160 WHALE-FISHERY. 



It is well calculated to facilitate the capture of whales 

 under particular circumstances, particularly in calm 

 clear weather, when the fish are apt to take the 

 alarm, whenever the boats approach within fifteen 

 or twenty yards of them. The harpoon-gun was 

 invented in the year 17^1, and used, it seems, by 

 some individuals with success. Being, however, 

 difficult, and somewhat dangerous in its application, 

 it was laid aside for many years. It has, however, 

 subsequently been highly improved, and rendered 

 capable of throwing a harpoon near forty yards with 

 effect; yet, on account of the difficulty and address 

 requisite in the management of it, and loss of fish, 

 which, in unskilful hands it has been the means of 

 occasioning, together with some accidents which 

 have resulted from its use, — it has not been so gene- 

 rally adopted as might have been expected. 



In its present improved form, the harpoon-gun 

 consists of a kind of swivel, having a barrel of 

 wrought iron, 24 to 26 inches in length, of 3 inches 

 exterior diameter, and 1-J inches bore. It is furnish- 

 ed with two locks, which act simultaneously, for 

 the purpose of diminishing the liability of the gun 

 missing fire. Fig. 1. is a representation of the 

 harpoon-gun; and fig. 2. and 3. show the form 

 of the harpoon which is fired from it. The shank 

 of this harpoon is double, terminating in a cy- 

 lindrical knob, fitting the bore of the gun. Be- 

 tween the two parts of the shank is a wire ring, to 

 which is attached the line. Now, when the har- 

 poon is introduced into the barrel of the gun, the 



