18 THE IMPORTANCE OP 



which they are not familiarly acquainted, and 

 which they would not purchase at all, were it not 

 for the character stamped upon them by the laws 

 of the State. It is true that the laws have in 

 some instances been carelessly enforced, but they 

 give a remedy to the injured — it is true also, that 

 there have been frequent attempts at vexatious 

 and almost farcical legislation on this subject, which 

 have been promptly rejected by the Legislature ; 

 yet these attempts to interfere to an unnecessary 

 extent, with the occupation and business of citizens, 

 has sometimes created disgust against the laws, 

 and rendered the whole system odious to many. 

 The Whale fishery, at the present time, attracts 

 unusual attention, both in Europe and America. 

 It is a wild and romantic employment. It requires 

 patience, perseverance, intrepidity — it is full of 

 interest and excitement. We are glad to know 

 that the object of the chase affords a rich reward 

 to those who fear not a perpetual conflict with the 

 elements, and continually grapple with danger 

 in pursuing their game. " The congratulation 

 and enjoyment resulting from victory, are scarcely 

 to be equalled in any other human pursuit." 

 We have noticed the early history of this 

 fishery in our previous remarks. It is now 

 rapidly increasing. The number of barrels of 

 sperm oil which have been imported into the Uni- 



