98 MABINE 3IA3IMALS OF THE NOBTII-WES TEBN COAST. 



SECTION V. -THE STRIPED OR COMMON PORPOISE. 



Lagenobhtkchu8 obliqctdens, Gill. (Plate six,^fig. 2.) 



This species of the smaller dolphins varies but little in its general proportions 

 from Baird's Dolphin, except in its back fin, which is more falcated and slender, 

 and its snout, which is more blunt. In point of color it is greenish black on the 

 upper surface, lightened on the sides with broad longitudinal stripes of white, gray, 

 and dull black, which in most examples run into each other, but below it is of a 

 pearly or snowy white. The posterior edge of the dorsal fin is tipped with dull 

 white or gray, and sometimes the flukes are marked in the same manner. 



We have observed that this species has a wider range, congregates in larger 

 numbers, and exhibits more activity, than any other of the Dolphin family. They 

 are seen, in numbers varying from a dozen up to many hundreds, tumbling over 

 the sui'face of the sea, or making arching leaps, plunging again on the same curve, 

 or darting high and falling diagonally sidewise upon the water, with a spiteful 

 splash, accompanied b}^ a report that may be heard at some distance. When a 

 brisk breeze is blowing they frequently play about the bow of a ship going at her 

 utmost speed, darting across the cutwater and shooting ahead, or circling around 

 the vessel, ap^^areutly sporting at ease. In calm weather they are sometimes seen 

 in immense shoals, leaping, plunging, lobtailing, and finning — in fact, exhibiting an 

 endless variety of attitudes — and at the same time the whole assemblage moves 

 swiftly in various directions, as if enjoying a general frolic. 



While on a cruise in the U. S. Revenue cutter Wayanda, during the month of 

 October, 1872, we had an opportunity of witnessing, at midnight, the gambols of an 

 immense herd of these active and rapacious animals. The sea was quite smooth, 

 and not a breath of wind was stirring. At first we could hear a harsh rustling 

 sound, as if a heavy squall of wind, accompanied with hail, was sweeping over the 

 otherwise tranquil sea ; and, as the moon burst through the clouded sky, we could 

 see a sheet of foam and spray surging toward us. In a few moments the vessel 

 was surrounded by myriads of these Common Porpoises, which, in their playful 

 movements, for the space of one hour, whitened the sea all .around as far as the 

 eye could discern, when they almost instantly disappeared. 



The Striped Porpoises are often seen in considerable numbers about the large 

 bays and lagoons along this coast, that have no fresh water running into them. 

 They abound more along the coasts where small fish are found than in mid -ocean, 



