196 WHALE-FISHERY. 



are so thick, that objects can not be distinguished 

 at the distance of 100 or 150 yards, and frequently 

 continue for several days without attenuation. To 

 iish with safety and success, during a thick fog, is, 

 therefore, a matter of difficulty, and of still greater 

 uncertainty. When it happens that a fish conducts 

 itself favourably, that is, descends almost perpen- 

 dicularly, and on its return to the surface remains 

 nearly stationary, or moves round in a small circle, 

 the capture is usually accomplished without hazard 

 or particular difficulty; but when, on the contrary, 

 it proceeds with any considerable velocity in a 

 horizontal direction, or obliquely downwards, it 

 soon drags the boats out of sight of the ship, and 

 shortly so confounds the fishers in the intensity of 

 the mist, that they lose all traces of the situation 

 of their vessel. If the fish, in its flight, draws them 

 beyond the reach of the sound of a bell, or a horn, 

 their personal safety becomes endangered; and if 

 they are removed beyond the sound of a cannon, 

 their situation becomes extremely hazardous, espe- 

 cially if no other ships happen to be in the imme- 

 diate vicinity. Meanwhile, whatever may be their 

 imaginary or real danger, the mind of their com- 

 mander must be kept in the most anxious suspense 

 until they are found; and whether they may be in 

 safety, or near perishing with fatigue, hunger and 

 cold, so long as he is uncertain, his anxiety must be 

 the same. Hence it is, that feelings excited by un- 

 certainty are frequently more violent and distress- 



