[63] FISHERIES OF THE UNITED STATES. 



APPARATUS FOR MANIPULATING DEAD WHALES, CUTTING OFF 

 THE BLUBBER. BOARDING, MINCING, AND TRYING-OUT. 



Blubber Tackle. 



eopes and blocks forming a purchase for hoisting in the 



BLUBBER. 



Cutting-blocks. 



Two upper blocks, one guy -block, and one lower block. Lower 

 block strapped with rope. The earliest method adopted for 

 " strapping" the lower block, and in use at present on the ma- 

 jority of the vessels, but has been done away with on others by 

 the improved chain strap ; when used the rope strap with eye, 

 or " grommet," is passed through a hole cut for the purpose in 

 the blubber, and made fast (toggled) with the blubber-fid, 

 •which is inserted in the eye, thus fastening the blubber to the 

 cutting-tackle by means of which it is hoisted on board. Lower 

 block 18 by 12 by 10 inches ; upper blocks 18 by 12 by 6 inches; 

 guy-block, 13 by 9 by 6 inches. New Bedford, Massachusetts, 

 1876. 56861. E. B. & F.Macy. Total weight of blocks, hook, 

 and toggle, 231 pounds. 



Cutting-falls. 



Manila. Eove through upper and lower blocks. Length, 23 fath- 

 oms. Washington, D. C. 51712. U. S. Fish Commission. 



WHALEMAN'S HOOKS. 



USED IN BOAT. 

 BOAT-HOOK. 



Hook round bend, with projecting spur. Length, 8 feet. Kew Bed- 

 ford, Massachusetts, 1876. 25614. Gift of Humphrey S. Kirby. 

 Used in the whale-boat as an ordinary hook of this kind. 



USED ON VESSEL. 

 LiNE-HOOK. 



Iron shank with four branching round bend hooks, and spruce pole. 

 Length, 15 feet. New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1876. 25924. Gift 

 of E. B. & E. Macy. An implement carried on a whaling- vessel, 

 and used principally from the deck for taking the end of the 

 tow-line from the hands of the officer of the boat, in order that 

 the whale may be hauled alongside and made fast. 



Large boat-hook. 



Hook round bend, with projecting spur, and large socket with 

 sleeve, for pole. Length, 14 feet 6^ inches. Fairhaven, 

 Massachusetts, 1883. 56424. U. S. Fish Commission. Used 

 from the vessel when cutting-in a whale for hauling upon and 



