A NORTH-AMERICAN WHALER. 61 
Patagonia, we saw great numbers of storm- 
birds, betokening the neighbourhood of land, and 
we sailed within speaking distance of a North- 
American whaler. The dirty ship, and the 
crew smeared with blubber, had indeed a dis- 
gusting appearance ; but if we consider to what 
toils and dangers these poor men are exposed 
during their voyages, which commonly last se- 
veral years, in the most tempestuousa@seas, some- 
times sailing about for months without seeing a 
fish, and suffering in the meanwhile from the 
want of wholesome food, yet pursuing their 
object with invincible perseverance, it is im- 
possible to deny them compassion, and even 
commendation. The North Americans display 
an industry and perseverance in their commer- 
cial undertakings, which is not exceeded even 
by the English: they are to be met with upon 
every sea, and in the most unfrequented re- 
gious, disdaining nothing, however trivial, from 
which they can derive profit. On the north- 
west coast of America, they barter with the 
savages all kinds of European trifles for the 
beautiful skin of the sea-otter, which they sell 
for a high price in China. Many of their ves- 
