GftAMPUS. 411 
It is found in the Mediterranean sea,, as well as in 
both the northern and southern oceans. 
This animal is a decided enemy to the whales ; 
great flocks of them attack the largest of these, 
fastening round them like so many bull dogs, 
making them roar out with pain, and frequently 
killing and devouring them. 
From their vast agility they are not often caught. 
They seldom remain a moment above water ; but 
their eager pursuits sometimes throw them off* their 
guard, and allure them into the shallow waters. 
In this case the hungty animal continues to flounder 
about, till either knocked on the head by those 
who happen to observe it, or till the tide comes 
seasonably to its "relief. In one of the poems of 
Waller, a story (founded in fact) is recorded, of 
the parental affection of these animals. A grampus 
and her cub had got into an atm of the sea, where, 
by the desertion of the tide, they were inclosed on 
every side. The men on shore saw their situation, 
and ran down upon them with such weapons as 
they could at the moment collect. The poor ani- 
mals were soon wounded in several places, so that 
all the immediately surrounding water was stained 
with their blood. They made many efforts to escape, 
and the old one, by superior strength, forced itself 
over the shallow into a deep of the ocean. But, 
though in safety herself, she would not leave her 
young one’ in the hands of assassins. She 3 there- 
fore, again rushed in ; and seemed resolved, since 
she could not prevent, at least to share the fate of 
her offspring. The story concludes with poetical 
justice ; for the tide coming in, conveyed them 
both off in triumph* 
