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Pike-Headed Rorqual Whale taken in the Dart, 1856. Creator: Unknown
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Pike-Headed Rorqual Whale taken in the Dart, 1856. Creator: Unknown
Pike-Headed Rorqual Whale taken in the Dart, 1856....a fine specimen...discovered [on the north shore of Millbay creek, nearly opposite the Castle in the Wood, at Dartmouth] by a cottager...It was nearly dry when found, and the cottager thought that it he left it alone it would soon die for want of water; but, on visiting it again at four p.m. it was as lively as ever, and trying to stab it with a knife he made no impression on it, when he cut it with a bill-hook over the back of the neck, soon dividing the large vessels, which bled profusely. The creature got in to its "flurry, " drove the mud up a tremendous height by the blows of its tail, and death soon put an end to its struggle. The man took it for a shark, and thinking it was of no value sold it for a few shillings. After being exhibited at Dartmouth it was removed to Totnes, with the intention of being taken to Exeter and Bristol for a similar purpose'. From "Illustrated London News", 1856
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photograph from 1856, a Pike-Headed Rorqual Whale lies stranded on the shores of the Dart, a body of water in Devon, England. The exact creator of this image remains unknown, but the scene is vividly described in an article from the Illustrated London News, published that same year. The Rorqual Whale, with its distinctive pike-like head and long, tubular body, was a rare sight for the residents of Dartmouth. This particular specimen was discovered on the north shore of Millbay creek, near the Castle in the Wood, by a local cottager. Believing it to be a shark, the man was initially unimpressed by his discovery. However, upon closer inspection, he realized the true nature of the creature. Despite his initial intentions, the cottager soon found that the whale was not dying from lack of water as he had assumed. In fact, it was still lively, and when he attempted to harm it with a knife, he made no impression. In frustration, he resorted to using a bill-hook, which soon proved effective in dividing the large vessels in its neck. The whale reacted with a powerful display of strength, driving mud up to great heights with its tail blows. Tragically, the whale's struggle came to an end shortly thereafter. The man sold the carcass for a few shillings, and it was eventually transported to Totnes with the intention of being displayed in Exeter and Bristol. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the awe and curiosity that surrounded such encounters with the natural world in the 19th century.
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