192 



VERTEBRATES." 



effect. This marbling is particularly observable in the fins and 

 the tail. 



The Whale makes use only of the tail to advance itself for- 

 ward in the water. This serves as a great oar to push its mass 

 along ; and it is surprising to see with what force and celerity its 

 enormous bulk cuts through the ocean. The fins are only used 



The Greenland Wbale. 



for turning in the water, and giving a direction to the velocity 

 mpressed by the tail. The female also makes use of them, when 

 pcrsued, to bear off her young, clapping them on her back, and 

 supporting them by the fins on each side from falling. 



The outward or scarf skin of the Whale is no thicker than 

 parchment ; but this removed, the real skin appears, of about an 

 inch thick, and covering the fat or blubber that lies beneath : this 

 is from eight to twelve inches in thickness ; and is, when the fish 

 is in health, of a beautiful yellow. The muscles lie beneath^ and 

 these, like the flesh of quadrupeds, are very red and tough. 



The cleft of the mouth is above twenty feet long, which is 

 near r>ne-third of the animal's whole length; and the upper jaw 



