514 CURRENTS AND WHALING. 



the rate and course of all the submarine polar currents, to enable us to 

 predict with certainty the seasons at which he will be found in parti- 

 cular parts of the ocean. This can be learned by observation alone, 

 and long experience has taught those who are skilful in the whale- 

 fishery the position of the favourite haunts of their prey, and the 

 times at which they are most likely to be met with there. Com- 

 paring these points and the nuclei of the currents, as observed and 

 explained in the preceding pages, the coincidence will strike every 

 one who will examine the subject ; and when all the facts necessary 

 to illustrate this subject shall be ascertained, theory may serve in 

 some degree to shorten the apprenticeship which is now necessary in 

 order to acquire the requisite knowledge of the places and seasons 

 wherein to meet the game in this adventurous employment; the 

 object therefore of the residue of this chapter will be devoted to 

 whaling, and to point out the results which our own observations, 

 with the information derived from others, has afforded. 



The whaling- interest, taking into consideration the extent to which 

 it has been carried by our countrymen, may be almost claimed as 

 peculiarly American. There are few employments in which the 

 enterprise and industry of our countrymen are so well developed as 

 in this, or in which so much hardihood or so many resources are 

 required to insure success. 



Our whaling fleet may be said at this very day to whiten the 

 Pacific Ocean with its canvass, and the proceeds of this fishery give 

 comfort and happiness to many thousands of our citizens. The rami- 

 fications of the business extend to all branches of trade, are spread 

 through the whole Union, and its direct or secondary influence would 

 seem to recommend it to the especial protection and fostering care of 

 the government. 



As it was among the first objects of the Exploring Expedition to 

 render the dangerous path of these enterprising mariners more safe, I 

 trust it will have been perceived, that throughout the operations of 

 the squadron, this interest has never been lost sight of. In fact, it 

 has always been my constant study to endeavour to accomplish what- 

 ever could tend to its benefit. In the course of the various and 

 devious voyages we have made, the greatest attention has been paid 

 to the winds and currents; and from my investigations, I hope to be 

 able to point out the most feasible routes by which to gain the proper 

 cruising-grounds, and to define their localities more clearly than has 

 hitherto been done. 



