OLD WHALING DAYS. 117 



The policemen wore oil jackets, with large buttons 

 painted white. Seats were taken, and the poor fellows 

 brought out singly. Neptune enquired his name and 

 occupation. He was then placed on a block of wood, and 

 the barber commenced to operate upon him. The first 

 article shewn was a formidable razor, made out of a piece 

 of iron hooping. The blade was eighteen inches long, with 

 huge gaps in the edge. The poor innocent was then 

 lathered with coal tar, and his hair powdered with crushed 

 chalk and resin, well rubbed in. This was for those who 

 had not made themselves agreeable, or had a tendency to 

 be idle. Those who took the farce good-naturedly got off 

 the best. It was no use being refractory, as everybody 

 taking part in the programme were bound to assist each 

 other. When the shaving was over, and a few songs sung, 

 things were restored to their former places, and I am happy 

 to say throughout this formal custom everything passed off 

 without any disagreement. 



The garland was placed midway on the main top-gallant 

 stay by the youngest married man. It was fancifully 

 decorated with ribbons, presents by sweethearts and friends 

 before sailing, for that occasion. Garlands have different 

 devices in the centre, such as ships, crowns, hearts, etc. 

 They remain hanging until the vessels arrive home, when 

 there was a scramble by the Trinity House boys and others 

 who should get the coveted prize, now bleached white with 

 the weather. It was considered an honour to gain 

 possession of one. I have heard old men speak with 

 delight of having secured such a favourite ship's garland 

 when they were boys. No doubt there was a history 

 attached in former days to these strange customs. 



Three weeks after this a heavy gale sprang up from the 



eastward, which broke up the frozen pack and liberated us. 



The wind veering to the southward enabled us to reach the 



, outer edge. There was a very heavy swell among the ice, 



