NINE MONTHS IN THE ARCTIC. 215 



but few exceptions in case of those who are en- 

 gaged in the merchant or freighting service, and 

 they sail from other ports. 



As a general thing, the boys and young men 

 contemplate whaling as chiefly worthy of their 

 emulation and pursuit. It is identified with 

 their first impressions ; and subsequent years 

 only tend to deepen those impressions, and ripen 

 them into irrepressible desire and relish for the 

 whaling business. 



A very large proportion of captains and offi- 

 cers belonging to this place and other parts of 

 the island sail in ships owned principally both in 

 New Bedford and Fairhaven. Indeed, they have 

 contributed in no small degree to the commercial 

 prosperity of those places. It is worthy of re- 

 mark, however, in passing, just to state that the 

 number of vessels connected with the business 

 of whaling, belonging to this place, has doubled 

 within four years. This shows an active spirit 

 of enterprise which we trust will be largely in- 

 creased in coming years. 



The first partial intelligence from the northern 

 whaling fleet usually arrives at home ports some 

 time in the month of October. The early arri- 

 val of a ship at the islands, or at some port on 

 the Pacific, from the whale ground, furnishes this 

 report as to the general success of whalemen 



