PASSAGE TO SPITZBErtGEX. S05 



mast, from whence the prospect on every side is 

 unimpeded. On the after side is a seat, with a 

 place beneath for a flag. In other parts are recep- 

 tacles for a speaking trumpet, telescope, and occa- 

 sionally for a rijie piece *, with utensils for loading. 

 For the more effectual shelter of the observer, when 

 -in an erect posture, a moveable screen is applied to 

 the top on the windward side, which increases the 

 height so much as effectually to shield his head. 

 When the ship is tacked, nothing more is necessary 

 for retaining the complete shelter, than shifting 

 the screen to the opposite side, which is done in an 

 instant. 



The Greenland ships usuiiliy leave Shetland to- 

 wards the end of March or the beginning of April. 

 From thence, if their view be to avail themselves 

 of the benefit of the seal-fishery, they steer to the 

 northward on the meridian, or a little to the west- 

 ward, and commonly make the ice in the latitude 

 of 70° to 72" north. But if the month of April 

 be much advanced before they leave Shetland, they 



* The rifle has been occasionally used for shooting nar- 

 •whales : when fired at from the deck, it is almost impossible 

 to kill them, partly on account of the resistance of the water, 

 which tlie ball must pass through, and partly on account of 

 the deception in their position, produced by the refractive pro- 

 perty of the water. Shooting from tlie mast head nearly per- 

 pendicularly doAvnwards, in a great measure obviates both tliese 

 inconveniences. 



