Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 2 (1878).djvu/37

Rh its side on the waggon under a tent. Its great weight—said to have been five tons—was shown by the depth to which the wheels of the waggon had sunk in the ground. The under part of the body was exposed to view, and the two remarkable diverging furrows in the throat which are characteristic of the species were plainly shown.

This whale is also known as the "Two-toothed Whale," the name Delphinus bidentatus having been given to it by Hunter, from its having two teeth in the extremity of the lower jaw. This title has, however, led to much confusion in the identification of this species, because these two teeth are permanently concealed by the gum, and only become apparent when that is removed. Hence the discrepancies which exist between descriptions from skeletons and from examples in the flesh.

The specimen in question having been exhibited at Bangor until decomposition had become conspicuous, was taken back to Penmon, and placed upon the shore there. The quarrymen who captured it, after having removed the blubber, which produced about 1500 lbs. of oil, dragged the carcase lower down the beach, thinking that the action of the water would clean the skeleton. There it was allowed to lie, and as its position was beyond low-water mark of any but low spring tides, Dr. Owen was for a long time unable to examine it. But on ray directing his attention to the interest attaching to the two rudimentary teeth, he succeeded in obtaining possession of the lower jaw, which was exactly four feet in length. He was at first inclined to think that the teeth mentioned did not exist, but having cleared away the gum from his specimen he came upon the two teeth, which were near the point of the rostrum, and were as sharp as needles and as pointed. Until he had removed the whole of the gum with boiling water they were quite invisible. They were carefully preserved in sitû, and not removed from their sockets.

The statement made to Dr. Owen, that two or three other whales were in company with the female specimen killed, is interesting. As this is not a gregarious whale, her companions were probably a male and a young one. I am informed that a small whale was cast ashore at Carnarvon a few days afterwards, but I have been unable to obtain any particulars concerning it.