THE DOLPHINS. 91 



the island of Santa Barbara, in animated pursuit of their prey. Only four of the 

 short -finned Killers were in the band. It was a windy day, and a heavy surf 

 beat high and spitefully against the rugged points and bluffs, which seemed to 

 arouse both aquatic beast and bird into most unusual activity, for the gulls and 

 eagles hovered and swooped above, watching to snatch any morsel that might 

 drop from the murderous jaws of the pursuing Killers, who were making the circuit 

 of the island, apparently intent on surprising any unwary seal that might be play- 

 ing in the surge ; and upon meeting with one they would instantly dive after it, 

 or bound over the projecting rocky points in hot chase, as the surf swept over 

 them ; but as soon as they discovered our boat, they dashed their flukes in the 

 air, and made off for the open sea. Even the largest male sea -lions endeavor to 

 avoid the Orcas ; for whenever the latter are about the rocks and islets, those 

 howling monsters seek a safe retreat on shore. 



That the Orca is possessed of great swiftness is undeniable, when we realize 

 the fact that the numerous species of Dolphins are overtaken by them and literally 

 swallowed alive. Eschricht, in his interesting memoir on The Northern Species of 

 Orca, states that it had been known to swallow four porpoises in succession, and 

 that thirteen of these animals, together with fourteen seals, had been found in the 

 maw of one of these greedy creatures, which measured only sixteen feet in length. 

 The fierce character of the Orca, and the nature of its food, necessarily bring its 

 haunts at or near the coast ; and tlie sounds and bays, which teem with every 

 variety of" marine animal life, are much more frequently its feeding-grounds than 

 the periodical abodes of the bala3nas, which are fartlier out in the ocean. The vast 

 net -work of inland waters on the western coasts of British Columbia and Alaska 

 is a favorite resort for the Orcas throughout the year. In the fishing season we 

 have met with them in the vicinity of the Xass River, exhil^iting their variously 

 figured dorsals and colored marks, as they made their gambols or shot out upon the 

 surface in the chase. During the early spring months the oidacon literally choke 

 the mouth of the Nass, and here the seals and porpoises congregate to fill them- 

 selves to repletion from the myriads of those minnows ; and, in turn, in obedience 

 to the laws of nature, the Orcas are found here, pursuing and devouring the ene- 

 mies of the ''small fish."* They will sometimes be seen peering above the surface 

 with a seal in their bristling jaws, shaking and crushing their victims, and 

 swallowing them apparently with great gusto ; or, should no other game present 

 itself, porpoises and salmon may fill their empty maws, or a Humpback or Finback 

 whale may furnish them an ample repast. 



* ' ' Small fieli " is the common name for oidacon. 



