Introduction

The whales of the present day superior in magnitude to those whose fossil remains are found in the tertiary system, embracing a distinct geological period prior to man. Of all the preadamite whales yet exhumed, by far, the largest is the alabama one mentioned in the last chapter. And i have heard on whaleman's authority that sperm whales have been captured a hundred feet long at the time of capture. But may it not be that since adam's time they have degenerated assuredly? We must conclude. Does the whale's magnitude diminish? Will he perish?