18 THE IMPORTANCE OF 



which they are not familiarly acquainted, and 



which they would not purchase at all, were it not 



for the character stamped upon them by the laws 



of the State. It is true that the laws have in 



some instances been carelessly enforced, but they 



give a remedy to the injured — it is true also, that 



there have been frequent attempts at vexatious 



and almost farcical legislation on this subject, which 



have been promptly rejected by the Legislature ; 



yet these attempts to interfere to an unnecessary 



extent, with the occupation and business of citizens, 



has sometimes created disgust against the laws, 



and rendered the whole system odious to many. 



The Whale fishery, at the present time, attracts 



unusual attention, both in Europe and America. 



It is a wild and romantic employment. It requires 



patience, perseverance, intrepidity — it is full of 



interest and excitement. We are glad to know 



that the object of the chase affords a rich reward 



to those who fear not a perpetual conflict with the 



elements, and continually grapple with danger 



in pursuing their game. " The congratulation 



and enjoyment resulting from victory, aie scarcely 



to be equalled in any other human pursuit." 



We have noticed the early history of this 



fishery in our previous remarks. It is now 



rapidly increasing. The number of barrels of 



sperm oil which have been imported into the Uni- 



