436 WHALE FISHERY. 



ers of every nation. The only variation observable in 

 the proceedings of the different fishers, consisting in the 

 degree of activity and resolution displayed, in pursuance 

 of the operations of harpooning and lancing the whale, 

 and in the address manifested in improving by any acci- 

 dental movement of the fish, which may lay it open to 

 an effectual attack, rather than in anything different 

 or superior in the general method of conducting the fish- 

 ery. It is true, that with some the harpoon-gun is much 

 valued, and used with advantage, while with others, it is 

 held in prejudiced aversion ; yet, as this difference of 

 opinion affects only the first attack and entanglement of 

 the whale, the subsequent proceedings with all the fish- 

 ers, may still be said to be founded on equal and unani- 

 mous principles. Hence, the mode described in the pre- 

 ceding pages, of conducting the fishery for whales under 

 favorable circumstances, may be considered as the gen- 

 eral plan pursued by the whalemen of all nations. Nei- 

 ther is there any difference in the plan of attack, or mode 

 of capture between fish of large size, and those of lesser 

 growth ; the proceedings are the same, but, of course, 

 with the smaller whales less force is requisite ; though it 

 sometimes happens that the trouble attached to the kill- 

 ing of a very small whale, exceeds that connected with 

 the capture of one of the largest individuals. The pro- 

 gress or flight of a large whale cannot be restrained ; 

 but that of an under size fish may generally be confined 

 within the limits of 400 to COO fathoms of line. A full 

 grown fish generally occupies the whole, or nearly the 

 whole of the boats belonging to one ship in its capture ; 

 but three, four, or sometfmes more small fish, have been 

 killed at the same time, by six or seven boats. It is not 

 unusual for small whales to run downward until they ex- 

 haust themselves so completely, that they are not able 

 to return to the surface, but are suffocated in the water. 

 As it is requisite that a whale that has been drowned 

 should be drawn up by the line, which is a tedious and 

 troublesome operation, it is usual to guard against such 

 fin event by resisting its descent with a light strain on 

 the line, and also by hauling upon the line, the moment 

 its descent is stopped, with a view of inducing it to re- 



