304 



GREENLAND OR POLAR ICE. 



entered, and on a course precisely in opposition to 

 the direction of the most prevailing winds. Hence 

 it appears, that it would be economical and bene- 

 iicial to sail so late, as not to reach the country 

 before the middle of May, or to persevere on the 

 «eal catching stations until that time. There are, 

 however, some weighty objections to this method. 

 Ope7i seaso7is occasionally occur, and great pro- 

 gress may sometimes be made in the fishery be- 

 fore that time. Also, although the majority 

 of the ships do not commonly succeed in passing 

 the barrier in close seasons before a certain period, 

 yet some individuals, by superior exertion, per- 

 severance, ability, or good fortune, accomplish 

 the end considerably before the rest, and thereby 

 gain a superiority in the fishery, not to be attain- 

 ed by later arrivals. A week or fortnight's soli- 

 tary fishing, under these circumstances, has fre- 

 quently gained half a cargo, — an advantage of the 

 most interesting importance, in a voyage of so li- 

 mited duration, and where the success is supposed 

 to depend so considerably upon chance. 



That there is something resembling what is 

 called chance or luck in the fishery, cannot be dis- 

 puted ; but that the fishery is altogether a chain of 

 casualties, is as false, as it is derogatory to the 

 credit of the persons employed in the enterprize. 

 For a person with a die to throw the highest point 

 once in six times, is what might be expected 

 from chance ; but for him to throw the highest 



