[9] COLLECTING SPECIMENS OF CETACEANS. 1165 



5. The rate of movement. 



6. The rate of spouting or " blowing " and the phenomena accompany- 

 ing that action, such as whistling, &c., or the height to which the column 

 of spray is thrown. 



Observations in the direction in which schools of the various species 

 move at different seasons of the year are especially desirable and could 

 be readily made by keepers of the life-saving stations and other observ- 

 ers on the coast. 



Any observations on the breeding habits of the different species, the 

 times of year and localities in which the young are brought forth, the 

 size of the young at birth, the length of time they follow the mother, 

 &c., are exceedingly important, as our knowledge on these subjects is 

 still very defective. 



Yery little also is definitely known concerning the food of many 

 species and the manner in which it is captured. Any facts bearing on 

 this matter are well worth recording. The entire contents of the 

 stomach should be placed in a bottle of alcohol when opportunity per- 

 mits. 



In addition to the few topics for investigation which have been al- 

 luded to there are many others of equal importance which will suggest 

 themselves to the thoughtful observer. It will yet be a long time be- 

 fore we can say we know all that it is necessary to know about these 

 rovers of the sea. It is indeed a strange fact that, while the external 

 and internal peculiarities and the life-history of numberless insects 

 and minute and lowly animals have been thoroughly investigated, many 

 of these great beasts have been entirely neglected. , * 



INSTEUCTIONS FOR THE USE OF THE LIFE-SAVING AND 

 LIGHT-HOUSE SERVICES. 



Stranded whales. — If a dead whale is seen floating in on the tide ob- 

 serve whether it is followed by porpoises and sharks or by its young. 



Color. — When it strands the color of its head, back, belly, both sides 

 of the flippers and tail, should be immediately observed and recorded. 



Securing the specimen. — If the specimen is liable to be washed out to 

 sea by succeeding tides, fasten it by the tail {never hy the flippers or jaw, 

 unless unavoidable.) Of course, if the specimen is small, it can be dragged 

 up the beach out of reach of the water or even be placed in an ice-house. 



Use of sand.— If the latter course cannot be taken, cover the specimen 

 with a thick coat of wet sand or seaweed. 



Telegraphing.— In telegraphing to Washington it is especially desira- 

 ble that the following code should be used, since thereby it will be pos- 

 sible for the zoologists at the Smithsonian Institution to judge of the 

 appearance and value of specimens and to determine whether persons 

 ought to be sent to take casts or prepare the skeleton. 



