272 CEUISE OF THE NEPTUNE 



been totally stopped. Disease due to sexual intercourse has 

 been introduced and has, no doubt, led to many deaths. Other 

 diseases introduced have carried away numbers of these people. 

 It is doubtful if the morals of the Eskimo, which are of a dif- 

 ferent standard from those of Europeans, have deteriorated 

 through sexual intercourse with the sailors. 



The future of the whaling industry appears to be very 

 gloomy. The annual catch is decreasing regularly, and only the 

 high price of whalebone makes it at all profitable. ISTo certainty 

 of a single whale can be had, and the enterprise is reduced to 

 almost a gambling chance. During the past season the follow- 

 ing returns were collected from the various ships and stations 



visited : 







Era. One small whale taken at Southampton up to the 20th 

 July. To this must be added the bone of a large and small 

 whale taken by natives before the Era's arrival in 1903. 



Balaena. One medium whale, three-quarters of a ton of 

 whalebone, to 23rd August. 



Diana. Three whales, two and a quarter tons of whalebone 

 to 23rd August. 



Eclipse. Two whales, one and a half tons of whalebone, to 

 23rd August. 



Windward. One whale, three-quarters of a ton of whale- 

 bone, to 23rd August. 



Ponds inlet station. Two small whales, a quarter of a ton of 

 short whalebone, to 23rd August. 



Kekerten station. ~No whales to 1st September. 

 Blacklead station. ~No whales to 1st September. 

 Cape Haven station. ISTo whales to 1st September. 

 Active. One whale, 1,300 pounds bone. 

 Kepulse bay station. One small whale, 500 pounds bone. 



