PHYSETERID^ 31 



ita are laid under contribution. But the true and natural wa)' 

 in which this great rover oi the hidden depths seeks and devours 

 its animal food is still tinged with mystery. 



"The Sperm whale is usually found in the deep, open sea, 

 or, as whalemen term it 'off soundings,' but many instances are 

 known of their being seen in large numbers, and captures have 

 been made, on soundings. This has been the case to our knowl- 

 ledge off San Bartholome Bay and Ballena Bay, on the Ivower 

 California coast, the depth oi water varying in these places 

 from forty to eighty fathoms. Formerly this species was found 

 in great numbers along the coast of Upper California. The ships 

 cruising for them kept in a belt of water extending about one 

 hundred miles from the land and closing in with the shore." 

 (Scammon). 



