Thus it would seem that the great Author of nature had given them these advantages, as they multiply but little, in order that the species may be preserved.

It is true, however, that they have no external ear, and the opening leading to the internal is almost imperceptible; but were this otherwise, it might probably embarrass them in their natural element: but when the delicate external scarf-skin is removed, a black spot is discovered behind the eye, beneath which is the canal leading to the organ of hearing.

In short, the whale hears the smallest sounds under water ; but above it.

Captain Scoresby considers these animals extremely dull of hearing : for a noise in the air, such as is produced by a person loudly shouting, is not noticed when only at the distance of a ships length ; but a very slight splashing in calm water excites its attention, and occasions great alarm.

The sailors frequently preserve the internal organ of hearing ; the bone composing it is extremely dense, and capable of the highest polish : it is contained, according to M Dubar, in two bones totally un- connected with the skull, or any of the envelopements of the brain ; it is irregular, being united to it by means of firm ligaments.