THE WHALE. 411 
The basis consists of the crown-bone, from each side of which 
descend those immense jaw-bones which are sometimes pre- 
sented to our wondering eyes, and which the whalers place 
on deck as trophies of their success, and in order that the fine 
oil contained in them ma.j ooze from their lower extremities. 
These jaw-bones are from 16 to 20 feet in length, and extend 
along the mouth in a curved line, till they meet and form a 
species of crescent. The lips, nearly 20 feet long, display, 
when open, a cavity capable of receiving a ship's jolly-boat 
with her crew. The whale has no external ear ; but, when 
the skin is removed, a small aperture is discerned for the ad- 
mission of sound. This sense accordingly is very imperfect : 
yet the animal, by a quick perception of all movements made 
on the Avater, discovers danger at a great distance. The eyes 
are proportionably small, though the sense of seeing is acute : 
more so, however, through clear water than through an aeri- 
al medium. But the most unique feature in the structure of 
this animal consists in the spiracles or blow-holes, placed 
nearly on the crown of the head. These have been compared 
to natural jets d^eau throwing up water to the height of 40 or 
50 feet ; but the more careful scrutiny of Mr. Scoresby ascer- 
tained that they emit only a moist vapor, and are neither more 
nor less than huge nostrils. When, however, this vehement 
breathing or blowing is performed under the surface, a consi- 
derable quantity of water is thrown up into the air. The sound 
thus occasioned is th« only thing like a voice emitted by the 
animal, and, in case of a violent respiration, it resembles the 
discharge of a cannon. 
The tail is the most active limb of this mighty animal, and 
the chief instrument of his motion. It does not rise vertical- 
ly like that of most fishes, being flat and horizontal, only four 
or five feet long, but more than twenty feet broad. It con- 
sists of two beds of muscles connected with an extensive 
layer surrounding the body, and inclosed by a thin cover- 
ing of blubber. Its power is tremendous. A single stroke 
throws a large boat Avith all its crew into the air. Sometimes 
the whale places himself in a perpencVcular position, with the 
head downward, and, rearing his tail on high, beats the wa- 
ter wnth aAvful violence. On these occasions the sea foams, 
and vapors darken the air; the lashing is heard several miles 
off^ like the roar of a distant tempest. Sometimes he makes 
an immense spring, and rears his whole body above the 
waves, to the admiration of the experienced whaler, but to 
the terror of those who see, for the first time, this astonishing 
