CETACEANS. 197 



'vvhen he stands up to dart his harpoon or lance. The 

 crest of the stem has a deep groove, lined with lead, 

 through which the line is transmitted. At either 

 extremity of the boat, mats are spread to secure a 

 firmer footing to the steersman and harpooner; and 

 at the same stations, axes and knives are conveniently 

 placed for cutting the line upon any sudden emergency. 



Two harpoons and as many lances, fitted for im- 

 mediate use, are neatly disposed at the interior of the 

 bow ; and several of the same weapons are also kept as 

 a reserve, or " side-irons/ 5 in other parts of the boat ; 

 the tubs, containing the line, occupying the floor of the 

 boat, between the seats. Each boat is also supplied 

 with a mast and sail ; kegs of fresh water ; apparatus 

 for procuring a light ; square and cumbrous pieces of 

 wood, or " drogues," which are sometimes fastened to 

 the harpoon-line to impede the progress of the whale 

 through the water; and "whifts," or small coloured 

 flags, secured to long rods, and used as signals, or to 

 fix in the dead and floating whale to indicate its situa- 

 tion. 



Four of these boats is the usual complement of a 

 South- Seaman. They are suspended over the sides of 

 the vessel, their keels resting upon iron cranes ; whilst 

 planks, or " slides," projecting from the sides of the 

 ship, and presenting a convex surface to the bow and 

 stern of each boat, serve to guide and protect them 

 during their rapid descent to the water. They are 

 named from the stations they occupy on the quarter, 

 waist, or bow of the ship, and are commanded by the 

 captain and three mates. 



When engaged with whales, the station of the com- 

 manding officer, or " Headsman,' 5 is at the steer-oar, 

 and that of the harpooner at the foremost oar ; but 



