WHALE-FISHERY. 205 



variably made its next appearance in a quarter 

 where no boats were near. 



The most general course of the whale being to 

 windward, it soon withdrew all the boats many 

 miles from the ship, notwithstanding our utmost 

 efforts, under a press of sail to keep near them. 



After six or seven hours pursuit without success, 

 the sky became overcast, and we were suddenly en- 

 veloped for some time in the obscurity of a thick 

 fog. In this interval the boats were all moored to 

 the fast-boat, the men being fearful of being dis- 

 persed; but on the disappearing of the fog, the pur- 

 suit was recommenced with renewed vigour. Still 

 the harpooners were not able to succeed. They 

 were now convinced of the necessity of using every 

 measure to retard the flight of the fish. For this 

 purpose they slacked out nine lines, a weight in 

 air of llcwt., while the crew of the fast-boat en- 

 deavoured farther to retard its progress, by holding 

 their oars firmly in the water, as if in the act of 

 backing the boat astern. But this plan did not suc- 

 ceed. They then lashed two or three boats with 

 their sides to the stern of the fast-boat, and these 

 were dragged broadside first, with little diminished 

 velocity for some time. But the fish at length feel- 

 ing the impediment, suddenly changed its course, 

 and again disappointed the people in two of the 

 boats which had got extremely near it. 



Several times the harpooners seized their wea- 

 pons and were on the point of launching them at 



