418 THE WORLD OF THE SEA, 
by means of which the weapon is hurled. This handle is a stick 
about three feet and a half long. Below the socket is fastened a 
ring of twisted hemp, in which runs a line or rope 300 fathoms 
long and an inch thick. The spear or lance is of iron, ten or 
twelve feet long, including the shaft; at the extremity it is 
flattened into a pointed oval, with very sharp edges. | 
When the ship has arrived in the regions frequented by the 
whale, two sailors are generally appointed to keep watch on the 
main-topmast, and the mizen-mast. The moment either watch- 
man perceives one of these animals, he gives the signal. Small 
boats are immediately launched, and the whale is approached 
quietly, so as not to alarm it. Whichever boat first gets to a 
convenient distance, commences the attack. The man standing 
A HARPOONED WHALE, 
in the bow, hurls his harpoon, which he must do with all the 
skill and strength that he can command. The giant of the 
waves, on feeling himself wounded, gives a violent blow with his 
tail, and plunges into the depths. The line attached to the harpoon 
runs out with tremendous rapidity, and drags the boat with 
frightful swiftness, ploughing the waters which rise in mighty waves, 
and shut out the horizon from the sailors’ view. The boats are 
very carefully kept away from the posterior part of the whale, for 
this dangerous neighbourhood might prove fatal to the expedition. 
When the whale plunges, he erects his tail, which vibrates for a 
moment in the air, and falls flat upon the water with a crash which 
would dash a boat in pieces. Imagine for a moment, the huge 
monster wounded and enraged, and there can be no doubt that 
these convulsive movements are very formidable. The line runs 
out with such force and rapidity, that the sides of the boat would 
santa 
puree 
