2-969-917 - /Heritage Images

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.