96 WHALING AND FISHING. 



In the routine of duty, while cruising, the 

 labor of drawing water for the matin washing 

 rf the decks, is the most severe that is performed 

 i.t seems to be a principle in the whaling service 

 that as there is exceedingly little work to be done 

 that little should be made as laborious as possible, 

 as a means of making the crew more contented 

 in their leisure hours. Instead, therefore, of 

 providing a head-pump, by means of which water 

 could be pumped up from along -side, it is all 

 drawn up by men stationed at the side for that 

 purpose. This is exhausting labor, under any 

 circumstances; but doubly severe when, as is often 

 the case, the breeze is light, and the ship scarcely 

 under headway. Under such circumstances the 

 swinging of the huge awkward canvas bucket 

 requires an outlay of strength which soon becomes 

 a positive torture. 



It was shortly after our arrival upon the 

 cruising ground that, being one morning over the 

 side, drawing water, I for the first time experienced 

 the effects of the poison contained in the nettle-like 

 stings of the nautilus. It was a beautiful morning, 

 and as is their wont at such times, the little 

 argonauts had their sails spread, and could be 

 seen in all directions, careering gallantly over 

 the waves. By accident I caught one little fellow 

 in my bucket, and in emptying him out, the mass 

 of jelly (they are mere balls of jelly-like fibre) 

 fell upon my bared arm. It was instantly washed 

 off, but too late to save me from the sting. 



