THE A MER ICA N WHA L E - FISHER Y. 



which is bent on to the second iron. The lances 

 are in their places at the head of the boat, on the 

 starboard side; the boat- spade on the side opposite; 

 the boat- hatchet and a knife in their proper places 

 in the head of the boat, and the other knife ready 

 at the stern. 



When pursuit is made, the whale is approached 

 in the most cautious manner, to avoid "gullying" 

 it. If necessary, the oars are used ; but in calm 

 weather the paddles are resorted to, as pulling v/ith 

 the oars is adopted only when sails or paddles can 

 not be made available. When nearly within dart- 

 ing distance, which is about three fathoms, the 

 order is given to the boat-steerer to "stand up." 

 At this command he instantly springs to his feet. 

 and seizing the harpoon, darts it into the whale ; 

 if opportunity offers, the second iron is also thrown 

 before the animal gets out of reach. When the 

 harpoons are darted, word is given to "stern all,' 

 and the oarsmen make every effort to force the 

 boat astern, in order t.o be well clear of the animal 

 in its painful convulsions from the first wounds re- 

 ceived. Notwithstanding eveiy precaution is taken, 

 it is by no means an unusual occurrence to have 

 the boat staved by the whale when harpooned. 

 Should the boat be much injured, the line is cut, 

 or a drag or buoy is bent on to the end of it, and 

 all is let go. The boat nearest the whale usually 

 continues the pursuit ; the next boat pulls for the 

 one that has become disabled, and rescues the 

 crew. 



When struck, the whale may attempt to escape 

 by running ; if so, every exertion is made by the 

 boats' crew to haul up to the animal so as to shoot 

 a bomb into it, or work upon it with a hand-lance ; 

 or if the creature descends to the depths below, 

 which is called "sounding," every effort is made to 



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