Valedictory. . 277 



Here ends the story of my whaling cruise in 

 Baffin's Bay. Before, however, I take my leave, 

 I must record my gratitude to those gallant seamen 

 with whom it was my lot to be shipmate during 

 my voyage in the good ship " Arctic." From the 

 jovial and kind-hearted captain downwards, I always 

 received the greatest respect and consideration. In 

 fact, I was treated, if possible, with too great 

 tenderness. When away in the boats assisting 

 them in their calling, I was after a time not even 

 permitted to pull an oar, but was always requested 

 to take charge of the steer oar, a duty which they 

 were aware occasioned me a great deal of pleasure. 



Everything that was in any way conducive to my 

 wishes and amusement was immediately carried into 

 effect ; and though our living was a little of the 

 roughest, still there was that air of genuine hos- 

 pitality about it which made our everlasting salt 

 beef and biscuit a most cheering and appetizing 

 banquet. My cruise in a Dundee whaler to Baffin's 

 Bay will be one not quickly or easily forgotten by 

 me, and I shall always look forward with pleasure 

 to the chance (I am afraid a very pooT one) of 

 meeting my old shipmates again; nor will the 

 survivors from the "Polaris/' with whom it was 

 my lot to associate for nearly three months, be 

 forgotten. To Dr. Bessels I owe a great deal ; he 

 assisted me most materially in taking my observa- 

 tions, and in the collection of specimens which I 



