They swim, dive, rise,
and blow, much like other whales, throwing up their tails when scared, or
when intending to take a deep dive, in the same manner, but exhibiting far
greater quickness in foreseeing and avoiding the approach of enemies. No
satisfactory use has been assigned for the horn that arms the male narwal,
nor should any reason be conjectured for its presence that involves its
possessor's mode of procuring food, since the same necessity would be
unprovided for in the female; yet I have sometimes thought the horn was
employed to dislodge the flat-fish, on which the unicorn feeds, from the
recesses of the bottom, where they would naturally conceal themselves at
the sight of their enemy; and if the narwal seeks its prey in company, as,
from its constant appearance in a shoal, may be concluded, the raking of
the horns amidst the weeds and ooze would be as serviceable to the unarmed
females as to their gallant consorts.
* * * * *
THE GATHERER.
A snapper up of unconsidered trifles.
SHAKSPEARE.
* * * * *
OLD LOVE SONG.
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