Page:A description of Greenland.djvu/106

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
70
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 need

many

1