170 SOUTH SEA FISHERY. 



also ; and others, it would appear, in lack of these, 

 hesitate not to attack almost any kind of whala 

 that comes within their reach. 



When a whale appears in view, the signal is given, 

 and the boats hanging at the ship's side, and com- 

 pletely ready for the attack, are instantly lowered. 

 These hoats are supplied with a mast and sail, 

 and plenty fresh water, with headsman, steersman, 

 and rowers; with harpoons, two of which are at- 

 tached to the lines, with lances and a huoy to which 

 a signal is attached, &c. The hoats steer so as to 

 approach the animal from behind, and if there he 

 more than one in view, each boat fastens to a dis- 

 tinct fish, and each crew kill their own. Sometimes 

 the first stroke of the harpoon is mortal, but gene- 

 rally it is otherwise, and the harpooner on the 

 instant, rapid like lightning, darts his second har- 

 poon. On this the animal, irritated by the pain, 

 plunges into the deep ; and this movement, which 

 the fishers call " sounding," requires the greatest 

 attention lest the line be entangled. When the line 

 is exhausted, the buoy with its flag is attached to 

 the extremity, and thrown into the sea. This buoy, 

 carried along with the animal, is the compass which 

 guides the boats till they again seize the end of 

 the line when their victim is enfeebled, and its speed 

 diminished by the loss of blood. So soon as its 

 energy is relaxed, the line is carried round the bol 

 lard, and all the resistance is offered that can safely 

 be employed. When the animal requires again to 

 come to the surface, the boat pulls upon the line, 



