Extracts from Br Hibberfs Descriptim of Shetland. ^41. 
tance from the main body, so that they might be in readiness to 
intercept the whales, should they change their course. The 
sable herd appeared to follow certain leaders ; who, it was soon 
feared, were inclined to take any other route than that which 
led to the shallows on which they might ground. Immediately 
the detached crews rowed with all their might, in order to drive 
back the fugitives, and, by means of loud cries and large stones 
thrown into the water, at last succeeded in causing them to re-. 
Slime their previous course. In this temporary diversion from 
the shore, the van of the boats was thrown into confusion ; and 
it was a highly interesting scene to witness the dexterity with 
which the Shetlanders handled their oars, and took up a new 
semicircular position in rear of the whales. Again the cetacea 
heatated to proceed into the inlet, and again a reserve of boats 
intercepted them in their attempt to escape, while a fresh line 
of attack was assumed by the main body of the pursuers. It 
was thus that the whales were at length compelled to enter the 
Harbour of Hamna Voe. Then did the air resound with the 
shouts that were set up by the boatmen, while stones were flung 
at the terrified animals, in order to force them upon the sandy 
shore of a small creek ; but before this object could be eflected, 
the whales turned several times, and were as often driven back. 
None of them, however, were yet struck with the harpoon ; for 
if they were to feel themselves wounded in deep v/ater, they 
would' at all hazards betake themselves to the open sea. The 
leaders of the drove soon began to ground, emitting at the same 
time a faint murmuring cry, as if for relief ; the sand at tlie 
“bottom of the bay was disturbed, and the water was losing its 
transparency. The shoal of whales which followed increased, 
as they struck the shore, the muddiness of the bay; — they mad- 
ly rolled about, irresolute from the want of leaders, uncertain 
of their course, and so greatly intimidated by the shouts of the 
boatmen, and the stones that were thrown into the water, as to 
be easily prevented from regaining the ocean. Crowds of na- 
tives of each sex, and of all ages, were anxiously collected on 
the banks of the voe, hailing with loud acclamations the ap- 
proach of these visitants from the northern seas ;■ — -and then be- 
gan the work of death. Two men, armed with sharp iron- spits, 
rushed breast-high into the water, and seizing emh a fin of the 
