UNLUCKY OCCURRENCE. 297 



€(1 1'oiind the head of the main-mast, and its fall 

 or rope is applied to the windlass, drawn tight, and 

 the npper surface of the fish raised several inches 

 above the water. The enormous weight of a whale, 

 prevents the possibility of raising it more than one- 

 fourth or one-fifth part out of the water, except, in- 

 deed, when it has been some days dead, in which 

 case it swells, in consequence of air generated by 

 putrefaction, until one- third of its bulk appears 

 above the surface. The fish then lying belly up- 

 ward, extended and well secured, is ready for com- 

 mencing tlic operation of ficnsing. In this state, 

 a suspension of labour is generally allowed, in which 

 the crew get themselves refreshed with food and a 

 dram, and equip themselves suitably for the ensuing 

 duties. 



An unlucky circumstance once occurred in an in- 

 terval of this kind. At that period of the fishery, 

 (40 or 50 years ago,) when a single stout whale, to- 

 gether with the bounty, was found sufficient to re- 

 munerate the owners of a ship for the expences of the 

 voyage, great joy was exhibited on the capture of a 

 whale, by the fishers. They were not only cheered by 

 a dram of spirits, but sometimes provided with some 

 favourite " mess," on which to regale themselves, 

 before they commenced the arduous task of flensing. 

 At such a period, the crew of an English vessel had 

 captured their first whaie. It Avas taken to the ship, 

 placed on the lee-side, and though the wind blew a 

 strong breeze, it was fiistened only by a small rope 



