Oct., 1889. the fin whale fishery in north lapland. 
‘231 
perforated for the attachment of the line. Behind this is (c) 
the upper part of the stock, which is made in the form of 
four flanges at right angles to one another, or + shaped in 
cross section. This shape lightens this end of the harpoon, 
and has the same effect as the feather of an arrow, On to 
the end of this is fitted loosely an iron disc, three inches 
across, and fitting the bore of the gun. This takes the force 
of the explosion, and was, of course, lost when the harpoon 
was discharged. The weight of this harpoon is 121b. It is 
quite obsolete, having long ago been superseded by improved 
patterns. My specimen actually belonged to a Dane, named 
Brandt, but may be taken as a type of Svend Foyn’s early 
pattern of harpoon, 
Foyn carefully studied the various designs of harpoons 
from different parts of the world, and spent large sums of 
money in constantly improving upon his own designs. 
The modern harpoon, as in use to-day, is a great 
improvement upon the old model. The whole weapon, when 
ready for use, is about 6ft. long, and costs about £5 10s., and the 
stock alone weighs about 1231b. Beginning, as before, at 
the “ business ” end, there is first the sharp point, which 
has either two or three edges, and is three or four inches 
long. This acts as a “pilot” for the rest of the weapon, 
and is screwed into a large conical shell, 9in. long, and con¬ 
taining fib. of gunpowder. This shell is screwed on to the 
end of the stock, which is perforated longitudinally by a 
small duct, in which lies a glass tube containing a fulmina¬ 
ting powder, which communicates with the charge in the shell. 
Above this are two pairs of enormous barbs or flukes, pivoted 
at their bases. The lower pair are so arranged that when 
they open their bases meet inside and crush the glass tube, 
exploding the fulminating charge, and so also the charge in 
the shell, which is blown to pieces in the whale’s body. 
Between the lower and upper parts of the stock is a large 
shackle, which shakes loose when a strong strain is applied, 
and prevents the stock breaking. The upper part of the 
stock is in the form of two stout bars, joined at the ends, and 
enclosing a space along which the grummet, to which is 
attached the line, can slide. This grummet is very strongly 
made of iron wire, of about fifty strands, strongly served 
round ; to it the end of the line is spliced, The line is 
enormously strong, about seven inches in circumference, and 
is made in Norway of the finest Kussian hemp. It is care¬ 
fully tested to an enormous strain before being sent out. 
Each line is usually 120 fathoms, but several may be joined 
together. They are kept coiled up in huge bunkers in the 
foreliold of the vessel. 
