Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1854-09-30
NEW WHALE FISHERY.

few days since we stated that fishing ground
for whales had been discovered in the Arctic regions and
that the parties interested had concealed much of the in
formation relating to it. The London Times received by
the last arrival contains fuller particulars of this mpor-
ant discovery from which have cleaned some facts
in addition to those before given
1t appears that whalemen, some years ago, learned
from the Esqumaux with whom they held intercourse
that large numbers Of whales resorted to certain nets
and bays in Davis Straits and Bafns Bay, where they
remained during the winter for shelter This nforma-
ton suggested to Capt Penny Zone Of the officers who
has distinguished himself among the searchers for Sir
John Frankn) the IDEA Of fitting parties winter
III the Polar regions the places where the whales
resorted to secure as many possible in the fall and
spring, and to boil the oil out during the winter Two
vessels accordingly prepared for the purpose with
iron tanks fitted to them, and arranged that the OIL
when boiled could be conveyed by guta percha and other
pipes every tank in the hold Boilers and supply of
coal for boiling the oil land while In winter quarters
were also TAKEN as well plentiful supply of provisions
and the necessary comforts for the long Arctic winter
Two ships thus equipped and manned with thirty three
and three boys sailed from Aberdeen on the 18th
August 1858, and reached the fishing ground in Bains
Bay the 18th of September where they found an album
dance Of whales ten of which they killed and secured
fore the 1st Of November. They then into winter
quarters in Hogarths Sound erected their boiling house.
and set to work to boil their OIL In this work they
assisted by fifty Esqumaux engaged for the purpose.
Their efforts entirely successful notwithstanding
ecold was forty degrees below The active duties
of the tended to preserve their health and felt
time 10 nang heavy but singular as IT may seem, that
dreadful scourge the cholera broke among the Es
quimaux and swept off many, while the escaped with
slight prcmoritory symptoms.
Early in the following spring 1.-THE present year) the
fishing was resumed with great success although the
edge of the ice twenty miles from the ships Seven
teen whales killed. and after being cut up were
transported by the Esqumaux sledges drawn by dogs
the ice to the ships, where the oil boiled as be-
fore. One ship filed with boiled oil and whale
bone when Capt Penny sailed for Aberdeen leaving the
other ship to continue the fishing and boiling.
The Captain is of opinion that with large commercial
company the fishery could be along
sive coast line and with great advantage. Two American
ships had anticipated the English expedition and had
been equally successful
No traces Of Sir JOHN FRAsKLra were found Deer
and other wild animals abounded Capt. Penny still
holds to the belief in common with many scientific men
in England that further north there is milder climate
and polar basin yet to be discovered and those who
cling to the hope that Sir John Franklin and his
still survive believe him be within the open sea or
polar basin referred to.--Frouidsnce Journal