DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF BRITISH CETACEA. 9 
10 pairs of ribs. The teeth, which are present in both jaws, vary 
in number from 8 to 10 on each side, and are conical in shape 
and often truncated. In colour it is entirely white, sometimes with 
a yellowish tinge. The White Whale is common in the White 
Sea, in Hudson’s Bay, Davis Straits, and the Arctic Ocean generally, 
and is only accidentally found so far south as the British Islands. 
A few have been met with off the coast of Scotland and in Orkney. 
The name “ Beluga” is said to be of Russian origin, being derived 
from “ beloe,” which signifies white. 
Genus Orca, Gray. 
The members of this genus are distinguished by their round 
head; large, conical and slightly curved teeth; high dorsal fin; 
flippers broad and oval; and tail broad and powerful. 
Orea gladiator (Lacépéde). Grampus, or Killer.*— Length 
about 20 feet; 50 vertebra and 11 or 12 pairs of ribs. The upper. 
jaw is slightly longer than the under one; the blow-hole crescentic, 
concave in front. The teeth, which are present in both jaws, vary 
from 11 to 12 on each side, and are large, conical, and slightly 
recurved. In colour it is glossy black above, pure white beneath, 
a sharp line of demarcation between the two. Above each eye is 
a white spot. The Grampus seems to have a wider geographical 
range than most of the Cetacea, having been met with from Green- 
land to the Mediterranean. Numerous specimens have been brought 
ashore on different parts of the coast of Scotland and England. Its 
voracity is astonishing, and examination of the contents of the 
stomach of different specimens has shown that it preys largely on 
seals and porpoises, and even kills and devours the White Whale. 
Genus Grampus, Gray. 
Although agreeing with Orca in the rounded head, high dorsal 
fin and large flippers, this genus is distinguished by having no 
teeth in the upper jaw at any age, while those of the lower jaw are 
few and all placed in front. The flippers, moreover, although large, 
are long and narrow, and placed low down. ‘The tail is not nearly 
so large and broad as in Orca. 
Grampus griseus (Cuvier). Risso’s Grampus.—Attains a length 
of about 10 feet, and has 68 vertebre and 12 pairs of ribs. The 
* “Grampus,” from Grand-poisson. Called “ Killer” in allusion to its carnivorous 
habits. 
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