264 MR. R. COLLETT ON BALEZNOPTERA BOREALIS. _[Feb. 2, 
thinner than usual. Capt. Bull told me that during the previous 
year at Sorveer he got 25 to 30 barrels off each example (30 to 35 
hectolitres). The blubber is thickest about the flippers and on the 
back, where it is from 3 to 6 inches thick (80 to 130 millim.). 
The value is estimated by the whalers as being about half that of 
B. musculus. and averages about 500 to 600 kroners (£27 to £33). 
The baleen is considered more valuable than that of the other kinds. 
Finally, it may be mentioned that it is from this species, and from 
none of the others, that the flesh is prepared on a large scale for 
human consumption. A factory has been at work during the past 
year at Sérver, near Hammerfest, hermetically preserving the flesh 
of this species, the flesh of the other species of the Balzenopteridz 
not being considered fit for such a purpose. 
XVI. Monstrosities. 
During my stay at Capt. Castberg’s factory at Vardo I was shown 
an individual which lay moored to the shore, eanght on the 16th 
July. It wanted both “flippers” from the shoulder- -joints. As 
this deficiency appeared to be symmetrical, it is probable that the 
specimen was born without flippers (however I could not be sure 
of this, as I could not stop until the blubber was removed). 
XVII. Synopsis of the four Northern Species of Balenoptera. 
I conclude my remarks by giving a brief summary of the external 
characters of the four northern species of Balenoptera :— 
Balenoptera rostrata (Fabr. 1780). Norwegian Vaagehval 
(‘“‘ Bay Whale ”).—Length 25 to 30 feet, seldom exceeding 33 feet. 
Form of the body rather robust or plump; the greatest height is to 
the total length as 1 to 5. Colour greyish black above ; the under- 
side white, including the whole of the lower side of the tail; the 
flippers with a broad band of white across the outer side ; the inner 
side quite white. Dorsal fin high, evenly curved, and deeply 
emarginated behind; it is placed somewhat far forward, at the 
commencement of the last third of the body. Vent placed just 
under (or a trifle beyond) the hindermost edge of the dorsal fin. 
Flippers moderately long, measuring about one eighth of the total 
iength of the body. Baleen with the bristles of a yellowish-white 
colour. The number of plates about 325; their greatest length 
about 200 millim., not including the bristles. Jaws short, being to 
the total length to 1 to 53. 
Balenoptera borealis, Less. 1828. Norwegian Sejhval (“ Coal- 
fish Whale” ).—Length 40 to 48 feet, rarely as much as 52 feet. 
Form of the body less robust; the greatest height is to the total 
length nearly as 1 to 53. Colour bluish black abov e, with oblong 
light-coloured spots ; the underside as far as the genitalia more or less 
white, The whole of the tail, with the flukes and the flippers on 
both sides, is exactly similar to the back in colour. Dorsal fin high, 
evenly curved and deeply emarginated behind ; it is placed far forward, 
