WHALERS AND WHALING. 



cruel teeth of a whale. Then there are three or four mates, also men 

 of great experience and courage, and qualified to take command if 

 anything should happen to the Captain. Next in rank are the boat 

 steerers. Brave hardy seamen, they must have proved themselves be- 

 fore they can be trusted to do their perilous work. Stout of heart and 

 quick of hand, to elude the awful death which constantly threatens 

 them. Then the steward and cook, the cooper, who is also a jack 

 of all trades and can turn his hand to anything, and the sailors, who 

 are graded as seamen, ordinary seamen, and green hands. 



Poor green-hand ! He little knows what is in store for him 

 when he enlists for his first voyage, and steps aboard with smiling 

 face and beating heart to begin a career which promises something 

 so much more thrilling and fascinating than the uneventful, dull rou- 

 tine of his life at home. The first damper on his enthusiasm is prob- 

 ably when he is conducted to the forecastle, and follows his little sea 



37 



