188 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
THE PORPOISE. 
25. The Porpoise in its general form resembles 
the dolphin. It measures six or seven feet in length ; 
its body is thick towards the head, but grows slen- 
der towards the tail, forming the figure of a cone. 
The head has a great resemblance to that of the 
hog. In each jaw are forty-eight teeth, so placed 
as to interlock. The eyes are small ; the colour of 
the back is black, and of the belly whitish. 
26. Porpoises are very numerous on the coasts of 
the United States, where they may be seen at all 
times sporting in the water. Seamen have a super- 
stitious detestation of them, because they believe 
their appearance to be ominous of approaching 
storms. 
27. One of these fish will yield about a hogshead 
of oil, and this renders its capture an object of con- 
sideration. But they are so shy, and st> dexterous in 
escaping, that it is very difficult to take them. 
Describe the Porpoise. Where are Porpoises numerous? What 
do seamen think of them ? 
