Never Hunted
Notably, the Killer whale has never been targeted by Nantucket whalers. Despite hunting other whale species, whalers have not pursued this animal for its oil or other products.
Unknown Oil
The type and quality of oil produced by the Killer whale remains unknown to the author. No information exists regarding its commercial value or properties.
Indistinct Name
The name “Killer” applied to this whale may be considered indistinct or imprecise. The designation appears overly general rather than specific to this particular species.
Universal Killers
A philosophical observation emerges: all beings are killers on land and at sea. The text includes Bonapartes and sharks in this universal categorization, suggesting the term “killer” applies broadly rather than uniquely to this whale.
BUCH II. (Octavo), CHAPTER V. (Thrasher).—This gentleman is famous
The Thrasher is famous for his tail, which he uses for a ferule in thrashing his foes. He mounts the Folio whale’s back, and as he swims, he works his passage by flogging him—much as some schoolmasters get along in the world by a similar process. Still less is known of the Thrasher than of the Killer. Both are outlaws, even in the lawless seas.
The Thrasher: Folio Whale Flogger
The Thrasher uses his powerful tail as a ferule to thrash his opponents. He rides upon the Folio whale’s back, propelling himself through the water by flogging his mount, paralleling how certain schoolmasters advance in the world through comparable methods. The Thrasher remains as mysterious and outlawed as the Killer, both existing outside the boundaries even of the lawless ocean.
BUCH II. (Octavo) Conclusion and Book III (Duodecimo) Introduction
Thus ends BOOK II. (Octavo), and begins BOOK III. (Duodecimo).
Duodecimoes: Smaller Whale Classification
DUODECIMOES—These include the smaller whales. I. The Huzza Porpoise. II. The Algerine Porpoise. III. The Mealy-mouthed Porpoise.
Huzza Porpoise
The Huzza Porpoise represents the first category of Duodecimoes, the smaller whales classified under this category.
Algerine Porpoise
The Algerine Porpoise constitutes the second type of Duodecimoes, one of the smaller whale classifications.
Mealy-mouthed Porpoise
The Mealy-mouthed Porpoise rounds out the third classification within the Duodecimoes, completing the list of smaller whale types.
Whale Definition for Small Spouting Fish
To those who have not chanced specially to study the subject, it may possibly seem strange that fishes not commonly exceeding four or five feet should be marshalled among WHALES—a word which in the popular sense always conveys an idea of hugeness. However, the creatures categorized above as Duodecimoes are infallibly whales by the terms of the defined whale criteria: a spouting fish with a horizontal tail. This definition encompasses creatures regardless of their modest size, establishing the scientific basis for including smaller species within the whale classification.
BUCH III. (Duodecimo), CHAPTER 1. (Huzza Porpoise).—This is the
The Huzza Porpoise is a common porpoise found almost all over the globe. The name is of the author’s own bestowal, as there is more than one sort of porpoises and something must be done to distinguish them.
Global Distribution
This species of porpoise is commonly found almost all over the globe, making it one of the most widely distributed porpoise varieties.
Huzza Porpoise Naming
The author takes credit for bestowing this particular name, motivated by the need to differentiate among the several species of porpoises that exist.
Species Classification
Among the various porpoise species, the Huzza Porpoise holds its own distinct classification, distinguished by the author from other varieties.
Shoaling Behavior
The Huzza Porpoise always swims in hilarious shoals, which upon the broad sea keep tossing themselves to heaven like caps in a Fourth-of-July crowd. This behavior makes them particularly distinctive and lively.
Mariner’s Delight
Their appearance is generally hailed with delight by mariners, who appreciate the vivacious display of these creatures.
Windward Movement
Full of fine spirits, they invariably come from the breezy billows to windward. The text notes they are the lads that always live before the wind.
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