The Cargo of a Whaler. 5 



half that number from ports in Scotland, of which 

 Aberdeen, Leith, Dundee, and Peterhead may be 

 mentioned as the chief. In those days a cargo of 

 forty or fifty tons of oil would amply compensate 

 for the expenses of the voyage, and ninety or one 

 hundred tons would be regarded as a most profit- 

 able and remunerative cargo. At the present time, 

 in consequence of the enormous expenses incidental 

 to steam- ships (all vessels employed in this trade 

 have now the advantages of steam-power), the price 

 of coal, and the enhanced value of all commodities, 

 unless a ship returns with a cargo of at least 

 seventy or eighty tons, her captain meets with any- 

 thing but a warm and hearty reception from his 

 employers. The trade at the present time, at least 

 as far as regards Great Britain, appears to be en- 

 tirely monopolized by Scotland, no port in England 

 contributing a single ship for the prosecution of the 

 whale fishery, and Dundee and Peterhead being 

 the only two ports in Scotland. 



No less than ten fine and powerful steam whalers 

 leave Dundee annually for the fishery in Davis' 

 Straits, all commanded by experienced and intel- 

 ligent men. (See next page.) 



They usually proceed to sea about the beginning 

 of May, and after passing Cape Farewell, a fort- 

 night or three weeks is devoted to what is called 

 the south-west fishing, in the neighbourhood of 

 Frobisher's Straits to the northward of the coast of 



