XI.—An Account of the Great Finner Whale (Balænoptera Sibbaldii) stranded at Longniddry Part I. The Soft Parts.

Abstract

On the 3d November 1869, a huge Finner whale was stranded on the beach at Gosford Bay, Longniddry, Firth of Forth.Most of the large Fin whales which have been examined by British and Continental anatomists have been found floating dead on the surface of the sea, and have then been towed ashore by their captors. But, from the account which was given in the Edinburgh daily newspapers, it would appear that, for some days previously, this animal had been recognised by the fishermen, swimming to and fro in the Firth. On the morning of the 3d it was seen from the shore, blowing with great violence from its nostrils, flapping its huge tail, and obviously struggling to disengage itself from the rocks and shoals, amidst which an unusually high tide had permitted it to wander. Shots were fired at it, and, from the wounds produced, blood poured forth which tinged the surrounding waves. As the tide receded, the animal was fairly stranded; and, after some vigorous but ineffectual attempts to disengage itself from its position, it slowly died. The animal lay some yards above low-water mark, so that for several hours each day it could be examined, and photographs taken from various points of view.