WHALING 



5'9 



the same fate as the above vessels, and was crushed by the 

 ice in Davis Strait in 1868. Iron is principally used as ' hang- 

 ing knees ' to strengthen and fasten beam ends together, &c. ; 

 but as readers may not understand the meaning of the term, a 

 sketch of a section of the Arctic yacht Kara is given, showing 

 how these hanging knees are used to assist in fortifying the ship. 



SECTION OF ARCTIC YACHT ' KARA ' 



To further protect them from the ice, they are double for a 

 considerable distance above and below water-line, with a wood 

 called iron bark so heavy that it sinks in water. If this is not 

 procurable teak and sometimes oak are used as substitutes. Their 

 bows are protected also with steel plates. These precautions are 

 very necessary, for a whaler in the pursuit of her calling has often 

 to bore her way through ice, charging it repeatedly, and may be 

 beset any time, receiving great pressure. Indeed the epitaph 



