] 56 
BOATS AND INSTRUMENTS 
the voyage, men are placed at each mast-head, who are 
relieved every two hours, an officer is also placed on the 
fore-top-gallant-yard, consequently there are four per- 
sons constantly on the look-out during the day, from 
the most elevated parts of the ship. From the com- 
mencement of the voyage also, all utensils and instru- 
ments are got ready, although the ships are frequently 
out six months without taking or even seeing a sperm 
whale, while on the other hand ships have sometimes, 
though rarely, fallen in with them close to the mouth of 
the British Channel. 
When a whale is seen by any of the look-outs, he 
calls in a slow and peculiar manner “ there she spouts,” 
and as often as it spouts afterwards, s< there again.” It 
is impossible to describe the excitement and agitation 
produced by this welcome intelligence ; the listlessness 
produced by the previous monotony of a long, and 
perhaps hitherto profitless voyage, is shaken off among 
all on board from the highest to the lowest, — all is bustle 
and animation, some rimling up the shrouds and rigging 
to observe the number, distance, and position of the 
whale, or whales ; and if near hand, eagerly leap into 
the boats, and pull with ardent emulation towards their 
intended victim. If the whales should be some distance 
to leeward, endeavour is made to run the ship within 
a quarter of a mile of them,— but if to windward, the 
boats are sent in chase ; an arduous task. From hour 
to hour, for several successive risings of the whale, and 
sometimes from sunrise to sunset, under the direct rays 
of a tropical sun, do these hardy men endure the utmost 
