VOYAGE TO GREENLAND. 
75 
from the bill to the tail, twenty-eight inches ; ex- 
tent of wing, five feet ; its cry is remarkably harsh, 
and so loud, as distinctly to be heard when the bird 
is not to be seen. 
Early this morning, (Sunday,) the officer 
May 27 
^ ’ of the watch reported to the captain, that 
a very large whale was lying on the surface of the 
water, near the ship, and asked permission to lower 
a boat and attack it, but was refused ; two or three 
hours afterwards, on its rising again, the officer re- 
turned, making the same application, urged by the 
crew, who had actually carried one of the har- 
pooners by force into the boat, and were prepar- 
ing to lower it down ; but the same denial was not 
only peremptorily made, but an order issued that 
the fullest reverence to the day must be observed. 
Thus did the Sabbath bring with it the charms of 
peace, while our Christian captain taught the lessons 
of gentleness and forbearance to his crew. In the 
morning service he read to them a most appropriate 
and impressive sermon from the twentieth chapter 
of Exodus, and the eighth verse : “ Remember the 
Sabbath-day, to keep it holy.’’ This religious lec- 
ture was evidently felt by his hearers, and their 
hearts were not only softened, but reconciled to 
a temporary respite from the work. of violence. 
Soon after breakfast. Captain Scoresby, 
May 28 . mast-head, caught a glimpse of a 
whale descending, and instantly ordered a boat to 
be sent in pursuit ; as the boat approached the place 
