122 WHALING AND FISHING. 



rope, in order that it may not be again sw^pt from 

 its place by the waves. 



To the small line is bent or fastened a stout 

 rope; next conies a hawser, and at last the chain 

 is slowly paid out overboard, one end being first 

 passed through a ring in the other. The slip- 

 noose or " running bight " thus formed is finally 

 tightened about the whale's small, and he is secure. 

 Additional irons were now put into the whale, 

 and the lines passed on board, that we might not 

 lose our fish, should an accident happen to the 

 chain ; and then the carcass was slowly hauled up 

 to the side, and secured for the night. 



It was nine o'clock before we of the mate's boat 

 got on board, to change our wet clothing and 

 obtain a bite of supper. The watch was then set, 

 and orders given to those on deck to get up the 

 cutting gear, and clean out the try- works, prepar- 

 atory to the labors of the succeeding day. 



At early daylight all hands were called from their 

 warm berths, and the bustle and labor of eutting- 

 in began. Stages were slung over the side, where- 

 on the officers stand with long-handled spades, to 

 cut the blubber. Tackles were got up to the 

 mast, wherewith to lift the ponderous blocks and 

 ropes used for hoisting in the blubber; the blub- 

 ber room was cleared of a mass of rubbish whicn 

 had accumulated there during the outward pass- 

 age, and then, breakfast being overj the real labor 

 of the day was commenced. 



The whale lies with his head toward the stern 



