78 THE MAMMALS, REPTILES, AND FISHES OF ESSEX.
Order CETACEA.
Sub-order MYSTACOCETI.
Family BALAENOPTERIDAE.
Genus Balanoptera, Lacepede.
Balaenoptera musculus, Linn. Rorqual.
This whale, one of the largest animals extant, has several
times occurred on our coast.
One was taken in the Thames in May, 1859 (Bell's Brit.
Quad., 2nd ed., p. 400).
The capture of a "finner whale" at Grays was previously
noted (Zoologist, 1849, p. 2620) ; and, judging from the dimen-
sions given (viz., length 5 8 feet, girth 30 feet), it was probably
an example of this species. Whatever question there may
be as to identification in this case, there can be none with
reference to that captured at Burnham on February 12th, 1891.
This very interesting specimen is fully described by Mr.
Walter Crouch (Essex Nat., vol. v., p. 124), who gives a table
of twenty-two different measurements of its huge bulk. It
was remarkable in showing a considerable surface about the
jaws which was perfectly white. In other portions of the
body also, the same colour was unusually developed. The
article is further illustrated by Mr. Crouch with a drawing
by himself of the Whale, which drawing is herein reproduced.
Mr. E. A. Fitch records (Essex Nat., vol. v., p. 134) the
appearance of another specimen in the Crouch a few weeks
later, in April, 1891. From the description and estimated
size, this was probably of the same species.
Balaenoptera borealis (laticeps), F. E. Gray. Rudolphi's
Rorqual.
This Whale, which is rare on the British coasts, has been
four times captured in Essex waters within the last few years.