158 WHALE-FISHERY. 



the present improved harpoon, measure about eight 

 inches in length and six in breadth; the shank is 

 eighteen inches to two feet in length, and four-tenths 

 of an inch in diameter, and the socket, which is 

 hollow, swells from the size of the shank to near 

 two inches diameter, and is about six inches in 

 length. Now, when the harpoon is forced by a 

 blow into the fat of the whale, and the line is 

 held tight, the principal withers seize the strong 

 ligamentous fibres of the blubber, and prevent 

 it from being withdrawn; and in the event of its 

 being pulled out, so far as to remain entangled 

 by one wither only, which is frequently the case, 

 then the little reverse barb, or " stop wither," as it is 

 called, collecting a number of the same reticulated 

 sinewy fibres, which are very numerous near the 

 skin, prevents the harpoon from being shaken out 

 by the ordinary motions of the whale. The point 

 and exterior edges of the barbs of the harpoon, are 

 sharpened to a rough edge, by means of a file. This 

 part of the harpoon is not formed of steel, as it is 

 frequently represented, but of common soft iron; so 

 that when blunted, it can be readily sharpened by a 

 file, or even by scraping it with a knife. The most 

 important part in the construction of this instrument, 

 is the shank. As this part is liable to be forcibly 

 and sudddenly extended, twisted and bent, it re- 

 quires to be made of the softest aud most pliable 

 iron. That kind which is of the most approved 

 tenacity, is made of old horse-shoe nails or stubs, 

 which are formed into small rods, and two or three 



