68 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST. 



yet been discovered north of the equator, in the Pacific, where the north-western 

 Eight Whales go to calve ; and, as before mentioned, nothing is definitely known 

 of their Avinter resort. The last seen of them in high latitudes, by whalemen, is 

 on their return from the Arctic Ocean, when they are found in the vicinity of St. 

 Paul's Island, Behring Sea, in the month of October, and these are usually very 

 large. In view of all the facts we have been able to gather, there is little doubt 

 that these gigantic animals, although of another group, have the same constitutional 

 habits as the Sperm Whales, of bringing forth their young at any time or place 

 that nature may require, without resorting to sheltered inland retreats. In the 

 Okhotsk Sea, the Right Whale is found toward the northern borders in the early 

 part of the season ; later, the ships cruise in the southern quarter, about the 

 Kurile Islands. 



We find the habits of these animals, when roaming over the ocean, full of 

 interest. They are often met with singly in their wanderings ; at other times in 

 pairs, or triplets, and scattered over the surface of the water as far as the eye can 

 discern from the mast-head. Toward the last of the season they are seen in large 

 numbers, crowded together. These herds are called "gams," and they are regarded 

 by experienced whalemen as an indication that the whales will soon leave the 

 ground. Their manner of respiration is to blow seven to nine times at a "rising," 

 then "turning flukes" (elevating them six or eiglit feet out of the water), they go 

 down and remain twelve or fifteen minutes. It is remarked, however, since these 

 whales have been so generally pursued, that their action in this respect has some- 

 what changed. AVhen frightened by the approach of a boat, they have a trick of 

 hollowing the back, which causes the blubber to become slack, thus preventing the 

 harpoon from penetrating. Many whales have been "missed," owing to the boat- 

 steerer darting at this portion of the body. Having been chased every successive 

 season for years, these animals have become very wild and difficult to get near to, 

 especially in calm weather. The manner of propelling the boat at such times is by 

 paddling, and when there is a breeze, by sailing, if practicable, using the oars only 

 when it is not possible to use sails or paddles. Sometimes, during the first of the 

 season, the animals are very wild and shy, and for days in succession the boats 

 may be in hot pursuit without success. 



Among right -whalemen there is a difference of opinion about "going on to a 

 whale,"* whether it is best to get out of or into its wake, to avoid "gallying" it. 

 As regards safety, some prefer to have a good breeze; then, setting all practicable 



*" Going on to a whale" is a whaleman's term for getting near enough to dart the harpoon. 



