OEDER VI. THE CETACEA. 2G5 



P. C'f/pcusis. — The Porpoise of the Cape of Good Hope. The length 

 of this species is about four feet, and the color is almost wholly black. It is 

 not so active as the common porjioise. 



P. Gmmpus. — The Grampus. Tiiis is the Gi-find-jxnsson of the 

 Frcncli, pronounced by the connuon people (Jrapxrii, v.hence, probablj-, tlie 

 English appellation, Grampus. It is a large animal, often attaining the 

 length of thirty feet. Tiio snout is short and roundish ; tlie teeth are forty- 

 four, strong, large, and somewhat hooked. The dorsal fin is over four feet 

 high ; the pectorals also arc very large, and it is armed with a powerful tail. 

 Tlic wliole structure and form of the body indicate vast strength, and a re- 

 markable capacity for rapid progression through the water. The color is 

 black abo\e, abruptly giving place to wliite on the sides, which spreads also 

 over tiie abdomen. 



The coasts of Greenland, Davis's Straits, and Si)itzbcrgcn appear to he 

 the favorite regions of the grampus, although it is a frerpient visitor to all 

 seas. Like other species, it is gregarious ; but occasionally individuals stray 

 away from tlie herd, and, entering rivers and bays unknown to them, be- 

 come bewildered, and thus, thougii a most daring and powerful fighter, fall 

 a prev to the superior sagacity of man. Loudon's jNIagaziue contains an 

 account of the capture of one of these animals in Lynn Harbor, Great Britain, 

 in 1821). This specimen was discovered with its dorsal fin rising out of the 

 water. It was immediately driven into the shallows and attacked by the 

 boatmen ; but the}', not being jirovided with proper weapons, despatched it 

 witli much difficulty, by means of great knives and sharpened oars. The 

 groans of tlie ])oor animal are described as having been very terrible, and 

 the effusion of blood very great. 



The popular impression of the grampus is, that it is an extremely voracious 

 and pugnacious monster. It consumes an immense number of fishes of all 

 sizes, including cod, halibut, scatc, and turlxit. Wiien pressed withliunger, 

 it is said to leap out of the water, and dash its powerful body on porpoises 

 and dolphins, and even larger whales, lasliing them with irresistible fiu'v, and 

 tearing their bodies witii its trenchant teeth, covering with gory foam tlic 

 agitated sea, which bears the sound of the terrific combat far aw.ay. It 

 is alleged to hunt its prey with much sagacity. It lies in wait for seals, 

 watching tliem as they bask or sleep on the ice, driving them with its fins into 

 the sea, where they become an easy prey. The grampuses are playful, too, in 

 the midst of their rapacity, often being seen romping, and chasing each other, 

 and amusing themselves, like the other porpoises ; and when tiius in company, 

 they arc said to attack even the great trrcenland wliale — after the great 

 rorqual, the mightiest giant of the deep. They bite and tear its flesh, some 

 leaping upon its back, while others wound it below, until its mighty carcass 

 KO. VII. 34 



