BRITISH MAMMALS 



This example measured 78 feet. 



The baleen plates are black. 



Formerly considered uncommon, the Blue Whale is now known to be 

 plentiful in the North Atlantic during favourable seasons, and large numbers 

 have been captured since the modern system of whaling began. 



According to Professor D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson, C.B., F.R.S. 

 [Scottish J^turalist^ October 191 8, pp. 230-231), about seven hundred and 

 thirty of this species were captured around Iceland between 1890 and 1901 

 by Captain L. Berg. From 1908 to 19 14 one hundred and nine were 

 brought into the Scottish stations. Of the latter, the smallest measured forty- 

 two feet, the largest eighty-five feet, and most of them were caught to the 

 westwards of St. Kilda. 



Like the Humpbacked Whale, this species has a very wide range, 

 extending from the Arctic regions throughout the Atlantic and Pacific to 

 the Antarctic seas. 



In the summer months large migratory herds appear in the seas about 

 the North Cape and Iceland. 



The food of the Blue Whale consists of ' plankton ' or ' kril ' (masses of 

 small floating crustaceans, etc.) left stranded in the mouth of the animal, 

 after the expulsion of the mouthful of water through the plates of baleen or 

 whalebone. 



Owing to its great strength and endurance, this whale was wisely left 

 alone by the early whalers, but since the introduction of the modern 

 harpoon gun, it has been much hunted along with the other Rorquals by 

 the Norwegians. 



The marvellous strength and staying power of the Blue Whale can 

 best be reaHzed by those on board ship when the animal takes the 

 vessel in tow, after having been struck by a harpoon and not crippled 

 by the shock of the explosive charge. On occasions, it has been known 



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