1 84 OLD WHALING DAYS. 



would rush headlong into danger without thinking of the 

 consequences of being influenced by others. 



Our steam being up, we immediately headed the ship to 

 the southward, and in four hours were in open water off the 

 Duck Islands. We had no sooner set the canvas when a 

 gale sprang up from the S.W., which reduced us to close- 

 reefed topsails for thirty hours. If we had remained a few 

 hours longer in our former position, the consequence might 

 have been serious. Those who had secretly thought we had 

 done wrong by returning south were now convinced of their 

 error. 



Meteorology in those regions affords full scope for study, 

 and when carefully observed, will give due notice of such 

 sudden gales. Unfortunately, instruments were not issued 

 at this time, and men generally judged the weather by signs 

 in the sky, sounds in the air, etc., which seldom failed an 

 experienced man. It was only those on whom the great 

 responsibility rested that studied these phenomenal changes 

 of the atmosphere and sky. The majority only thought of 

 their watch being ended and getting below. 



The life of a thoughtful officer was far from being a 

 pleasant one. It is true that there were gleams of sun- 

 shine in his duties, but very few, arid to only a small 

 number is left the responsibility and anxiety of a voyage. 

 If an unprofitable one has been made, the master is liable to 

 be dismissed on his arrival in port. Owners want a return 

 for the great outlay they have had, and therefore try another 

 man, although they know the conduct of the former was 

 exemplary. 



When the gale subsided we reached to the westward and 

 found the ice slack, forming a deep bight, and twenty miles 

 from the Duck Islands. We pushed our way through the 

 loose ice for a few miles, and then came to a standstill. 

 The weather was exceedingly fine and clear, but there was 

 not the smallest hole of water to be seen from the crow's 



