378 WHALE-FISHEUy. 



from Spitzbcrgen, which operates in tlic same di- 

 rection. 



Hence, where there are such prevailing sources 

 of error, and these, instead of compensating each 

 other, all tending in the same direction, celestial ob- 

 servations become of the greatest importance. As, 

 hov/ever, the prevalence of cloudy or foggy weather 

 admits of but few opportunities of taking lunar 

 observations, the chronometer, from the facility with 

 which the time may be generally got, becomes a most 

 useful instrument. But as accidents have rarely arisen 

 from the want of a chronometer, detention only in 

 the passage being the usual consequence, this in- 

 convenience is not considered of sufficient import- 

 ance to bring chronometers into general use in this 

 navigation. 



SECT. XVII. 



Legislative Regulations on the Importation of the 

 Produce of the Northern Wliale-Fisherics. 



IiMMEDiATELY on the arrival of a fishing ship 

 at the port from whence she sailed, the mustering 

 officer of the customs repairs on board, receives the 

 manifest of the cargo *, with a true copy thereof, 



* A immifcst is a kind of schedule in writing, signed by the 

 master of the vessel^ contiiining the name or names of the place 



