*
*Though all comparison in the way of general bulk between the whale
and the elephant is preposterous, inasmuch as in that particular
the elephant stands in much the same respect to the whale that
a dog does to the elephant; nevertheless, there are not wanting
some points of curious similitude; among these is the spout.
It is well known that the elephant will often draw up water or dust
in his trunk, and then elevating it, jet it forth in a stream.
The more I consider this mighty tail, the more do I deplore my inability
to express it. At times there are gestures in it, which, though they
would well grace the hand of man, remain wholly inexplicable.
In an extensive herd, so remarkable, occasionally, are these
mystic gestures, that I have heard hunters who have declared them akin
to Free-Mason signs and symbols; that the whale, indeed, by these
methods intelligently conversed with the world. Nor are there wanting
other motions of the whale in his general body, full of strangeness,
and unaccountable to his most experienced assailant. Dissect him
how I may, then, I but go skin deep. I know him not, and never will.
But if I know not even the tail of this whale, how understand his
head? much more, how comprehend his face, when face he has none?
Thou shalt see my back parts, my tail, he seems to say, but my face
shall not be seen.
Pages:
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620