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The Natural Hiſtory
Belly. The thickeſt and ſtrongeſt Sinews are in the Tail, which ſerves him for a Rudder, as his Fins do for Oars, wherewith he ſwims with an aſtoniſhing Swiftneſs, proportioned to his Bulk, leaving a Track in the Sea, like a great Ship; and this is called his Wake, by which he is often followed.
They are very ſhy.These Sea-Monsters are as ſhy and timorous as they are huge and bulky; for as ſoon as they hear a Boat rowing, and perceive any Body's Approach, they immediately ſhoot under Water and plunge into the Deep; but when they find themſelves in Danger, then they ſhew their great and ſurpriſing Strength; for then they break to Pieces whatever comes in their Way; and if they ſhould hit a Boat, they would beat it in a thouſand Pieces. According to the Relation of the Whale-Catchers, the Whale being ſtruck, will run away with the Line ſome Hundreds of Fathoms long, faſter than a Ship under full Sail. Now one would think, that ſuch a vaſt Body ſhould needmany
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