PROCEEDINGS ON FISHING STATIONS. 237 



is generally occupied by the master, or some one of 

 the officers, who, commanding from thence, an ex- 

 tensive prospect of the surrounding sea, keeps an 

 anxious watch for the appearance of a whale. As- 

 sisted by a telescope, he views the operations of any 

 ship which may be in sight at a distance ; and oc- 

 casionally sweeps the horizon with his glass, to ex- 

 tend the limited sphere of vision in which he is 

 able to discriminate a whale with the naked eye, to 

 an area vastly greater. The moment that a fish is 

 seen, he gives notice to the *' watch upon deck," part 

 of whom leap into a boat, arc lowered down, and 

 push off towards the place. If the fish be large, a 

 second boat is immediately dispatched to the support 

 of the other. When the whale again appears, the 

 two boats row towards it with their utmost si^ed ; 

 and though they may be disappointed in all their 

 attempts, they generally continue the pursuit, un- 

 til the fish either takes the alarm, and escapes 

 them, or they arc recalled by signal to the ship. 

 When two or more fish appear at the same time, 

 in different situations, the number of boats sent in 

 pursuit, is commonly increased ; and when the whole 

 of the boats are sent out, the ship is said to have 

 " a loose fall." 



During fine weather, in situations where whales 

 are seen, or where they have recently been seen, or 

 where there is a gi-eat probability of any making 

 their appearance, a boat is generally kept in readi- 



