WHALING. 335 



lookout. Near by was built a temporary hut, for the 

 protection of all excepting the one whose station was 

 on the lookout. When the man at the mast-head 

 observed a whale spouting, the alarm was given, the 

 boats were manned and launched, and the chase com- 

 menced. A capture made, the whale was towed ashore, 

 and the oil-producing parts were removed in a similar 

 manner to the custom on shipboard. Try -works were 

 erected on the beach, and the blubber, which had been 

 cut and sliced, was subjected to the process of trying 

 out. These try-works were used for many years after 

 shore fishing had ceased as a constant pursuit; the 

 blubber of the whales captured at sea being cut up and 

 stowed into casks on board of the vessels, and removed 

 to the try- works and the oil extracted after they re- 

 turned home. 



According to Macy's History, the first sperm whale 

 known to Nantucket people was found on shore dead; 

 and the discovery, according to the account, created 

 quite a sensation. In 1712 Christopher Ilussey, while 

 cruising near the island for " right " whales, was blown 

 some distance off shore, and falling in with a school of 

 sperm whales, killed one and brought it home. The 

 discovery of Hussey gave a new turn to the business, 

 and small vessels of about thirty tons' burden were 

 fitted out for deep-sea whaling. These vessels were 

 fitted out for cruises of about six weeks' duration, and 

 carried a few hogsheads,— enough probably to hold 

 the blubber from a single whale, which having ob- 

 tained, they returned home; the owners taking charge 

 of the blubber and trying out the oil, the vessels sail- 

 ing again on another voyage. 



