The Buoyancy of Whales

Abstract

MR. R. W. GRAY's series of letters make interesting reading to one who has been associated with various attempts to enable men to dive a little deeper than usual. From what has been published, and from other documents Mr. Gray has kindly lent to me, the evidence that whales can dive to 500 fathoms and beyond seems good, while it is certain that, after being harpooned, they can remain submerged for 40 minutes, and much longer in the case of the bottlenosed whale. Since they can exist so long without taking breath at a time when they are exerting their utmost energies to escape, there need be little difficulty in accepting the view that when resting or sleeping (and consequently using oxygen at a slower rate) they can remain under the ice or on the sea bottom for some hours.