148 LECTURE IV. 



the blubber of all the rest of the Whale tribe, 

 and even in the oil of the generality of marine 

 animals. 



Another remarkable production of this and 

 other species of the Physeter tribe, is known by 

 the name of Ambergris, and has long continued 

 its reputation as an agreeable perfume. Am- 

 bergris is an opake whitish, greyish, or yellowish 

 substance, so light as to swim, not only in water, 

 but even in spirit of wine. Its real origin was 

 formerly much disputed, but it is now ascertained 

 to be a product from the Whales of this tribe,, 

 arud it will perhaps excite some surprise in those 

 who may not be informed of its real nature, to be 

 told that it is no other than part of the natural con- 

 tents of the animals' intestines, hardened by the 

 effect of some disease, into a compact or unusually 

 solid state. An idea has been entertained, and 

 perhaps it is not an improbable one, that Am- 

 bergris owes its odour to the flesh of a particular 

 species of Cuttle Fish, which has naturally a 

 musky smell, and on which these Whales are 

 known particularly to feed.* In the larger pieces 



* Sepia moschata. Bosc. Sennini's BufFon, Mollusque. tom. 

 S. p. 80. pi. 34. 



