130 OLD WHALING DAYS. 



iceberg suddenly appeared close under our lee, and there 

 was not a moment to lose, in face of the great danger which 

 threatened us. Up went the main staysail; the ship 

 answered her helm splendidly, and, under the guidance of 

 Providence, we passed the berg by a hair's breadth, the back 

 wash helping to carry us from it, and in five minutes we 

 lost sight of it in the darkness. Our hearts nearly stopped 

 beating ; we scarcely could breathe, so intense was the agony 

 of suspense ; and, after the danger was passed, no one spoke 

 for a short time. At last a man said, " That was a close 

 shave." The main staysail was again hauled down, and all 

 were thankful we had escaped the danger. 



A strict look out is always kept, especially on arriving in 

 longitude 30 west. One hand is sent on the fore yard, 

 and relieved every hour. This duty is always given to an 

 experienced man, who has orders to report anything which 

 may appear like a berg. Sometimes a sea breaking white 

 may be taken for one, and the ship's course altered 

 immediately. But no blame is attached to the look-out if 

 it proves not to be ice. It shews he is diligent in doing his 

 duty. 



I may relate an incident that occurred, which taught 

 a lesson to everyone visiting Davis's Straits. Many years 

 ago a ship called the Shannon, belonging to Hull, struck a 

 small berg, which knocked her bows in and killed some 

 men below. The ship turned over, but the empty casks in 

 the hold kept her from sinking. Some of the crew were 

 drowned. Those who were saved were on the bottom of 

 the ship two days, and were providentially rescued by 

 a Danish vessel, which was taking out stores for the settle- 

 ments in Davis's Straits. After this shocking casualty an 

 extra good look-out has been kept for bergs and ice much 

 sooner than in previous years. 



After the gale we had a calm, so got our rigging and 

 other damage repaired. We made the ice south of 



