2 VOYAGE TO SPITSBERGEN. 



As we did not sail for several days after my ar- 

 rival, I spent a considerable part of my time in 

 making such remarks on the town as were particu- 

 larly interesting. 



Whitby is a thriving sea-port in the North Rid- 

 ing of Yorkshire, situated, ou the mouth of the 

 river Esk. It is chiefly celebrated for the manufac- 

 ture of canvas, and for the extensive alum works in 

 its neighbourhood. Its harbour is the best on this 

 coast, and has a fine pier ; but it has no river com- 

 munication with the interior country. Behind the 

 pier is a battery which mounts twelve eighteen- 

 pounders. This town was formerly noted for its 

 Abbey, of which some ruins still remaining testify 

 its ancient magnificence. 



Here are different houses of worship, viz. an ele- 

 gant church of the established religion ; and several 

 meeting-houses belonging to Presbyterians, Quakers, 

 Methodists, Roman Catholics, &c. 



Whitby is 50 miles north-east of York, and 

 245 north of London ; Lat. 54° 30' North, Long. 

 1° 55' West. 



The word Whitby is a contraction of its original 

 appellation White Bay, so called from the white 

 surges made by the breaking of the waves along 

 the shore, so that the whole bay assumes a white or 



