90 THE WHALE. 



transmission and the refraction of the rays of light, requires that, 

 in order to produce the same effect, these rays should, in passing 

 from water into the eye, be refracted by a more convex surface, 

 than when they are communicated to that organ through the 

 medium of the air. Accordingly, we find that the eye of a fish 

 is much rounder than that of a terrestrial animal. This circum- 

 stance is an evident proof of design in so nice an adaptation. 

 " A mathematical instrument maker," observes the admirable 

 Dr. Paley, " could not have done more to show his knowledge 

 of his principle, his application of that knowledge, his suiting of 

 his means to his end, and to testify counsel, choice, consideration, 

 and purpose." 



Fishes are generally divided into the cetaceous, or whale 

 kind ; the cartilaginous, or gristly kind ; the spinous fishes, so 

 called from the resemblance which their bones have to sharp 

 thorns ; and the testaceous kind, which are distinguished by being 

 covered with shells instead of scales. 



It is not our intention to give a nomenclature of a race of an- 

 imals far remote from general observation, and with most of 

 which few persons have an opportunity of becoming acquainted. 

 We shall, on the contrary, select for contemplation, such as are 

 of the greatest importance in commerce, and of the greatest 

 utility to man, or have some remarkable property peculiarly 

 interesting. 



THE WHALE 



May, with propriety, be reckoned one of the most interesting 

 of those animals which have their residence in the deep. If we 

 consider its stupendous size, it must be regarded as one of the 

 greatest curiosities of animated nature ; and if its commercial 

 importance be justly appreciated, it will be esteemed an object 

 worthy of the attention and examination of the naturalist, the 

 politician, and the merchant. 



Of the whale kind there are seven species, of which the great 

 Greenland whale, and the spermaceti whale, or cachalot, are the 

 most important in commerce. 



THE GREAT GREENLAND WHALE 



Is that fish, for the catching of which such vast preparations 

 are made in different parts of Europe and America. This is, 

 beyond dispute, the largest animal in the creation, of which we 

 have any certain account. It is indeed of so enormous a size, 

 that it usually measures from sixty to seventy feet in length, and 

 its head constitutes a third part of its bulk. The fins on each 

 side are from five to eight feet in length, composed of bones and 

 muscles sufficiently strong to give to this great mass of body ac 



