THE BOTTLE-NOSED WHALE 
It is abundant in the waters on both the western and eastern sides of 
Greenland, from thence across to Spitzbergen, Iceland, and the British 
Islands, where it has often been found cast on our coasts. 
The food is said to consist chiefly of cuttlefish. Captain D. Gray, 
in his account of this species referred to above, describes its food as 
" a bluish white cuttlefish, six inches long by three inches in circumference, 
and pointed towards the tail." 
On account of the value of its oil and spermaceti, the Bottle-nose has 
been much hunted, though it appears to be one of the most dangerous 
of whales to harpoon from a boat, because of the sudden downward rush 
which the animal makes when struck, and unless great attention is given 
to the line, men are liable to get entangled and swept overboard. Many 
accidents have happened in this way. There is also the danger of the 
whole boat and its crew being dragged under should any hitch occur 
and the line not instantly cut. 
The Bottle-nose is sociable in its habits, moving about in small parties 
or ' schools.' 
According to Captain D. Gray's above mentioned account, " They 
are very unsuspicious, coming close alongside the ship, round about 
underneath the boats, until their curiosity is satisfied. . . . They can leap 
many feet out of the water, even having time while in the air to turn 
round their heads and look about them, taking the water head first, 
and not falling into it sideways like the larger whales." 
75 
