102 



PROCEEMNGS OF THE 



[Sept., 1885. 



Fig. I. 



BLACK. OR BISCAY WHALE. 



in each species is represented in the plates. Figure 1 represents the Black or 

 Biscay Whale, Figure 2, the Greenland Whale, and Figure 3, the Antarctic 

 Whale. 



Fig. 2. GEEENLAND WHALE. 



It is a curious coincidence that the middle North Atlantic whale should have 

 been hunted by the early mariners of both America and Europe, and it was 

 through the skill and hardihood developed by its pursuit that certain of the sea- 

 faring poi^ulations of both continents became renowned for their whaling voy- 

 ages. We have already seen how every ocean of the globe became the hunting 

 ground of the New England whalers, after having almost exterminated the 

 coast whale. They were preceeded in this industry however by the seafaring 

 population of Biscay in Spain, who had become so skilled as harpooners that 



