"For not only do fabulous rumors naturally grow out of the very body of all surprising terrible events,- as the smitten tree gives birth to its fungi; but, in maritime life, far more than in that of terra firma, wild rumors abound, wherever there is any adequate reality for them to cling to."
Musing: Ishmael gives us some insight into the history of the white whale. As much as I love the stories, I love the language in this chapter. There is also a warning here that although the while whale is certainly a living creature, the 'rumors' might be as wild as the sea itself.