The "Arctic" Whaler. 9 



prosperous owners, I found myself on the 2nd of 

 May, 1873, installed on board, having signed articles 

 as second mate to the effect that I engaged myself 

 ' ' to serve on board the good ship ( Arctic ' on a 

 voyage from Dundee to Greenland or Davis' Straits, 

 and seas adjacent, for whale and for other fishing, 

 and back to Dundee;" and, further, that I agreed 

 to " conduct myself in an orderly, faithful, honest, 

 and sober manner, and to be at all times diligent in 

 my respective duties, and to be obedient to the 

 lawful commands of my said master." The daily 

 allowance which I should receive of butter, cheese, 

 oatmeal, bread, beef, pork, flour, tea, sugar, lemon- 

 juice, water, and other stores, were previously read 

 to myself and the whole crew at the shipping 

 office. My wages were to be one shilling per month, 

 and I was to receive in addition the sum of one 

 penny for every ton of oil brought home in the 

 ship, and one farthing for every ton of whalebone. 

 The reason that I was appointed to such a respon- 

 sible and lucrative situation was, that as the whalers 

 have no licence to carry passengers, anyone wishing" 

 to travel in a whaler is compelled to sign articles as 

 one of the crew. That ceremony completed, he is 

 free to do as he will, and to enjoy himself according 

 to his own fancy and inclination. 



Our captain is a kind, jovial, good-tempered 

 man ; arid these qualities, added to his daring en- 

 terprise and great success during the time he has 



