324 THE BOOK OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM 



Narwhal, and like it is an inhabitant of the cold seas of the Arctic 

 regions. It does not possess a back fin, a ridge alone indicating the 

 position such would occupy were it present. It grows to a length 

 of about sixteen feet, and is of a bright white colour; the young, 

 however, are brownish-grey. 



The Beluga is fond of ascending rivers, and when it is located is 

 found in considerable numbers. It is a timorous beast of the sea, 

 for on the slightest alarm it will take the precaution to dive below, 

 where, under shelter of the mighty deep, it is secure from enemies. 

 It is quick of movement, and when fishing exhibits an adroitness 

 delightful to notice. The prey appears to consist chiefly of 

 ilounders, halibut, cuttles and crustaceans. 



Not only is the Beluga prized for the oil yielded by the blubber, 

 for its flesh is much relished, and its glistening white unmarked hide 

 serves as a fine trophy for the huntsman. The inhabitants of the 

 North (the Eskimos) value its flesh not only for their own use, 

 but also wherewith to feed their indispensable dogs. 



COMMOMT PORPOISE. — Excepting when seen stranded, or on ex- 

 hibition, few people have had the good fortune to observe a living 

 Cetacean, unless, indeed, it be the species now under consideration. 

 In European seas the Common Porpoise may often be seen, and 

 the appearance of a shoal of the marine beasts, or the capture 

 of one by some local fishermen, is sure to arrest attention. The 

 fisherman detests this creature, as it has a nasty habit of tearing 

 his nets, and is regarded by him in no respectful manner. After 

 capture, the Porpoise will perhaps be brought ashore with the rest 

 of the catch, and exhibited to visitors for the purpose of bringing 

 in a few stray pennies, but beyond this the carcass is considered 

 of little service. 



The small, barrel-shaped body of the Porpoise is well known, 

 and, like nearly all the animals described in this section, it has 

 two distinct colours on the upper and under parts, the coloration 

 above being dark-slate or blackish and silvery-white below. The 

 beach boys call it the "Porpus-Pig," and, anxious to make hay 

 whilst the sun shines, pester visitors with continual entreaties to 

 have a penny peep at the dead beast. 



Shoals of these animals may often be observed from the shore, 

 and, when gambolling in the water, the sight is a very pleasant 

 one, for, with the exception of observing the inevitable Gulls and 

 prying into rock-pools— where such abound — few visitors to the 



