340 WHALE-FISHERY. 



be looked to, on ^vhoni, indeed, almost every consi- 

 derable effort of judgment or forethought devolves. 

 When a sudden impulse, — when uncommon exer- 

 tion, — or w^hen long-continued labour is required, 

 the judicious distribution of spiritous liquors among 

 the crew, is sometimes of essential benefit ; but as, 

 on the one hand, spiritous liquor stimulates by its 

 direct influence ; so, on the other hand, it produces a 

 corresponding depression, by its re-action, so that its 

 use, under ordinary circumstances, is perhaps inju- 

 rious, rather than the contrary. 



SECT. XV. 



Anecdotes Illustrative of the Dangers of tht- 

 Wh a I e -Fishery. 



It is evident that the capture of so large an ani- 

 mal as a whale, possessing strength in proportion 

 to its bulk, witli an uncommon degree of activity 

 for its size, and inhabiting an element in which 

 its invaders cannot exist, must always be accom- 

 panied with danger to the fishers. Though fatal 

 accidents do not so frequently occur, as a general 

 view of the bold and hazardous operations connect- 

 ed with the capture of wiiales would lead us to ex- 

 pect ; yet the fishers frequently encounter imminent 

 risks, and occasionally lose their lives in the enter- 

 prise. 



