BRITISH MAMMALS 
usually described, but is always sepia, passing into brownish grey on the 
flanks. There is great individual variation in this species." 
The under parts are chiefly white, the division between the light and 
dark colour on the belly being sharply defined. The underside of the 
flippers is always white. 
The baleen plates are variegated with slaty grey and cream colour. 
The Common Rorqual inhabits the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, having 
much the same distribution as the Blue Whale. It is migratory like the 
others, and in summer frequents the seas of Scandinavia as well as the 
neighbourhood of Iceland, and of Greenland. 
It is by far the most common of the big whales met with in British 
waters, and appears in large numbers north of the She'tlands, where the chief 
captures are made. A good many are also taken about St. Kilda. 
In the Pacific, it is not uncommon at times off the coast of California, 
while southwards near the Antarctic circle, numbers are caught by the 
Norwegian whalers about South Georgia and South Shetland. 
On account of its speed and fighting spirit, this species is looked upon 
by whalers as one of the most dangerous kinds to encounter, especially when 
it is necessary to lance one from a small boat. Whaling vessels have been 
sunk by Finbacks charging and knocking a hole in their sides, so it is not 
surprising that the early whale hunters gave them a wide berth. 
Describing the danger in attacking the large Rorquals, Scoresby says 
[Arctic Regions, vol. i. pp. 480-481) : " I have made different attempts to 
capture one of these formidable creatures. In the year 18 18, I ordered a 
chase of them, providing against the danger of having my crew separated 
from the ship, by appointing a rendezvous on the shore not far distant, and 
preparing against the loss of much line, by dividing it at 200 fathoms from 
the harpoon, and affixing a buoy to the end of it. Thus arranged, one of 
these whales was shot and another struck. The former dived with such 
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