"GOING ON" IN A CALM. 225 



where the fish were expected to make their next 

 appearance. 



After pulling about a mile, the oars were peaked, 

 and the balance of the distance was overcome by 

 means of the paddles. To use these, the crew 

 sit upon the gunwale of the boat, with their faces 

 toward the bow. This is therefore a much pleas- 

 anter way of approaching a whale than by pull- 

 ing, or rowing, as landsmen would say. In fact, 

 although much is said of the excitement of whal- 

 ing, I doubt if much of this excitement is felt by 

 those who, sitting with their backs to the fish, 

 have no further share in his capture than placing 

 the boat in a position to enable the harpooneers- 

 man to " make fast." 



The boatheader, as commanding officer on the 

 occasion, no doubt feels a pleasant degree of 

 elevation, while the boatsteerer, if he has confi. 

 dence in the " header " and in himself, is also 

 under the influence of a pleasing excitement, 

 and thinks it glorious sport. But to the men at 

 the oars it is, I judge, a good deal as though they 

 were being conveyed to the center of a field of 

 battle, blindfolded, and seated on a car, with their 

 backs to the enemy. It is only in fine weather, 

 when sailing is feasible, or paddling becomes neces- 

 sary, that I ever saw a whaleboat's crew entering 

 into the spirit of the chase and capture. Then 

 indeed, as on this occasion, it is glorious sport. 



The whales rose one by one, and at considera- 

 ble distances from each other, thus giving several 

 15 



