254 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST. 
captain's ship, which familiar sign (especially on Sperm Whale ground) is readily 
understood ; and when the boats are lowered for the chase, the visiting captain 
takes charge of the mate's boat of the ship he is on board, and the executive officer 
visiting heads the captain's boat. If successful in capturing whales, the oil they 
obtain is divided. It was rarely, however, that a distant signal was made for the 
sole purpose of gamming ; but the desire for letters from mothers, fathers, wives, 
children and other relatives, and friends, was sometimes irresistible. During these 
occasional meetings, not only is there an exchange of news verbally, but also an 
exchange of books and other reading matter that either ship can supply. It is a 
spirited sight, on a rough sea (or, as is sometimes said, "when too rugged to 
whale, but just right for a gam"), to watch these fragments of the commercial 
world, with swelling sails, surging over the breaking waves, until brought into 
close communion ; and to observe the formal salutes between their commanders, 
while "speaking ship;" or, if they are old acquaintances, to witness the boisterous 
and hearty mutual greetings, heralded through trumpets, together with the 
general desire of everyone to associate, even for an hour, with some person 
besides his comrades, who are confined with him on his owm reeling deck. Next to 
the joy of being on the return passage, with everything full, is the meeting of the 
old-time, voyage-worn whaleman, with a ship just out from home. Letters are 
received, and perhaps books and stores of other reading material, fresh to them, 
after having been borne half-way round the globe, for the space of six months 
(perhaps a year), are ravenously devoured: and a hundred and one inquiries are 
made about "How were things when you left home?" "What was the price of oil 
and bone?" "Were any new ships fitting out?" "Was there any danger of a war?" 
etc. A whole day was often spent under such gladsome circumstances ; and the 
officers and men, passing and repassing to each other's vessels, always observed 
the same rules with regard to changing boats' crews as did their superiors. In 
these pleasant meetings, no effort was spared on the part of the hosts to enter- 
tain their guests most hospitably. The cabin table was spread with the best the 
ship could afford ; many a plump porker of Oceanica, or a choice terrapin from 
the Galapagos, was sacrificed, and a general feast enjoyed fore and aft.* 
In the course of these prolonged voyages, there was hardly a ship's company 
*It may be noted that some etiquette was originated from the nature of the work when 
observed at the table, peculiar to the whaling taking oil, their outer garments necessarily be- 
service, where all appeared at the board coming soiled. Hence, when coming to the table 
in their shirt - sleeves ! This is said to have at meal time, the jacket or coat was thrown aside. 
