70 MAMMALIA. 



proper names, it is tlie result of great constipation. The ordure 

 of the cachalot, altered, modified, coagulated, and consolidated, be- 

 comes ambergris. The origin of this substance, so much esteemed 

 for its pleasant odour, is wanting entirely in dignity, and it is 

 only natural that we should be surprised at its agreeable qualities. 

 Lacep<kle observed that the excrements of many Mammalia, 

 such as those of Oxen and of Pigs, diffuse, when kept for some 

 time, an odoui- analogous to that of ambergris. He reminds us 

 that MoUusks, on which the Cachalot feeds, exhale, during their 

 lives, and even after thejr have been dried, an odour differing 

 vcrv little from that of ambergris. 



Where does the ambergris conceal itself ? 



This matter is found in the intestinal canal of the Cachalot, 

 under the foiin of from four to five balls, or irregular lumps. It 

 is generally hard enough to allow of its being broken ; it adheres 

 like wax to the blade of the knife ^dth which it is scraped ; it 

 softens and becomes unctuous under the influence of a gentle heat. 

 Its odour increases under friction, or when it is exposed to heat ; 

 its densit^r is so slight that it floats on water. For this reason 

 masses of ambergris are often picked up on the shore, or are 

 found on the surface of the water. The ambergris taken from 

 the intestines of a sino-le Cachalot weio-hs 500 g-rains. But it 

 sometimes weighs from five to ten kilogrammes. Large quan- 

 tities of this sweet-scented and pungent matter are used in 

 perfuinery. 



Spermaceti is a concrete oil, which is fluid when the animal is 

 alive. It hardens Avhen exposed to the cold. It is white, bright, 

 pearly, soft to the touch, and easily conies ofi" in flakes. It is 

 employed in the manufacture of wax candles for the luxurious, 

 and in diverse preparations of jDerfumery and pharmacy. A 

 Cachalot of nineteen metres in length lias been known to furnish 

 as many as three thousand kilogrammes of spermaceti. 



This natural product is contained in a sort of elongated canal, 

 formed by the junction of the skidl-bone with the facial bones. 



This reservoir is not less than two metres in depth below. It 

 is, however, very distinct fi'om the cavity which contaias the 

 brain, a cavitj^ which is itself very small. 



The fatty, and, consequently, light matter, which sui-mounts the 

 head of the Cachalot, seems to be a provision of nature. The 



