Incidents of a whaling voyage : to which are added observations on the scenery manners and customs, and missionary stations of the Sandwich and Society Islands : accompanied by numerous lithographic plates

Preface

During the latter part of my collegiate course, my health became very much impaired by a chronic debility of the nervous system, and soon after graduating, the cold air of Autumn admonished me to seek a milder clime for spending the winter. While deliberating upon what would be most desirable in accomplishing the purposes I had in view, a favorable opportunity was offered me to go out as passenger in the whale-ship ''North America," which was fitting out at Ncav- London for a voyage to the Pacific. From an erroneous prejudice against whalers, it was with great reluctance that I determined upon embarking on this voyage, and many of my friends made sage predictions of the wretched life to which I was consigning myself. A strong inclination for the sea, howeverj which had made

IV PREFACE.

ships and the ocean my admiration from boyhood, and a love of the adventurous, inclined me to a voyage in preference to any other plan for the recovery of my health ; and its successful results have left me no reason to repent of my choice.

With the exception of the interesting vv^ork by Beale, entitled '*The Sperm Whale Fishery/' I am not aware that any representations of whaling life have been exhibited proportionate to its adventurous character and importance. Entertaining sketches of the capture of the whale, have been written at different times ; but they are generally the productions of those who were not spectators of the scenes they attempt to delineate, and must, of course, be wanting in accuracy. I have endeavored to represent sea-life as it is; and should the reader, impatient to enter in medias res, think me tedious in getting under way, I have only to plead that the facts tvere so; and similar delays and vexations are believed to constitute a very ordinary part of sea-life. It has also been my constant endeavor throughout the narrative, to make a candid representation of occurrences, although I do not aspire to infallibility.

Some parts of my narrative may appear to be wanting in exciting incident. My object has indeed been, to represent life in a somewhat novel aspect, but not by a sacrifice of truth or by an exaggerated picture. The common incidents of life, in their or-

PREFACE. V

dinary course, rarely exhibit much of the marvellous, and it is from the reality of their occurrence, in a great measure, that they excite permanent pleasure. A Marryatt, by weaving together the events of several voyages, and coloring the tissue with all the vividness of a lively imagination, gives to his sea sketches a brilliancy which a strict adherence to the common course of events would have denied him.

The pictorial illustrations are selections from fifty or sixty sketches representing objects of natural history, and scenes that interested me, taken originally in the sketch book I always carried with me, and finished oiF afterwards, as soon as possible. The great expense of these illustrations, forbids the introduction of a larger number into the work ; for the size of a work gives it a determinate price, from which even the most expensive illustrations will not admit of very great deviation, although embellishments of this kind are often as essential in forming a correct idea of a scene, as the printed page itself. Frequently indeed, they are of greater importance; for a single glance at a correct picture gives a far more vivid idea of a scene, than the most elaborate description.

Some of the statistics of the Whale Fishery, were gathered after my return, and have reference to a date subsequent to that of the journal where they are introduced. This arrangement, although censu-

VI PREFACE.

rable as an anachronism, is not deemed inconsistent with the natm-e of the work, and is thought preferable to multiplied notes.

In conclusion, I have endeavored to represent the sailor in a favorable light, and to excite the kindness and sympathy of the benevolent in his behalf. If my efforts have been successful, and shall contribute to secure to the whaling business, that share of respectability which has been withheld from it through ignorance and prejudice, I shall esteem myself happy.

One so young, and so Httle known to the public as the author, may, it is hoped, be permitted to annex the following certificate from Messrs. Havens & Smith, Hon. Thomas W. Williams, M. C, and Francis Allyn, Esq., Mayor of the city of New-London, to whom he had submitted his manuscript. Captain Smith is an experienced whaler, and has often visited the regions described in this work.

New-London, May 5th, 184L Mr. F. A. Olmsted having submitted to our examination parts of his manuscript journal of a voyage in our ship " North America," in 1839 and '40, we take pleasure in testifying to the correctness of his descriptions of the Sperm Whale Fishery and the accompanying plates, and we think he has the materials for an interesting work.

HAVENS & SMITH.

We concur in the above opinion.

TH. W. WILLIAMS.

FRANCIS ALLYN.

Chapter I

Voyage to the Azores. — Embarkation — Man overboard — Superstition of Seamen in respect to sailing on Friday — Discouragement at the commencement of the voyage — Description of a whale-boat and its appurtenances — Larboard and starboard watches — First aspect of the ocean — Gulf siream — A gale — Sufferings of an invalid on shipboard — Rainbows. - - Page 11

CHAPTER n.

Fayal. — Arrival atFayal — Appearance of the island — Situation of the town — Fortifications — Burdens carried by porters — Streets and buildings —Costumes of the different classes — Ladies of Fayal — Consul's gardens —Manufacture and exportation of wine —Casualties incident to the life of a whaler — Dinner at the Consul's — Supplies laid in at Fayal — Departure —Lunar bow. - 27

CHAPTER KL Ship and »Shipmatks. — Ship North America— G-overnment aboard ship— Method of ascertaining the Latitude and Longitude — Eccentricities of the cook— Amusementsof the fore-castle — Etiquette on board ship— Employments of the crew — Description of the several parts of the ship, and peculiarities in the construction of a whaler— Order and contentment of the crew — Library — Flying fish. 41

CHAPTER IV.

Whaling Scenes. — Attack and capture of whales — General appearance of the sperm whale— Great size of the respiratory organs and vascular system — Sympathy of cetaceous animals for each other — Inaccurate representations of the whale — Nature of blubber— " Cutting in " — Perils attending the process — Spermaceti — "Trying out." 56

CHAPTER V.

Crossing the Line. — Disagreeable and cruel tricks formerly practised on the " Green Horn" - Ceremonies of initiation into the mysteries of Neptune — Novel and interesting aspect of the starry heavens in another hemisphere —Delightful weather — Phosphorescence of the sea. -69

Vlll CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VI.

Cruise in the South Atlantic. — Fall in with the " Messenger" of New-Bedford — Sickness on board this ship — Medical practice of sea-captains — Fall in with the " William and Eliza"^ — Social habits of whalers— Whaling Scenes — Versatility of talent requisite for an accomplished seaman — Dress and manners of the crew — Mr. Freeman's soirees — Annoyances on ship-board — Christmas — Mechanical employments of the men. - - - - 74

CHAPTER VH.

Approach to Cape Horn.— Gale of wind— Game of these seas — The porpoise— Turtle— Pilot fish — Squally weather — Preparations for doubling Cape Horn — Novel aspect of the diurnal revolutions, and of the celestial bodies in these high latitudes — Capture of Albatrosses— Preparations for the Cape. - - - - 90

CHAPTER Vni.

Cape Horn. — Terra del Fuego — Patagonians — Straits of Magellan — Geographical position of Cape Horn — Dangers and difficulties of doubling the Cape — Capricious state of the elements — Huge Sperm Whale — The carrier albatross — Perils of Whaling — Sailor's songs. --------- 106

CHAPTER IX.

Hunting and fishing scenes. — Ambrose Island — Immense flocks of birds — Great fishing— Capture of a fur seal — Sea birds — Capture of a black fish — Boat carried down by a whale. - - - 117

CHAPTER X.

The whale fishery. — Early history of the whale fishery — Original method of attacking whales — Modern improvements in whaling — Implements— Enterprise of our ancestors in this line— Intrepidity of whalers — Discoveries in distant regions — Benefits conferred by them on the Polynesian colonies and missionary establishments— Characterof whalers, officers and crew. - - - 121

CHAPTER XI.

Varieties of the whale. — The Sperm Whale— Spermaceti — Ambergris— Right Whale — Size— Food— Fin-back Whale— Difficulty of capture— Hump-back Whale — Conflicts of Whales with one another— Loss of the Whaler "Essex." - - - 134

CHAPTER XII.

Amusements and mode of life on shipboard. — Fishing — Mechanical employments — Bill of fare. 146

CHAPTER XIII.

Cruise in the Pacific— Perilous incidents of a whaler's life— Blackfish, capture, description, and habits — Squid or cuttle fish — Large schools of sperm whales— Terrific approach to the ship— Laws of whaling among the craft— Turtles— Brilliant phosphorescence.

CONTENTS, IX

CHAPTER XrV.

Visit to Tacames. — Situation of Tacaraes — Interesting appearance

of the vegetable kingdom — Tropical fruits — Landing in the surf —

Density of the forests— An incident— Phosphorescence of fish after

death— Carousals on shore. 161

CHAPTER XV.

Voyage to the Sandwich Islands. — The Gallapagos Islands — Narrow escape from shipwreck— Steer for the Society Islands — Capture of a large whale— Mother Carey's chickens — Peaked-nose shark — Leaky condition of the ship— Steer for the Sandwich Islands — Trade winds— Arrival at Oahu. - - 175

CHAPTER XVI.

Sandwich Islands. — Seamen's chapel — Honolulu harbor — Fruits and vegetables — Appearance of the natives — Native dwellings — Police regulations — Fort — Governor Kekuanoa— Capt. Brown — Foreign residents — Horses and vehicles. - - - 189

CHAPTER XVII.

Sandwich Islands. — Valley of Nuanu— Taro Poi — Natives at work — Aquatic feats — An affecting incident— Native canoes — Commerce of the Hawaiian Islands — Moving a house — Treatment of a lunatic— Native salutation — Chinese — Annoyances — Scorpions —Centipedes. 202

CHAPTER XVIIL Excursion to Hawaii. — Brig " Clementine" — Romish priests — Accommodations on board— Kailua— Governor Adams — Style of his house — Cavern — Natives playing in the surf— Native church — Manufactory — lodgings — Escape from shipwreck — Shark catchers— To vvaihae — Walk to Waimea — Spanish bullock hunters — Mr. Lyons, missionary— Bullock hunting — Fate of Mr. Douglas — Spanish saddle — Return to Honolulu. - - 216

CHAPTER XIX.

Sandwich Islands. — Farewell to the North America — Whaleship Catharine — Objects of a consulate — Kauikeaouli, the king — Mission families at Honolulu. 237

CHAPTER XX.

Sand-wich Islands. — Geography — Fertility — Climate— Ancient Tabu system — Idolatry'- Oppression of the chiefs— Arrival of missionaries— Discouragements — Success — Churches at Honolulu — Schools — Hawaiian Institute — Supremacy of law — Depopulation. 245

CHAPTER XXL Voyage to Tahiti. — Embarkation — Passengers — An incident — Calm latitudes— Poisonous fish. 264

X CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXII.

Tahiti. — Arrival at Tahiti— Papeete Bay— British Consulate — American whale ships — Natives— Capt. Upham — United States' Consul — Disaster at Tongatabu. 271

CHAPTER XXIII.

Tahiti. — Difference of time — Natives — Tongatabu — Queen Pomare — Pomare-tane — Tahitian soldiers — Display —Church — Palace — Seamen's chapel. 280

CHAPTER XXIV.

Tahiti. — Police — Coral — Fishing by Torchlight — Diseases — Annoyances -Moonlight at Papeete — Shaving the head— Native costume — Novel engineering — Climbing the cocoa-nut tree. 291

CHAPTER XXV.

Tahiti. — Fruits — Cocoa-nut oil — Sugar — Guava — Bread-fruit — ■ Tide. 303

CHAPTER XXVI.

The South Pacific. — Retrospect of Tahiti — Additional passengers — Accident — Snow — Iceberg — Religion of sailors — Bird-catching. 312

CHAPTER XXVII.

The South Atlantic — A merchant ship — Long-boat — Crew — Gale — Porpoise — Pampero — Dolphin — Waterspout — Protracted head-winds — Ominous character of the Flora — Employment of time. 324

CHAPTER XXVIII.

The South Atlantic. — Stores of the Flora — Pernambuco — Harbor. 338

CHAPTER XXIX.

Pernabibuco. — Katamarans — Churches — Splendor — Appearance of the population —Architecture — Fireworks— Suppliespurchased — Cross the equator. - - - - - - 344

CHAPTER XXX.

Home. — Bathing — Sailor's fare — Cape Hatteras — "Land ho!" — Anchor at Sandy Hook. 356

INCIDENTS OF A WHALING VOYAGE,

CHAPTER I.

VOYAGE TO THE AZORES.

Embarkation — Man overboard — Superstition of seamen in respect TO sailing on Friday — Discouragements at the commencement of the voyage — Description of a whale-boat and its appurtenances — Larboard and starboard watches — First aspect OF THE OCEAN — GuLF STREAM A GALE — SUFFERINGS OF AN

INVALID ON SHIPBOARD RaINBOWS.

Friday^ Oct. 11. 1839.— Early this morning, the rattling- of blocks and riofo-inor and the animatinsf cries of the seamen, announced that the North America was getting under way ; and soon the barque with her swelling sails distended by a gentle breeze, swung from her moorings. The wind was fair, and as we glided out of the beautiful harbor of New-London, the clear air of the morning, the favoring breeze, and the bright sun mirrored in a thousand tiny waves, soon dispelled the gloom of parting from those I loved, and even inspired me with renovated spirits. The band of the Revenue Cutter was going through its morning exercises, and I listened to the national airs it was performing, until growing fainter and fainter, they were lost in the distance. A new feeling of patriotism was awakened within me ; and these simple strains, that on ordinary occasions, would scarcely have been heeded, were now associated with many endearing recollections, and invested with a melody and sentiment I had never before discerned in them. Month after month will perhaps have rolled over me, ere I shall again hear the inspiring strains of "Hail Columbia, happy land," in my own favored country to which I am now bidding adieu — it may be forever. But from these painful susfgestions that now and then struggled to obtain possession of my mind, "I turned with interest to the scenes as they opened before me in my new habitation, the first aspect of which was not the most favorable.

The North America is a Temperance ship; that is, no ardent spirits are served out to the men on any occasion. This, hov/ever, does not preclude them from becoming intoxicated whenever an opportunity presents itself, VAhich two or three of them, judging from appearances, would not be very reluctant to embrace. The prospect of a voyage of three or four years in length is an incentive to greater excess, while intoxicating liquors can be purchased to drown the unpleasant anticipations incident to so long a separation from country and kindred.

Inebriety is by no means as prevalent among sea-faring people as was formerly the case, since the abandonment of the idea that intoxicating drinks were indispensable to the sailor. It has been within a few years only that the plan of sailing ships upon temperance principles, has come into extensive use ; before this, if a master of a ship, in visiting another, declined a glass of spirits, his refusal was regarded as an insult. Soon after the commencement of the temperance reform. Major Williams, of New-London, determined to lend the weight of his extensive influence in promoting temperance aboard the whale-ships sailing out of this port, in which he was interested. His exertions, although meeting with great opposition at first, were successful — other influential men

MANOVERBOARD. 13

followed his example — and now, out of the thirty or forty whaling vessels belonging to the port of New-London, almost all are navigated upon temperance principles. To the credit of the American AVhale Fishery, it ought to be added, that the proportion of vessels of this character, is much greater in this service than in any other department of our marine.

This afternoon, as I was standing at the starboard gangway, watching the progress of the ship through the water, a sailor passed by me, and letting himself down the side of the ship by the chains, very deliberately threw himself overboard, and commenced swimming towards land, then distant three or four miles.

" Man overboard ! — man overboard !" resounded from every part of the ship — a boat was lowered, manned, and put oif to rescue him from a certain death. He swam very well, however, although encumbered with heavy woolen clothes, but was soon overtaken, hauled into the boat, and held down as he endeavored to plunge into the sea again. After a change of clothes, he was put into his berth, with some one to watch him, lest he should make another attempt to leave the ship. This man is a boat-steerer, (a grade of petty officers aboard a whaler, about whom I shall speak more particularly by-and-by) and a first-rate seaman, who had been to sea all his life-time, and had seen all kinds of service. For a week or two before the saihng of the North America, he was constantly intoxicated, and this insane attempt to leave the ship, was owing to the maddening and stupefying effects of constant inebriety.*

* He afterwards became a very good friend of mine, and gave me a variety of information about ships, and "spun me many a yarn" of his adventures at sea.

The windj which during the day, hardly moved the ship through the water, as evening came on, veered ahead. A head tide also, opposed our progress, and as the sky towards the south-east looked lowering, with some indications of a gale, it was thought advisable to return. The ship's head was soon pointing towards New-London, distant about twelve miles, and we came to anchor two or three miles from the shore, where we lay during the night. Early on Saturday morning, as the wind continued to increase from the south-east, we hauled in opposite the light-house.

ISunday^ Oct. 13. Soon after the ship was moored, yesterday, I went ashore with Captain Richards and the pilot, where we remained until this morning, when at an early hour we were summoned on board ship, as the weather seemed favorable for going to sea. But our expectations are disappointed, and here we lie without breeze enough to carry us out, while a damp atmosphere and cloudy sky, render our situation extremely dismal. It is the Sabbath too, and while the solemn tones of the distant church-bell should awaken emotions befitting the day, our own unpleasant situation engrosses all our attention ; and instead of occupying our minds with the solemn duties of the Sabbath, we are watching the clouds for indications of fair weather.

Mondaij^ Oct. 14. '' Boat-ahoy," hailed the officer of the deck, as a boat was seen coming down to us, rowed by two boys, carrying a large bag in the bow of their tiny craft, intended for the ship. We were endeavoring to divine the contents of it, which were supposed to be of a highly valuable character, from the important air exhibited by the boys. The bag was hoisted upon deck and opened, when out jumped an old cat and her numerous progeny, that ran squalling around the deck to our sur-

SUPERSTITION OF SEAMEN. 15

prise and diversion. Cats are consequential personages on board, as they protect us from the depredations of huge cock-roaches that swarm in every direction. I found one of these erratic black-legs the other day, up in the main-top, wandering about very much at his leisure. Capt. R., a few days ago, in speaking of the good qualities of the North America, said that " she was built entirely of live oak," which subsequent observations have fully verified !

Last evening, the clouds for a short time dispersed, and the stars and the moon beaming forth, seemed to promise a favorable change in the weather. Not long after, however, the sky was again overcast, and before morning, an easterly storm came pattering down upon deck, with the gloomy prospect of another dismal day. If I had not started with a good resolution to be disconcerted by nothing that might happen, I should by this lime have been tempted to give up an enterprise so inauspiciously begun. '' So much for sailing on Friday," an old salt would say. There has been a singular superstition prevalent among seamen about sailing on Friday ; and in former times, to sail on this day, would have been regarded as a violation of the mysterious character of the day, which would be visited with disaster upon the offender. Even now it is not entirely abandoned ; and if a voyage, commenced on Friday, happens to be unfortunate, all the ill-luck of the voyage is ascribed to having sailed on this day. An intelligent ship-master told me, that although he had no faith in this superstition, yet so firmly were sailors formerly impressed with superstitious notions, respecting this day, that until within a few years, he should never have ventured to sail on Friday, for the men would be appalled by dangers which they would think lightly of on common occasions, and their efforts would be paralyzed by their imaginary fears of being under a mysterious and malignant influence. I have been told, that several years ago, a ship was built and sent to sea, to test this superstition, and convince the craft of its folly. The keel of the ship was laid on Friday ; on Friday her masts were set ; she was completed on Friday, and launched on this day. Her name was " Friday," and she was sent to sea on Friday ; but unfortunately for the success of the experiment, was never heard of more.

As knowledge advances, all opinions not consonant with reason must be abandoned, and this superstition is fast losing its hold on the minds of sea-faring men. especially since the establishment of the packet lines, and the frequent necessity of sailing on Friday. It had its origin, I am told, in the ancient custom of executing criminals upon this day, which imparted to it an unlucky character. 1 have also heard it ascribed to a connection with some of the observances of the Roman Catholic Church, which entertains some peculiar notions with regard to this day.

Tuesday J Oct. 15. Rain — rain — rain — with a raw wind from the north-east — cold and cheerless on deck — damp and dismal in the cabin. For our encouragement, the barometer, which for the last three days has been continually falling, is now rising, indicative of fair weather.

This morning, hearing an unusual noise upon deck, I ran up the companion-way, and, at the distance of thirty or forty yards from the ship, saw one of the men making desperate eiforts to reach the shore by swimming. One of the boats had just been lowered — pursuit was instantly made, and the man with but little resistance, was secured and brought on board, crest-fallen

> DISCOURAGEMENTS. 17

enough, in his dripping clothes, with his shoes tied around his neck. " Come here," said the commanding officer, (the second mate) in an authoritative tone. " Well, you were going to leave us in the lurch, were

you?" "Why sir, Mr. L (the first mate, who was

on shore) told me I might go ashore with him, and he went off without me." "And so you thought you'd work to windward of us in this way, eh?" "Why sir, 1 thought he didn't do what was right." " You thought ? Well, I'll tell you what / think, and I'll inform you in the most delicate manner, that if you show any more of such fandangos here, you'll be clapped down into the lower hold, sir, with some irons around your wrists, that don't look quite so pretty as ladies' bracelets neither — bear that in mind, and be off, sir."

The crew, though very quiet in general, are beginning to show signs of impatience, and if there are no indications of fair weather at sunset, an attempt will undoubtedly be made to desert during the night. With the few exceptions I mentioned before, they are very temperate, and I have heard but little bad language or profanity on board, both of which are prohibited by the Captain.

Capt. R. left us last Sunday evening, and has not yet returned. I should have accompanied him up to town, were it not that I had already bidden my friends " good-bye" three times, and did not like to impair the virtue of the " Farewell " by repetition.

Wednesday^ Oct. 16. Yesterday afternoon the clouds began to break av/ay, and the sun shone forth to gladden us after a long absence of his cheering beams. The moon, too, favored us last evening with her kindly radiance, and long I paced the deck, musing on the reality of the enterprise in which I had embarked. When we are preparing for a long voyage, we talk of separation from home, kindred, and country with a kind of vagueness as if it would never be realized ; but when we have actually embarked, and there is no return, then the reality comes vividly to mind, and impresses us with the magnitude of the enterprise ; while the uncertainties of the future forbid our anticipating its termination. The future to me is more than ordinarily uncertain. To picture to myself my various wanderings over the mighty ocean, in accommodating myself to the erratic life I have now chosen, and after leaving my present shipmates to trace out my circuitous course back to my native land, is beyond the reach of mortal ken and were a vain attempt. And there are solemn musings too. Ere I return, the irrevocable hand of death may invade the home of my youth and the circle of kindred friends, and consign one or more to the grave ! Ah ! these are the saddest thoughts, that press like an incubus upon the spirits of the voyager as he leaves his native shores.

Early this morning, the Captain came on board, and soon we " hove short" — the sails were loosed — the topsails sheeted home — the anchor weighed and catted, and we were standing out of our anchorage. It was a lovely morning. The sun just emerging behind the long line of hills that bound the eastern side of New London harbor, was fringed with the light fog that floated down the river, tinged with his golden rays. With the light wind that fanned our sails, we glided slowly alonoover the smooth waters of the sound, and by noon, having passed through "the Race,"* were directing our course towards Montauk Point.

* That part of Long Island Sound between Fisher's Island and Gull Island, is called " the race," on account of the velocity of the tides between these islands.

WHALE-BOAT. 19

Thursday^ Oct. 17. The wind has been light and baffling since yesterday. This noon there was a perfect cahu, and upon the eighth day from the date of our first setting sail from New London, we find ourselves git anchor off Montauk point, to prevent being drifted ashore, instead of tossing about upon the Atlantic one third of the way across.

All hands have been engaged in various duties about the ship, such as overhauling the spare canvass, and stowing away articles more compactly. The boats too, have been put in complete order, to be in readiness for the first opportunity that presents itself for using them, and although it may be a deviation from the plan I have adopted, I cannot do better, perhaps, than to describe the whaleboat and its various appurtenances.

The whalehoat is a narrow, light built boat of about twenty-five feet in length, sharp at both ends, with its sides gracefully curved and running up to a point fore and aft, and from its construction, is expressly adapted to great velocity of motion and safety among the swelling billows of the ocean. Unlike most ship's boats, it is clinker built, as this peculiar mode of construction is called, i. e. the thin boards that cover the ribs overlap one another, thus giving strength to the boat and enabling it to be made much lighter. Each boat is fitted with six oars of various lengths. The steering om\ usually from twenty to twenty two feet long, is confined to the boat by a strap passing around it and attached to the sternpost. This gives the helmsman great power over the movement of the boat far superior to the steering with a rudder.

The thole pins, between which the oars are plied, are covered with matting, so as to prevent any noise in the motion of the oars. Of the offensive weapons, the harjpoon is the most important.

SPADE,

HARPOON.

LANCE.

The harpoon is an iron instrument, about four feet in length, terminated at one end, in a sharp barbed head, and at the other, in a soci^et for receiving the "iron pole," a heavy wooden handle of about equal length, which gives to the instrument great momentum. A strap with a turn around the socket of the iron secures it upon the pole. To the strap is attached the I'me^ a strong rope about two hundred fathoms long, which is carefully coiled up in a tub placed in the afterpart of the boat ; and going around the " loggerhead," a strong post projecting above the stern, passes through a "cAoc/t:" or grove in the bow of the boat, and is " bent on " to the harpoon. Each boat usually carries four or five harpoons, two of which are always ready for immediate use when the boat is in pursuit of whales. Their barbed heads lie across the bow of the boat, with their shafts resting upon two " crotches," or spurs, standing out from a stick rising from the side of the boat. This position gives steadiness to the weapon, and it is close at hand whenever opportunity offers for using it.