64 MARINE MAM3IALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST. 



can reach her. If anchored, one boat always remains with the whale while the 

 others go in search of the ship. As soon as found, the master, learning of the 

 capture, makes every effort to work his vessel to the dead animal ; or, if that can 

 not be done, every favorable tide is improved to tow the whale to the ship, where 

 it is cut in and tried out in the usual manner. As the season advances the ice 

 disappears, leaving more room for cruising with the vessels, when the fleet becomes 

 scattered, and the features of the whaling change. The boats are then kept more 

 of the time on board, look-outs are stationed at the mast-heads, and the whal- 

 ing is principally "done from the ship." Sometimes two boats are sent to 

 look for whales in an adjoining bay. Meanwhile the nights have become longer. 

 Then comes the "night -whaling." The phosphorescent light caused by the whale's 

 movements in the water shows quite distinctly his whereabout, and, the Bowhead 

 whales being easy of capture compared with other kinds, "night -whaling" is often 

 successfully pursued. 



"We have spoken of the Bowheads as being comparatively easy of capture, but 

 it must not be inferred that the pursuit is not often tedious or unsuccessful, nor is 

 the attack made without risk of life or limb, as well as in other kinds of whaling. 

 The Bowheads, compared with other species of whales that are pursued, are con- 

 sidered very shy and timid. After the ice leaves the bays, until the fall winds 

 begin, much calm weather is experienced ; and, although we have frequently seen 

 large numbers of whales spouting among many boats scattered over the water, not a 

 single animal could be approached near enough to "dart at" with the hand -har- 

 poon, or to present a fair chance to shoot a bomb -lance into it, notwithstanding 

 the boats were rigged with extra large sails, in order to take advantage of the light 

 airs or winds that may prevail in midsummer. The use of oars or paddles would 

 be quite sure to frighten the whales, and when there is not sufficient wind "to 

 sail on to them" there is but little or no chance of "getting fast." After the 

 "irons" are firmly planted in the animal, or, as we frequently hear whalemen say, 

 "after the whale has been fastened to, good and solid," down the creature may go 

 to the bottom, and there roll until either the "irons" are torn from its body or 

 the line is wound about it, and the valuable prize may be lost. Cases have oc- 

 curred where the animal, after being "fastened to," has darted to the depths be- 

 neath in such a state of trepidation as to unheedingly strike the rocks or sand, 

 with so much force as to dislocate its head -bones, and cause instant death. 



The breeding - places of the Bowheads seem to be a matter of conjecture 

 among the most observing and experienced whaling- masters. The only place known 

 has already been mentioned, in the vicinity of Tchantar Bay; and a difference of 



