216 THE WHALEMAN ; OR, 



about the middle of the season — whether the 

 " catch " has been good or moderate, very good 

 or deficient. A few scattering letters are also 

 brought by this early means of conveyance, 

 which, being deposited in the mail, soon find 

 their way across the isthmus, into the hands of 

 relatives and friends at home. 



About this time, solicitude begins to be appar- 

 ent in the inquiries made respecting absent hus- 

 bands, sons, relatives, and townsmen, as to the 

 probable results of the "whale season," how the 

 ships have done, and the health and lives of those 

 who are abroad. 



Every California mail will, therefore, for 

 months to come, be looked for with increasing 

 interest, because it may be the bearer either 

 of joy or sorrow to many hearts and family 

 circles. 



In the month of November, still further intel- 

 ligence is received from the whaling fleet ; pre- 

 vious reports are corrected, and additional ones 

 are given. The first section of the fleet has 

 already arrived at the islands. 



In the months of December and January, the 

 mail brings still additional news, and more cor- 

 rect than hitherto. The great majority of the 

 ships that intended to touch at the islands on 

 their return from the north are reported at this 



