52 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF 



Nept. — Where are you going to ? 



A ns. — Greenland. 



Nept. — For what purpose. 



Ans. — To help you to catch whales. 



At each of these answers, the brush being well dip- 

 ped by the barber in the lather (which consisted of a 

 mixture of oil, tar, paint, &c), was thrust into the re- 

 spondent's mouth and over his face ; then the barber's 

 mate scraped his face with a razor, i. e. a piece of iron 

 hoop in the form of that instrument, well notched ; his 

 lacerated face was wiped with a damask towel (a boat- 

 swab, dipped in the most filthy water), and this ended 

 the ceremony with each individual. When completed, 

 the disguises were removed, the fidler struck up some 

 lively tunes, the grog was pushed plentifully about, and 

 dancing continued until most of the crew were full three 

 sheets in the wind, or, in plain language, nearly intoxi- 

 cated.* 



After this digression, I may observe, that formerly it 

 was the custom of the whalers to stay a few weeks at 

 what is denominated the " Seal-fisher's Bight," extending 

 all along the Greenland coast, previous to their pushing 

 in those more northern waters, where, amidst large fields 

 or floes and mountains of ice, the powerful and precious 

 mysticetus is tossing ; but in later times it has become 

 usual to sail at once into that centre of danger and en- 

 terprise. 



Long before the seamen have arrived in the country, 

 or " on fishing ground," all hands are daily at work in 

 making the necessary preparations, so that at the proper 

 time no delay may take place. 



* This account of the " May Day Christening," formed the subject of 

 an article I inserted in Hone's Table Book for 18'27, a volume abounding 

 with much curious and valuable information on local customs and events. 



