OLD WHALING DAYS. 153 



in killing, so different to the previous year, when so many 

 were missed, thus shewing the difference in the ability 

 of the harpooners. 



We were now at the north side of Home Bay, the ice 

 was closing rapidly, and a fog bank travelling quickly to 

 the westward. We therefore made fast to a small iceberg, 

 aground close to the land, and shot two bears, which 

 brought our number up to eight. A boat's crew, with three 

 rifles, went on shore, and returned with two large deer. 



Captain Gravill gave the largest to the crew, which 

 made them a delicious meal. Whatever is brought on 

 board by any of the crew must be delivered up to the 

 captain. It is very pleasant when a ship's company work 

 in unity, and have a commander whom they respect. 

 Such was the case with us, and I must say that this was the 

 happiest voyage I had spent since I had been to sea. The 

 sanctity of the Sabbath was always kept. Divine Service 

 was held in the cabin by the master, and everyone 

 attended who was not on duty. It prepares a man for the 

 toils of another week, and seems to bring him nearer 

 to his friends at home. No boat was allowed to be lowered 



on the Sabbath day, unless it was absolutely necessary. 



Eventually we came to Cape Hooper, and brought up in 



the harbour. 



There were two sailing vessels at anchor in this place, 



which had not seen a whale during the season. They only 



stayed two days after our arrival, and went further south. 



For some time we were alone, and daily sent our boats 



away to the outside. 



One morning when we were away in the boats we gave 



chase after two fine deer that were swimming from the low 



land on the north side of the harbour to the island on the 



south side, from which Cape Hooper derives its name. 



It was astonishing to see how fast they could swim. 



Nevertheless, they reached the land before we were within 



