STORMY WEATHER. 
293 
ment of the period of gestation; or they may seek 
the same retreat for the purpose of training their 
young. 
On the 17th of August, some whales again 
made their appearance, and were pursued by two 
of our boats; but the people not having had suffi¬ 
cient rest to refresh them, made little effort, and 
were unsuccessful. We were indeed obliged to 
recall them from the chase, in consequence of a 
fresh gale of wind having arisen at NE., which 
soon carried us almost into contact with the land- 
ice. On casting-off, to seek for a place of greater 
security, we found the ship so tender (yielding 
greatly to the influence of the wind), that we could 
scarcely carry sail. This arose from the great 
weight of blubber taken into the ’tween-decks, 
where its tendency to diminish the stability of the 
ship, operated to such an unfavourable extent, that 
we could scarcely stand upon the deck. Added 
to this inconvenience, we found that the ship had 
sprung a leak, owing to her increased draught of 
water, that kept the pumps in almost constant ac¬ 
tion. 
\ 
After stretching a few miles to the eastward, 
we were glad to get once more moored to a floe, 
where, for a little time, we rode in safety. 
Sunday, 18 th August .—The gale continued 
all night, attended with heavy rain. About six 
