TI1K WHALE KISIIKIIV. 289 



The crews are always willing workers at such times, more especially it' they have a good fare. 

 "(Jetting home," an old whaleman tells me, "if a man has a home, from one of these voyages is 

 the only real pleasant thing about the whole trip. The days of arrival have been the happiest I 

 have ever seen.''* 



WETTING THE HOLD. During the voyage it is important that the oil casks be kept wet in 

 order that the hoops may tit tightly and remain intact to prevent leakage of oil. To this end the 

 hose is brought to the hatches about three times a week and a copious supply of water is run down 

 into the hold and deluges the casks. Sometimes in low latitudes the hatches are removed aud 

 water thrown down. The casks are also wet as soon as the hold has been stowed. 



THE ARRIVAL HOME. The return of a vessel is a signal for an animated scene upon the streets 

 and docks of New Bedford. Perhaps a revenue cutter or some coasting vessel may sight, the 

 returning whaler off Block Island and convey the news directly or indirectly to New Bedford, or 

 the vessel may bear down upon Clark's Point, particularly at night, before any one at her home 

 port is aware of her proximity to the coast. The custom-house officials, who are always on the <//// 

 vire for arrivals, usually ascend the cupola of the building when an arrival is reported, aud with 

 marine glasses endeavor to recognize an old acquaintance in the vessel, whose identity can be 

 established by certain peculiarities, which, to trained and familiar eyes, characterize every ship. 

 The name of the vessel being known, her agent, or owners, immediately hire a tug and steam out to 

 meet her, to hasten her arrival to the dock whence she sailed. Meantime the " sharks" an immense 

 school of them which now consist of infitters, boarding masters, and cartmen, are among the most 



* The following sailors' chanty for heaving at windlass has been forwarded by Capt. Amos C. Baker, Clark's Poiut 



Light. Massachusetts : 



I thought I heard our captain say : 



Good by, fare you well ; good by, tare you well ; 

 That to-morrow is our sailing day ; 



Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound. 



We're homeward bound to New Bedford Town ; 



Gooil liy, fare you well; good by, fare you well; 

 When we get there we will walk around; 



Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound. 



Heave away, my boys, heave away; 



Good by, fare you well ; good by, fare you well ; 

 To-morrow is our sailing day ; 



Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound. 



And now our ship is full, my boys ; 



Good by, fare you well ; good by, fare you well ; 

 We'll think of home and all its joys; 



Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound. 



With a flowing sheet we're homeward bound; 



Good by, fare you well ; good by, tare you well ; 

 When we get there we can stand around ; 



Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound. 



Its when you see those New Bedford girl.s; 



Good by, fare you well : good by, fan; you well ; 

 Witli their bright blue eyes aud (lowing cm Is: 



Hun-all, my boys, we're homeward bound. 



When \\e are paid nil', we'll have a gond lime; 



Good by, tare you well ; good by, faro you well ; 

 The sparking of girls and the drinking of wine; 



Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound. 



We'll spend our money free when we're on shore: 



flood by, tare you well; good by, fare, you well ; 

 And when its all gone we'll to sea for more; 



Hurrah, niv boys, we're homeward bound. 



SEC. v, VOL. n ir> 



