THE PORPOISE. 



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reaching that locality about the end of November. It swims in large herds, and is of exceed- 

 ing value to the natives, who not only eat its flesh, and burn and driuk its oil, but employ the 

 sinews for thread, which may be made of any degree of fineness by splitting the tendons, and 

 use the delicate internal membranes for windows to their huts. The coming of the Beluga is 

 anxiously expected by the Greenlanders, as their provisions generally run short about the end 

 of November, and are replenished by the flesh of their welcome visitor. 



The Beluga, or White Whale, is closely allied to the above. This cetacean, in an adult, is 

 about twelve feet in length. The color is a uniform creamy white. Its habitat is the region of 

 the St. Lawrence River, where shoals of them even push into the fresh water. It is captured 

 for its oil. Specimens ten feet in length have been transported to New York, where they have 

 been kept in the great tanks of the Aquarium. Indeed, one was successfully taken to England, 

 and lived long enough to give some opportunity to witness a living whale in confinement. This 

 specimen was quite amenable to domestication — feeding from its keeper's hands, etc. 



PORPOISE. —Pliocaena communis. 



Most familiar of all the Dolphin fraternity is the well-known Porpoise, or Sea Hog, an 

 animal which may be seen on any of our coasts, tumbling about on the waves, and executing 

 various gambols in the exuberance of its sportive feelings. 



Before steamboats came into general use, the Porpoises were constant attendants on the 

 packet and passenger boats, sometimes pursuing the vessels from sheer curiosity, and at other 

 times following in their wake in hopes of picking up the garbage that might be thrown over- 

 board. In the present day, however, the Porpoises are so frightened at the paddles and screws, 

 that they remain at a respectful distance from the boats, content themselves with keeping pace 

 with the vessels for a course of some miles, and then drop astern to rejoin their companions. 



The Porpoise is a very gregarious animal, herding together in large shoals, and sometimes 

 swimming in " Indian file" as they shoot over the surface of the sea ; just showing their black 

 and glossy backs above the water, and keeping such excellent line that they seem to be 

 animated by one spirit and one will. 



As might be presumed from the formidable array of sharp teeth with which the jaws are 

 studded, and which are so arranged that the upper and lower sets interlock when the animal 

 closes its moiith, the food of the Porpoise consists entirely of animal substances, and almost 

 wholly of fish, which it consumes in large quantities, much to the disgust of human fishermen. 

 Herrings, pilchards, sprats, and other salable fish, are in great favor with the Porpoise, which 



