6 
MEMOIR OE THE LATE ROBERT BALL, LL.D. 
only a little blubber. The last fellow Mr. M. and I struck ; I buried 
my harpoon to the shaft in the shoulder, in about eight feet of water. He 
took our boat out of the cave with amazing rapidity, and, after hauling 
us about for some time, was obliged to put up his head, when we suc¬ 
ceeded in dispatching him, but not until we had fired four shots, though 
our harpoons were so bent, and the shafts so broken, that we had to go 
t'o the lighthouse to get them repaired. When they were done, the 
swell had so increased that it became impossible to approach the rocks; 
we were then caught in a squall, and shipped a few seas, but got safely 
into a creek in Howth, and came home in the evening with our prize. 
On examination, my harpoon had penetrated the ribs, lungs, and heart; 
so much for gymnastic vigour. The creature measured 7 feet 2 inches 
in length.” It is now in the Museum of Trinity College, Dublin. 
The next five years (1829 to 1834) contain few events to record, 
but his letters to his father show a constant desire to escape from the 
thraldom of the office desk to some more active employment. He still 
clung to the idea of entering College and going to a profession. At one 
time he thought of applying to be made a stipendary magistrate; at 
another, he looked with a longing eye towards India. Anything de¬ 
manding vigorous intellectual effort would have been hailed with plea¬ 
sure, as much superior (to use his own words) to “ a state bordering on 
inanity, caused by a long course of stupid work.” 
A few extracts from his letters tell all that need be told. In one 
respect they are remarkable—for the extreme deference which they 
uniformly evince to his father’s opinions and wishes. 
February 25, 1830. “ There are in course of appointment a number 
of stipendary and resident police magistrates throughout the country; 
and from my knowledge of some of those already appointed, I am led 
to think I would not be an unfit candidate.” 
The two following are of the same year:— 
“We are kept closely employed from a little after 10 until 7 
each day, and I understand we have no chance of any intermission of 
this continual application. There are some other circumstances equally 
unpleasing, but as I am not allowed to make any attempt to relieve my¬ 
self of them, I must only submit.” 
“ I cannot refrain from expressing a desire that you would consult 
with-as to my engaging in some professional pursuits; for, not 
to mention the unpleasantness of my present situation, its precarious 
tenure would be sufficient to make me desire some future source to look 
to, independently of my anxiety to advance my mental powers (which 
at present appear to be retrograding, and which, without some ultimate 
object, I have not sufficient energy to cultivate). I am inclined to 
think that some important changes are contemplated, which will be 
much to my disadvantage. I cannot help putting you in possession of 
my wishes, which, should you still consider futile, I will endeavour to 
suppress.” 
1831. The letters of this year contain frequent reference to hard 
work:—“I was employed until 3 o’clock Wednesday, a.m., in conse- 
