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,"

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," Stock Photo
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Contributor:

The Print Collector  / Alamy Stock Photo

Image ID:

2R4DJ9B

File size:

14.6 MB (1.3 MB Compressed download)

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Dimensions:

2516 x 2026 px | 21.3 x 17.2 cm | 8.4 x 6.8 inches | 300dpi

Photographer:

The Print Collector

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This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.

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.