PHVSIOI.OGY OF WHALES. 157 
closely allied, in its anatomical structure, to the 
class of quadrupeds, affords, in the modifications 
of the parts and principles of land animals, for 
applying them to a tribe inhabiting the sea, a 
great number of those striking displays of wisdom 
and power, the very contemplation of which, is 
calculated to elevate, in no inconsiderable degree, 
our conceptions of the Great Supreme. The 
mysticetus feeds on the smallest insects;—its ca¬ 
pacious mouth, with the two vast fringes of whale¬ 
bone, which is a most admirable filter, enables it 
to receive some tuns of water at a mouthful, and 
to separate every substance from it, of the size of 
a pin’s head, and upwards. The physalis feeds 
on herrings, mackrel, and other fishes of a similar 
kind ;—its whalebone, therefore, is shorter, strong¬ 
er, and less compact than that of the mysticetus, 
and the filter formed by it less perfect. 
As the whale must rise to the surface of the 
sea to breathe, its tail is placed horizontally, to 
enable it to ascend and descend more quickly; and 
its nostrils or blowholes, instead of being placed at 
the snout, are generally on the most elevated part 
of the head, that they may he readily lifted clear 
of the water. 
When the whale descends to the depths of the 
ocean, it becomes exposed to an enormous pres¬ 
sure from the superincumbent water. This pres¬ 
sure is sufficient to force the water through the 
