THE WHALE FISHERY. 289 



The crews are always willing workers at such times, more especially if they have a good fare. 

 "Getting home," an old whaleman tells me, "if a man has a home, from one of these voyages is 

 the only real pleasant thing about the whole trip. The days of arrival have been the happiest I 

 have ever seen."* 



WETTING THE HOLD. During the voyage it is important that the oil casks be kept wet in 

 order that the hoops may fit tightly and remain intact to prevent leakage of oil. To this eud the 

 hose is brought to the hatches about three times a week and a copious supply of water is run down 

 into the hold and deluges the casks. Sometimes in low latitudes the hatches are removed and 

 water thrown down. The casks are also wet as soon as the^hold has been stowed. 



THE ARRIVAL HOME. The return of a vessel is a signal for an animated scene upon the streets 

 and docks of New Bedford. Perhaps a revenue cutter or some coasting vessel may sight the 

 returning whaler off Block Island and convey the news directly or indirectly to New Bedford, or 

 the vessel may bear down upon Clark's Point, particularly at night, before any one at her home 

 port is aware of her proximity to the coast. The custom-house officials, who are always on the qui 

 vive for arrivals, usually ascend the cupola of th'e building when an arrival is reported, and with 

 marine glasses endeavor to recognize an old acquaintance in the vessel, whose identity can be 

 established by certain peculiarities, which, to trained and familiar eyes, characterize every ship. 

 The name of the vessel being known, her agent, or owners, immediately hire a tug and steam out to 

 meet her, to hasten her arrival to the dock whence she sailed. Meantime the " sharks" an immense 

 school of them which now consist of infltters, boarding masters, and cartinen, are among the most 



* The following sailors' chanty for heaving at windlass has beeu forwarded by Capt. Amos C. Baker, Clark's Poiut 

 Light. Massachusetts : 



I thought I heard our captain say : 



Good by, fare you well ; good by, fare you well ; 

 That to-morrow is our sailing day ; 



Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound. 



We're homeward bound to New Bedford Town ; 



Good by, fare you well; good by, fare you well ; 

 When we get there we will walk around; 



Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound. 



Heave away, my boys, heave away ; 



Good by, fare you well ; good by, fare you well ; 

 To-morrow is our sailing day ; 



Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound. 



And now our ship is full, my boys ; 



Good by, fare you well ; good by, fare you well ; 

 We'll think of home and all its joys; 



Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound. 



With a flowing sheet we're homeward bound; 



Good by, fare you well ; good by, fare you well ; 

 When we got there we can stand around ; 



Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound. 



Its when you see those New Bedford girls ; 



Good by, fare you well ; good by, fare you well; 

 With their bright blue eyes and flowing curls ; 



Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound. 



When we are paid off, we'll have a good time ; 



Good by, fare you well ; good by, fare you well ; 

 The sparking of girls and the drinking of wine; 



Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound. 



We'll spend our money free when we're on shore ; 



Good by, fare you well ; good by, fare you well ; 

 And when its all gone we'll to sea for more ; 



Hurrah, my boys, we're homeward bound. 

 SEC. V, VOL. II 19 



