Proceedings, &c.,for 1886. 305 



attention to that only, and I have little doubt you will succeed 

 beyond your expectations. We have three vessels here, viz. : — 



1. The "Erik," built in Dundee in 1865 ; 412 tons net, 533 gross ; 

 engines, 80 h.p. nominal. She got new steel boiler and new decks 

 in 1884. She steams well, and is handy under canvas. I think 

 her rather large. 2. The " Hope," built in Aberdeen in 1873; 307 

 tons net and 452 gross ; engines, 80 h.p. nominal. Steams and sails 

 well. We think her as good as new. 3. The "Eclipse," built 

 in Aberdeen in 1867; 296 tons net, and 436 gross; got new 

 engines of 80 h.p., and new boiler in 1877. She steams well, sails 

 well, and is remarkably handy under canvas. She has been kept 

 in first-rate order, and we think her as good as new. I do not 

 know if any of them would be sent out on hire. It would depend 

 on the terms. They might be sold if a suitable price was offered. 

 So far as regards myself I am too old now to undertake such a 

 distant expedition. I must leave that to younger men. However, 

 should the Agent-General for the colony ask for my advice and 

 assistance in promoting the expedition I will be very pleased to 

 do so. 



In the enclosed pamphlet I have altered the price of produce to 

 suit present quotations. With smaller ships and a shorter voyage 

 the expenses would be much less than I have stated them. Your 

 best plan would be to get up a company and equip two or three 

 vessels, taking your chance. It will be sure to pay. There are 

 plenty of whales there, and it may turn out a more profitable fishing 

 than ever the Arctic did. The Americans sold last year £180,000 

 worth of bone, taken in Behring Straits. Wby should you not try 

 and do so likewise ? Besides, it would be a splendid school for your 

 sailors, not to be equalled in any other trade, who may in the dim 

 and distant future do their country valuable service in its sorest 

 need. 



I think I have about answered all that your letter required me to 

 do, and if anything more is wanted I will be most willing to answer 

 any questions that may be put do me, either in letter or in con- 

 ference. Upon consideration I might entertain the idea of coming 

 out with two of our ships, and working the fishery for a year or two 

 if suitable terms were offered. — Yours, truly, 



(Signed) David Gray. 



"Enclosure." The Eclipse Seal and Whale Fishing Company, 

 Peterhead. 



