BAL.ENID^ 25 



the ocean, is sometimes lighter than the dull black of the lesser 

 rorquals, in some instances it is a very light brown, approaching 

 to white; but underneath it is of a yellowish cast or sulphur color, 

 whence the name 'Sulphur-bottom' is supposed to have arisen. 

 Its coating of blubber is unevenly distributed over its body, mas- 

 sively covSring the top of the head, but more thinly covering the 

 miain portion oi the trunk, while the posterior extremity, between 

 the trunk and caudal fin is more heavily enfolded in the oily cover- 

 ing than all the rest. 



"The Pacific species occurs at all seasons on the coasts of 

 the Californias. During the months fro'm May tO' September, 

 inclusive, they are often found in large numbers close in vvith 

 the shores, at times playing about ships at anchor in the open 

 roadsteads, near islands, or capes, but in a general way they do 

 not approach vessels with the same boldness that the Finback 

 does, although we have observed them following a vessel's wake 

 for several leagues. The Sulphur-bottom is considered the swift- 

 est whale afloat, and for this reason is but seldom pursued, and 

 still more rarely taken. 



"On the second voyage of the Page six of these immense 

 creatures were taken by the use of bomb-gun and lance ofi the 

 port of San Quentin, Lower California, where the moderate depth 

 of the water was favorable to the pursuit. Large numbers of 

 them were found on this ground, where they were attracted by 

 the swarms of sardines and prawns with which the waters were 

 enlivened; and the whales, when in a state of lassitude from ex- 

 cessive feeding, would frequently remain motionless ten to twenty 

 minutes at a time, thus giving the whaleman an excellent oppor- 

 tunity to shoot his bomb-lance into a vital part, causing almost 

 instant death." (Scammon). 



Dr. F. W. Ttue, Curator, U. S. National Museum, thinks 

 it is doubtful if this Whale is distinct from Balxnoptera physalus. 



