Image originally from Suggestions to the keepers of the U.S. life-saving stations, light-houses, and light-ships; and to other observers, relative to the best means of collecting and preserving specimens of whales and porpoises. By Frederick W. True.
It seems like the whales hover courtesy of the Smithsonial Libraries Tumblr, which seems very likely to be an unofficial outlet unaffiliated with the actual libraries of the Smithsonian Institutes. Though nowadays, who can tell?
I usually try to avoid images of unclear provenance, but a/ the original original source is noted, and b/ this is too good to pass up. Hover whales! A creative use of gif animation. Show us more, Smithsonian Libraries, whoever you are.
[via Museum Nerd]