Studies of Tasmanian Cetacea. Part I. (Orca gladiator, Pseudorca crassideus, Globicephalus melas)
As the present paper is the outcome, in the main, of presentations made to scientific societies by one who was intimately connected, with the Tasmanian whaling industry, it has been thought fit to commence with a brief historical review of this interesting period. Also, in view of the fact that this...
| Main Authors: | , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1919
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://eprints.utas.edu.au/15831/ https://eprints.utas.edu.au/15831/1/scott-tas-cetacea-I-1919.pdf |
| Summary: | As the present paper is the outcome, in the main, of presentations made to scientific societies by one who was intimately connected, with the Tasmanian whaling industry, it has been thought fit to commence with a brief historical review of this interesting period. Also, in view of the fact that this paper is intended to serve as an introduction to further studies of the Cetecae which we hope to mutuallv conduct in the future as opportunities present themselves. The chief references in the accounts of the early voyages relate to the pursuit of the "black whale (an unfortunate vernacular name at best). As far as Tasmania is concerned the industry began to assume commercial importance about the year 1818, and at that time it was no uncommon sight to see whale hunts in the Derwent. As the industry increased the whales were driven further afield, but they still continued to visit the coast at stated intervals. The season usually lasted from May, or June, until November, and as the men engaged in this branch of the industry formed small stations at the coastal bays and there awaited the whales, this method of securing the cetaceans became known as "bay whaling”. ' There is one instance recorded of a female whale ascending the River Derwent as far as New Norfolk, 24 miles above Hobart, and being killed there. Students of the Tasmanian Cetacea have for many years been in search of some Tasmanian records relating to the munificent osteological presentations made to several English scientific institutions by the late Dr. W. L. Crowther. Since the year 1902 Mr. Scott has been working on the Tasmanian Cetacea and has been most anxious to obtain Tasmanian records relating to the late Dr. Crowther’s collections for the purpose of investigating the question of the comparative anatomy of certain species. Upon Mr. Lord's appointment as Curator of the Tasmanian Museum a thorough overhaul of the Museum store specimens was made with the result that a series of hitherto undescribed specimens were brought to light. As certain of these were undoubtedly portion of the Crowther collection a thorough investigation was decided upon. Upon this being made a considerable amount of interesting data was obtained, which appeared well worthy of being placed on record, and the following notes are therefore the result of our observations. Includes illustrative plates. |
|---|