CHAPTER II. 



SECOND VOYAGE THE REMUNERATION OF WHALERS A 



SUCCESSION OF REVERSES ROCK " NOSEING." 



WE mustered the crew about the 6th March, 1850, to 

 try our fortunes once more. I was now promoted 

 to the forecastle, and a steward took my place in the cabin. 

 We sailed from Hull amid the hearty good-wishes of all, 

 and arrived safely at Lerwick. The harbour here is most 

 commodious, and a fleet of men-of-war could anchor in it 

 in safety. Natives came from the mainland and the island 

 of Brassy, with eggs, fish, potatoes, and other commodities, 

 supplies of which%e purchased to add to our stores of food. 

 We shipped the remainder of our crew, and after lying there 

 four days awaiting a favourable breeze, we got under weigh 

 with a scant wind. About 300 miles from the land we 

 encountered strong winds, in consequence of which we were 

 seriously delayed in getting to the fishing grounds in good 

 time. The whale trade was perhaps the most speculative 

 of any at that period. Mates were only paid 2 153. per 

 month. This was supplemented by seven guineas bounty, 

 8s. per ton for oil, 305. per ton for whalebone, 2 is. per fish 

 when the longest blade was six feet long, and los. for the 

 first harpoon. Harpooners received pay at the rate of 303. 

 per month, seven guineas bounty, 203. per ton for whale- 

 bone, 8s. per ton for oil, and los. striking or first harpoon. 

 Boatsteerers obtained 2 IDS. per month, 25. 6d. oil 

 money, and 53. per ton whalebone. In the case of a ship 

 coming home without any whales or seals, harpooners would 

 be in great straits, as their 303. per month was drawn by 



