Vlll 
INTRODUCTION. 
of dismantled shipping, that crowded the 
harbour of Yarmouth, and in the wretched 
appearance of the numerous seamen, who were 
discarded to wander over the country in the 
vain search after employment and livelihood. 
In no way, I considered, could my exertions 
be so availing, or so beneficially applied, as in 
the endeavour to promote a revival of that 
valuable speculation in the whale-fishery, 
which had for years been laid aside at this port. 
I confidently indulged in the hope that if I 
could ensure success where it had hitherto 
been doubtful, adventure might again be en- 
couraged; first, to the attainment of a local 
advantage for Yarmouth, and, subsequently, 
to the production of a common national benefit. 
After perfecting my designs, proving their 
utility by experiment, and obtaining the favour- 
able opinion of several men of eminence in the 
scientific world, I entered into an extensive 
correspondence, upon the state of the whale- 
fishery, with individuals of well known expe- 
rience in that line. My purpose was particu- 
