298 A HISTORY OF THE WHALE FISHERIES 



During the war whale oil became of importance 

 as a source of glycerine, so Government restrictions 

 were relaxed and the number of whale catchers 

 allowed at South Georgia was temporarily increased 

 to thirty-two. Floating factories were, however, 

 diverted to war services elsewhere, and the number 

 of whale catchers at the South Shetlands fell off. 

 The whaling fleet suffered severe losses from 

 German submarines. 



As will be seen from the above table, the great 

 majority of whales killed are Blue, Fin, and Hump- 

 back Whales. There has been a great decline in 

 the number of Humpbacks, and it would not be 

 detrimental to the industry if the slaughter of this 

 species were prevented for a number of years. 

 Experienced whalers can readily distinguish the 

 different species of whales, the Humpback, for 

 instance, being recognised by its spouting a very 

 short and broad jet of vapour. 



It is doubtful how soon the ceaseless hunting of 

 the other Rorquals will lead to a serious diminution 

 in their numbers, but judging from the results in 

 other localities the time cannot be far distant when 

 other restrictions will have to be enforced if the 

 industry is to survive in this region, one of the last 

 haunts of the whale. 



The practice of granting annual licences is 

 unquestionably correct, since it would be unwise for 

 the Government to tie itself down to granting 

 privileges for a term of years, by which time the 

 industry might become moribund. At South 



