aT4 WHALE-FISHERY. 



of the mist, that they lose all traces of the situation 

 of their vessel. If the fish, in its flight, draws them 

 beyond the reach of the sound of a bell, or a horn, 

 their personal safety becomes endangered ; and if 

 they are removed beyond the sound of a cannon, 

 their situation becomes extremely hazardous ; espe- 

 cially if no other ships happen to be in the immedi- 

 ate vicinity. Meanwhile, whatever may be their 

 imaginary or real danger, the mind of their com- 

 mander must be kept in the most anxious suspense 

 until they are found ; and whether they may be in 

 safety, or near perishing wdth fatigue, hunger and 

 cold, so long as he is uncertain of their fate, his 

 anxiety must be the same. Hence it is, that feel- 

 ings excited by uncertainty are frequently more vio- 

 lent and distressing than those produced by the ac- 

 tual knowledge of the truth. 



Keen and vigilant observance of the direction 

 pursued by the wlialc, on the part of the persons 

 engaged in the chase, and a corresponding obser- 

 vance of the same by their commander, can be the 

 only means within the power of each party of secu- 

 ring the ship and boats from being widely separa- 

 ted, without knowing what course to pursue for re- 

 uniting them. Much depends on the people em- 

 ployed in the boats using every known means to ar- 

 rest the progress of tlie fish in its flight, by attack- 

 ing it with the most skilful, active and persevering 



