THE SPERM WHALE FISHERY. 
158 
brought from Sidney; and when in 1836 the imperial 
measure was introduced, we find the enormous quantity 
of sperm oil altogether imported into London during 
that year, amounted to 6083 tons ! while the ships that 
were employed in the fishery were of from 300 to 400 
tons. 
In 1827, 5552 tons were imported; in 1828 there 
was a great decrease in the supply, as only 3731 tons 
arrived; but in 1829 the importation again increased 
to 5558 tons. 
In the year 1830, from some cause the supply was 
again greatly reduced, as only 4792 tons were imported ; 
but in the following year of 1831, the importation arose 
suddenly to its maximum height, as the enormous 
quantity of 7605 imperial tons were introduced. In 
1832 a slight decrease to 7165 tons took place, and in 
1833 a still further reduction to 6057 tons ; but in 1834 
it rallied again slightly, and 6731 tons was the impor- 
tation. The ships engaged at this time in the fishery 
from this country, were about ninety in number, and 
from 300 to 400 tons burthen, the average duration of 
their voyages being three years and three months. 
In the year 1836, 7001 tons were imported, by 
which we perceive scarcely any or no diminution in the 
proceeds of the fishery, although it was not so great 
as in the successful maximum year of 1831, when the 
importation amounted to 7601 imperial tons,— a success 
which still stimulates the adventurer in this “ most 
perilous mode of hardy industry.” 
