THE FINBACK WHALE. 35 



triangle, but rounded on the forward edge, curved on the opposite one ; the longest 

 side joins the back in some examples, and in others the anterior edge is the 

 longest. The gular folds spread on each side to the pectorals, and extended half 

 the length of the body. 



The habitual movements of the Finback in several points are peculiar. "When 

 it respires, the vaporous breath passes quickly through its spiracles, and when a 

 fresh supply of air is drawn into the breathing system, a sharp and somewhat 

 musical sound may be heard at a considerable distance, which is quite distinguish- 

 able from that of other whales of the same genus. (We have observed the interval 

 between the respirations of a large Finback to be about seven seconds.) It fre- 

 quently gambols about vessels at sea, in mid -ocean as well as close in with the 

 coast, darting under them, or shooting swiftly through the water on cither side ; at 

 one moment upon the surface, belching forth its quick, ringing spout, and the next 

 instant submerging itself beneath the waves, as if enjoying a spirited race with the 

 ship dashing along under a press of sail. In beginning the descent, it assumes 

 a variety of positions : sometimes rolling over nearly on its side, at other times 

 rounding, or perhaps heaving, its fluke;.; out, and assuming nearly a perpendicular 

 attitude. Frequently it remains on the surface, making a regular course and several 

 uniform "blows." Occasionally they congregate in schools of fifteen to twenty, or 

 less. In this situation we have usually observed them going quickly through the 

 water, several spouting at the same instant. Their uncertain movements, however 

 — often showing themselves twice or thrice, then disappearing — and their swiftness, 

 make tliem very difficult to capture. The results of several attempts to catcli them 

 were as follows: from the ship one was shot with a bomb-gun, which did its work 

 so effectually, that although the boat was in readiness for instant lowering, before 

 it got within darting distance the animal, in its dying contortions, ran foul of the 

 ship, giving her a shock tliat was very sensibly felt by all on board, and likewise 

 a momentary licel of aljout two streaks. We had a good view of the under- side 

 of the whale as it made several successive rolls l)efore disappearing, and our obser- 

 vations agreed with those noted on board the Sarah Warren in relation to color 

 and the creases on throat and breast. The under -side of the fins was white also. 

 At another time the whale died about ten fathoms under water, and after carefull}' 

 hauling it up in sight, the "iron drawed, and away the dead animal went to the 

 depths beneath." Frequently we have "lowered" for single ones that were playing 

 about the ship, but by the time the boats were in the water nothing more would 

 be seen of them, or, if seen, they would be a long way off, and then disappear. 



An instance occurred in I\lonterey Bay, in 1865, of five being captured under 



