet less. This species is not found away from the North 

 Pacific, but from fossil remains that have been discovered it is con- 

 sidered probable it may in by-gone days have also been an inhabitant 

 of the Atlantic Ocean. Perhaps more than any other Whale this 

 species exhibits wonderful affection for its young, sheltering its 

 offspring in a most solicitous and delightful way and defending 

 the same with immense zeal. One often hears people who know 

 little about such things talk of the migration of birds, for it is well 

 known that during the Summer the fields, lanes and woods of 

 England are tenanted by a feathered population which largely 

 seeks more congenial climes when Autumn's lease has almost run 

 out, and in a few instances (i. e. Cuckoo and Swift) even before 

 the lease has commenced to lapse. Few seem to realize, however, 

 that other animals besides birds undertake migration movements, 

 but this is a mistake, as instances of this wonderful spirit of unrest 

 are forthcoming among Mammals (including Whales), Fishes, 

 Reptiles, Batrachians, Insects, etc. Thus the Grey Whale is found 

 in southern latitudes when breeding, but, after rearing its young, 

 it proceeds northwards to within the Arctic Circle, the progeny 

 accompanying the parents. ^ 



HUMPBACK WHALE. This species is called Humpback because of 

 "the prominence on the back which carries the fin," but individuals 

 vary as to this prominence, and it is not always a safe guide to follow 

 for identification purposes. It has a large head, a short, deep body, 

 and long flippers which attain a length of from ten to fourteen feet. 

 The beast measures up to fifty feet, and is black on the upper parts, 

 marbled with white underneath. 



The Humpback enjoys a wide distribution, and although some 

 amount of variation is exhibited in different individuals, these are 

 all believed to be local races of one species. It appears to be both 

 gregarious and solitary, enjoying life equally well under either con- 

 dition, and is fond of carrying out its frolics "near extensive coasts 

 or about the shores of islands, in all latitudes between the equator 

 and the frozen oceans, both north and south." 



The yield of oil from the Humpback is also subject to variation, 

 for, whilst in some instances as much as seventy-five barrels has 



