446 WHALE FISHERY. 



of a fish being struck ; but in foggy weather, though oc- 

 casionally attended with hazard, the fishery is not alto- 

 gether impracticable. The fogs which occur in the icy 

 regions in June and July, are generally dense and lasting. 

 They are so thick, that objects cannot be distinguished 

 at the distance of 100 or 150 yards, and frequently con- 

 tinue for several days without attenuation. To fish with 

 safety and success, during a thick fog, is, therefore, a 

 matter of difficulty, and of still greater uncertainty. 

 When it happens that a fish conducts itself favorably, 

 that is, descends almost perpendicularly, and on its return 

 to the surface remains nearly stationary, or moves round 

 in a small circle, the capture is usually accomplished 

 without hazard or particular difficulty ; but when on the 

 contrary it proceeds with any considerable velocity in a 

 horizontal direction, or obliquely downwards, it soon 

 drags the boats out of sight of the ship, and shortly so 

 confounds the fishers in the intensity of the mist, that 

 they lose all traces of the situation of their vessel. If 

 the fish, in its flight, draws them beyond the reach of 

 the sound of a bell or a horn, their personal safety be- 

 comes endangered ; and if they are removed beyond the 

 sound of a cannon, their situation becomes extremely 

 hazardous, especially if no other ships happen to be in 

 the immediate vicinity. Meanwhile, whatever may be 

 their imaginary or real danger, the mind of their com- 

 mander must be kept in the most anxious suspense, until 

 they are found ; and whether they may be in safety, or 

 near perishing with fatigue, hunger, and cold, so long as 

 he is uncertain, his anxiety must be the same. Hence 

 it is, that feelings excited by uncertainty, are frequently 

 more violent and distressing, than those produced by the 

 actual knowledge of the truth. 



Such are the methods by which, according to Scoresby, 

 this monster" of the deep is compelled to submit to the 

 very far inferior force of man. The dangers attending 

 this occupation have a peculiar effect upon those engaged 

 in it. They awaken in their breasts a most ardent in- 

 terest in the employment. The excitement produced by 

 the chace, and the congratulation and enjoyment result- 

 ing from the victory, are scarcely equalled by any other 



