64 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST. 
can reach her. If anchored, one boat always remains with the whale while the 
others go in search of the ship. As soon as found, the master, learning of the 
capture, makes every effort to work his vessel to the dead animal ; or, if that can 
not be done, every favorable tide is improved to tow the whale to the ship, where 
it is cut in and tried out in the usual manner. As the season advances the ice 
disappears, leaving more room for cruising with the vessels, when the fleet becomes 
scattered, and the features of the whaling change. The boats are then kept more 
of the time on board, look-outs are stationed at the mast-heads, and the whal- 
ing is principally "done from the ship." Sometimes two boats are sent to 
look for whales in an adjoining bay. Meanwhile the nights have become longer. 
Then comes the "night- whaling." The phosphorescent light caused by the whale's 
movements in the water shows quite distinctly his whereabout, and, the Bowhead 
whales being easy of capture compared with other kinds, "night -whaling" is often 
successfully pursued. 
We have spoken of the Bowheads as being comparatively easy of capture, but 
it must not be inferred that the pursuit is not often tedious or unsuccessful, nor is 
the attack made without risk of life or limb, as well as in other kinds of whaling. 
The Bowheads, compared with other species of whales that are pursued, are con- 
sidered very shy and timid. After the ice leaves the bays, until the fall winds 
begin, much calm weather is experienced ; and, although we have frequently seen 
large numbers of whales spouting among many boats scattered over the water, not a 
single animal could be approached near enough to "dart at" with the hand -har- 
poon, or to present a fair chance to shoot a bomb -lance into it, notwithstanding 
the boats were rigged with extra large sails, in order to take advantage of the light 
airs or winds that may prevail in midsummer. The use of oars or paddles would 
be quite sure to frighten the whales, and when there is not sufficient wind "to 
sail on to them" there is but little or no chance of "getting fast." After the 
"irons" are firmly planted in the animal, or, as we frequently hear whalemen say, 
"after the whale has been fastened to, good and solid," down the creature may go 
to the bottom, and there roll until either the "irons" are torn from its body or 
the line is wound about it, and the valuable prize may be lost. Cases have oc- 
curred where the animal, after being "fastened to," has darted to the depths be- 
neath in such a state of trepidation as to unheedingly strike the rocks or sand, 
with so much force as to dislocate its head -bones, and cause instant death. 
The breeding - places of the Bowheads seem to be a matter of conjecture 
among the most observing and experienced whaling- masters. The only place known 
has already been mentioned, in the vicinity of Tchantar Bay ; and a difference of 
