WHALE-FISHERY. 165 



apparent motion, and places his boat accordingly; 

 thus he anticipates the fish in its progress, so that 

 when it rises to the surface, there is probability of 

 its being within the favourable precincts of a start. 



A whale moving forward at a small distance be- 

 neath the surface of the sea, leaves a sure indica- 

 tion of its situation, in what is called an " eddy," 

 having somewhat the resemblance of the " wake," 

 or track of a ship, and in fine calm weather, its 

 change of position is sometimes pointed out by the 

 birds, many of which closely follow it when at the 

 surface, and hover over it when below, whose 

 keener vision can discover it, when it is totally con- 

 cealed from human eyes. By these indications 

 many whales have been taken. 



Whenever a whale lies on the surface of the wa- 

 ter, unconscious of the approach of its enemies, the 

 hardy fisher rows directly upon it; and an instant 

 •before the boat touches it, buries his harpoon in its 

 back. But if, while the boat is yet at a little dis- 

 tance, the whale should indicate his intention of 

 diving, by lifting his head above its common level, 

 and then plunging it under water, and raising his 

 body until it appear like the large segment of a 

 sphere, — the harpoon is thrown from the hand, or 

 fired from a gun, the former of which, when skilfully 

 practised, is efficient at the distance of eight or ten 

 yards, and the latter at the distance of thirty yards, 

 or upward. The wounded whale, in the surprise 

 and agony of the moment, makes a convulsive ef 



