VI 
INTRODUCTION. 
time inquired my opinion, how far that failure 
was generally susceptible of remedy, either 
by improvement in the present method of 
taking whales, or by such alterations in the 
construction of the implements used in the 
business, as should tend to give greater security 
to those engaged in the enterprise. After re- 
marking that the Greenland whale-fishery 
afforded the best nursery for a hardy race of 
sailors, that, if successful, it would give em- 
ployment to much shipping and numerous 
artificers, and was calculated to produce valua- 
ble cargoes for the comfort and convenience 
of life, without sending money out of the 
country, he concluded by a flattering wish 
that I should apply my attention to this subject 
of paramount national importance. 
It was a sufficient motive for exertion, 
that my efforts were encouraged by the favour- 
able expectations of this distinguished indivi- 
dual who had so eloquently and successfully 
advocated my plan for rescue from shipwreck. 
If, however, a further incentive to indefatigable 
