During the summer months, tourists and Washingtonians alike flock to the San Juan Islands to enjoy the sights and activities, including a possible a glimpse of whales.

Pods of orca, gray, and humpback whales frequent the waters around the scenic islands. They can often be seen on boat tours, ferry rides, and from island vantage points like Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island.

This month, your Washington State Library dips into its treasure trove to present a literary gem about Washington’s iconic marine mammals: The Marine Mammals of the North-western Coast of North America, by Charles Melville Scammon, circa 1874. This is the third of three “jewels” featured in recent days.  Blog readers will soon have an opportunity to pick their favorite.

Charles Scammon, like many Americans, ventured west during the Gold Rush of 1849. When he arrived, he didn’t pursue riches on land like the prospectors, but instead pursued it by sea. Befitting his middle name, Melville, Scammon led whaling ships off the California and Baja coast throughout the 1860’s and 70’s in pursuit of gray whales. Although he participated in whale hunts, he held a reverence for his quarry that is reflected in his journals.

Scammon condensed his journals into a book, which was one of the most complete guides to Pacific marine mammals available. It is replete with detailed illustrations, scientific observations, and information on the whaling industry. Scammon’s book gives us wonderful descriptions of marine life still found today and also offers a reminder of the impacts humans can have on nature.