260 MR. R. COLLELT ON BALZNOPTERA BOREALIS.  [Feb. 2, 
The first specimens observed in shore in 1885 were captured near 
the establishments on Sdrden, near Hammerfest, on the west coast 
of Finmark, the first on the 14th May, by one of the steamers 
belonging to Bole (Capt. Foyn) ; the second on the 18th by one of the 
Sérver steamers (Capt. Bull). These two factories together obtained 
during May five specimens. Whales were under the land the whole 
time, but the fishery was hindered by bad weather. In the previous 
year this whale had never approached land so early. 
The first one captured by the whalers in East Finmark was 
killed on the 18th June off Nordkyn. 
Many were seen the same day, and they proceeded in an E.S.E. 
direction, keeping at about 4 Norwegian (over 28 English) miles 
from land. It was, however, some time before they appeared in any 
considerable numbers. First, towards the end of June, they began 
to be captured by several of the whalers, and even then only in small 
numbers. In the begiuning of July, however, the numbers were 
greater; and during an entire month some were caught daily along 
the whole coast of Finmark by all the companies; and occasionally 
several individuals were captured in a day by the same company. 
The best period was the latter half of July. In the course of August 
their numbers diminished, but even towards the end of the month 
several were caught, but the “schools” appeared then to be more 
under the Murman coast or further out at sea. The last one ob- 
tained was by Capt. Sdérensen on the 28th August’, but others were 
seen during the first week in September (the last time beiug the 8th 
September). 
XII. Fetus. 
All the managers agree that about an equal number of each 
sex were captured. ‘The six specimens examined by me were 
three males and three females. One of the whalers believes from his 
observations that at the beginning of the fishing-season most of those 
captured were females. 
Most of the females were gravid. At the commencement of the 
season (in the beginning of July) most of the foetuses were 3 or 4 
feet long, in the middle of the month they were often 6 or 7 feet 
(1:8-2°2 m.), and towards the end of the season, in August, some 
were seen of from 8 to 10 or 12 feetin length. Although there was 
thus a somewhat regular increase in the size of the foetus as summer 
advanced, their growth increased apparently but slowly, and there 
were several instances of irregularities. Thus a foetus taken out at 
one of the factories at Vardd, on the 15th July, had a length of 
8 feet (23 m.); whilst at the same place, on the 18th July, one was 
obtained which measured only 2 feet (0°6 m). Some whalers con- 
_ sider it difficult to lay down any fixed rule for the size, having often 
' [The last specimen of this species killed during the season of 1885 was 
brought in to Capt. Sdrensen’s factory early on the morning of August 25. It 
was a male measuring 45 feet (English) along the curves, and was taxen off 
Kildin Island on the Murman coast.—A. H. C.] 
