41 



at considerable distances, for it is a fact well known to the southern 

 whalers, that upon a Cachalot being struck from a boat, others that 

 are miles distant will almost instantaneously display by their actions 

 an apparent consciousness of wliat has occurred, and either take them- 

 selves off or come down to the aid of their injured companion. This 

 intelligence Mr. Bennett supposes can only be communicated by a 

 concussion of the water. Speaking of the general temper and dispo- 

 sition of this species, he remarks, " like most terrestrial animals that 

 are gregarious and herd together in great numbers, spermaceti Whales 

 are naturally timid, and prone to fly from the remotest aspect of dan- 

 ger, and although many instances occur amongst them of a mis- 

 chievous and combative temper, attacking and destroying boats and 

 men with their flukes and jaws, (as I shall have occasion elsewhere to 

 notice,) such is rather to be deemed appertaining to the individual 

 than the common character, and on a par with similar traits of temper 

 and excited by similar causes, as we find occasionally prevail amongst 

 horses, oxen, and other Herbivora, between the cetacea and which 

 a closer parallel of comparison may be drawn, both as regards mental 

 character and anatomical structure, than upon a superficial view of 

 the two tribes of animals would appear possible. A shoal of Por- 

 poises mingling with and jumping amongst them is sufficient to alarm 

 and put to flight a party of Cachalots, and when on a well-beaten 

 cruising ground, where the Whales are usually exceedingly watchful 

 and wary, the whaler is well on his guard not to excite or confirm 

 their suspicion until he has secured his prizes. The signs exhibited 

 by the sperm Whale of a suspicion of danger are, lying motionless in 

 the manner of listening, occasionally ceasing to spout, sweeping their 

 flukes slowly from side to side, and turning upon the side to bring 

 the axis of vision upon any object above them." 



" When pursued and attacked a shoal of these Whales may be con- 

 sidered to exhibit two degrees of alarm, viz., that of a less degree, 

 which puts them to the top of their speed to escape, and which fre- 

 quently baffles pursuit ; and a more powerful and overwhelming im- 

 pression of fear, arising either from the close approach of their ene- 

 mies or from one of their number beinginjured or destroyed, when they 

 often lie huddled together motionless and trembling, or make such 

 confused and irresolute eff"orts to escape as afford the attacking boats 

 every chance of success. It commonly occurs when female Whales 

 are harpooned that they mutually assist each other, and remain around 

 their injured companions for a long time ; whilst the males, under the 

 same circumstances, commonly make a speedy retreat, and leave their 

 afflicted comrades to their fate. When suddenly surprised by a 

 boat, the Whale, although uninjured, is seen to tremble, and void its 

 excrement, which is semi-fluid, foetid, and resembles coffee grounds 

 spread on the water." 



After detailing some circumstances connected with the gestation 

 of the sperm Whale and its mode of copulation, the author remarks, 

 " There is much reason to suppose the Cachalots are very prolific ; 

 sucking calves appear to be noticed at all seasons of the year. We 



