96 NORTHERN WHALE FISHERY. 



ice, near the coast of Labrador. In 1817, some of 

 the Davis Straits whalers proceeded through the 

 straits into Baffin's Bay, to a much gi-eater length 

 than they were in the habit of adventuring, where, 

 in the months of July and August, they found the 

 sea clear of ice, and, in some parts, abounding 

 ■Rith whales. In this state of the trade, the vessels 

 destined for this quarter usually sailed in March or 

 April. They proceeded first to the northern parts 

 of Labrador, or to the mouth of Cumberland Straits, 

 carrying on what was called the south-west fishery. 

 After remaining there till about the beginning of 

 May, they crossed to the east shore of the straits, 

 and fished northwards along the coast. About the 

 month of July they usually crossed Baffin's Bay to 

 Lancaster Sound, which they sometimes entered, 

 and occasionally even ascended Barrow's Straits. 

 In returning, they fished down the western coast. 

 If the ships were not previously filled, they re- 

 mained there till the end of September, and, in some 

 instances, persevered till late in October. 



But this south-west fishery, and that on the 

 eastern shore, to a high latitude, have shared the 

 fate of the others we have alluded to ; and, in the 

 language of the whalers, have been " fished out." 

 Captains Ross and Parry, on returning from their 

 celebrated voyages, reported that, on the north- 

 western shores of Baffin's Bay, whales had been seen 

 in vast numbers, and this information immediately 

 kindled the spirit of enterpiSe, and, for a time, signal 

 success was the result. Since that period, the ori- 



