WHALERS AND WHALING. 



Captain first, (it seems that the Captain had a mortal aversion to cats 

 and couldn't bear the sight of one,) and the boy when brought be- 

 fore him had a wicked twinkle in his eye as he said demurely : 

 "A cat, I am told 



In abhorrence you hold ; 



Your honor's aversion is mine. 



If a cat with one tail 



Makes your stout heart quail 



Oh ! save me from one that has nine." 

 His wit saved him. 



The first night of a voyage all hands are called aft to tell off 

 the watches and select the boat crews, and the Captain reads aloud 

 the rules and regulations to be observed aboard ship. On the first 

 calm day the boats are lowered and the green hands taught their 

 places and trained at the oars. Each boat has a crew of six, the boat- 



41 



