OLD WHALING DAYS. 197 



At one time it was almost thought that the world would 

 stand still if the supply of fur of seals, and bone and oil of 

 whales should cease. The supplies did cease, but still the 

 world goes on, and what was half a century ago so highly 

 valued, is now scarcely missed. 



Science and nature have ministered to man's necessities) 

 and a far better oil for illuminating purposes than whale oil 

 has been supplied in such abundance that the homes of 

 the poor are supplied with a better, cheaper, and more 

 healthy illuminator than whale oil. Thus we have an 

 assurance that the needs of man will always in some form 

 be supplied by a bountiful Providence. 



My story is now done, and I would conclude by expressing 

 the hope that I have afforded entertainment, and, beyond 

 that, instruction to my readers, especially to the young, to 

 whom the Greenland and Davis's Straits Fishery, that was 

 once so important, is. now but a name. 



