THE AMERICAN WHALE-FISHERY. 
227 
which is bent on to the second iron. The lances 
are in their places at the head of the boat, on the 
starboard side; the boat -spade on the side opposite; 
the boat- hatchet and a knife in their proper places 
in the head of the boat, and the other knife ready 
at the stern. 
When pursuit is made, the whale is approached 
in the most cautious manner, to avoid "gallying" 
it. If necessary, the oars are used ; but in calm 
weather the paddles are resorted to, as pulling with 
the oars is adopted only when sails or paddles can 
not be made available. When nearly within dart- 
ing distance, which is about three fathoms, the 
order is given to the boat-steerer to "stand up.'' 
At this command he instantly springs to his feet, 
and seizing the harpoon, darts it into the whale ; 
if opportunity offers, the second iron is also thrown 
before the animal gets out of reach. When the 
harpoons are darted, word is given to "stern all,'' 
and the oarsmen make every effort to force the 
boat astern, in order t.o be well clear of the animal 
in its painful convulsions from the first wounds re- 
ceived. Notwithstanding every precaution is taken, 
it is by no means an unusual occurrence to have 
the boat staved by the whale when harpooned. 
Should the boat be much injured, the line is cut, 
or a drag or buoy is bent on to the end of it, and 
all is let go. The boat nearest the whale usually 
continues the pursuit ; the next boat pulls for the 
one that has become disabled, and rescues the 
crew. 
When struck, the whale may attempt to escape 
by running ; if so, every exertion is made by the 
boats' crew to haul up to the animal so as to shoot 
a bomb into it, or work upon it with a hand-lance ; 
or if the creature descends to the depths below, 
which is called "sounding," every effort is made to 
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