BOOK III. (_Duodecimo_), CHAPTER 1. (_Huzza Porpoise_).—This is the

common porpoise found almost all over the globe. The name is of my own

bestowal; for there are more than one sort of porpoises, and something

must be done to distinguish them. I call him thus, because he always

swims in hilarious shoals, which upon the broad sea keep tossing

themselves to heaven like caps in a Fourth-of-July crowd. Their

appearance is generally hailed with delight by the mariner. Full of

fine spirits, they invariably come from the breezy billows to windward.

They are the lads that always live before the wind. They are accounted

a lucky omen. If you yourself can withstand three cheers at beholding

these vivacious fish, then heaven help ye; the spirit of godly

gamesomeness is not in ye. A well-fed, plump Huzza Porpoise will yield

you one good gallon of good oil. But the fine and delicate fluid

extracted from his jaws is exceedingly valuable. It is in request among

jewellers and watchmakers. Sailors put it on their hones. Porpoise meat

is good eating, you know. It may never have occurred to you that a

porpoise spouts. Indeed, his spout is so small that it is not very

readily discernible. But the next time you have a chance, watch him;

and you will then see the great Sperm whale himself in miniature.