Smyrna times., 1857-11-11
Descriptive Sketch.
INCIDENTS OF SPERM WHALING.

INCIDENTS OF SPERM WHALING.
THE good barque Fish was lying becalmed
offlhe west end of Celebes, with large sperm
alongside, ready TO be cut in. The sea was
smooth as pond, and the sun hot as blazes.
Ia board there!" shouted the mate, who
was on a stage over the side. {" In board there,
ahoy!"
"Slr," was the response.
"Whose hook is it on!''
Mime" responded voice from the half
deck, and up bounded Tom, smart young boats
terer, with nothing on but pair of drawers
In couple Of winks he made dash at the open
gangway overheard, for he was good SWIM
mer, tut unluckily his foot slipped, and instead
of jumping outside of the whale, which was
evidently his intention, the back of his head
struck the ridge of the whale, and he went
down with his hands extended over his head
All who saw him supposed he was gong down
fathom or two to cool off, and expected him
up again in a few seconds but not appearing
soon, the men along the gangway and the mates
upon the stages roared out" He's gone save
him. boys!' and in a second five of the best
swimmers plunged alter him, and boat was
lowered at the same time. But it was all in
vain; poor Tom rose no more; even the men
who plunged after him only saw a shoal OF
sharks descending in the direction they ppos-
ed he was sinking. No doubt he was devoured
in less than five minutes after he jumped over
board. Shoals of sharks generally keep com
pany with whalers, especially when they nave
whales alongside, and dash at everything that
is thrown overheard. They would eat whales
blubber in a night, if mot kept off by spades aud
lances. These sharp instruments are appreci
ated by them-they seem to know that their
touch is death, and instinctiyely keep rcspec-
table distance, until the carcase is surrendered
to them in due form; then they have a blow
out, and free fight without interference from
salt-beet surgeons.
Poor Tom had taken his last dive. The
boat, after pulling astern, following tue set OF
the current a reasonable time returned, and
was hoisted up in silence. The men were too
oppressed with grief TO sing the usual song, and
walked forward wilhou: exchanging a word.-
The captain had walked the quarter deck full
FIVE minutes, apparently lost in thought, when
the man at the masthead sung out % There
she blows-there again--there's two of then."
"Where away" demanded the captain,
sPringing into the main rigging. ,sa.-.-s Is
fright astern, sir, large whales There
goes fukes, headed across the ships wake to
port There she blows, there again." contin-
ued the lookout, and soon the captain and
mates were up alongside of him.
"Clear away the boats ~ shouted the cap
tain, "and get ready to lower away; down
from aloft. Ship-keepcr, away aIoft and keep
good lookout"
ALI hands were on the move, full of life and
animation. Poor Tom was forgotten in the ex-
cltement Of the moment. 1t was not until the
captains boat had dropped astern that he re-
called TO mind the fate of his boat-steerer by
his absence from the bow of the boat but see.
ing the cabin boy looking over the taffrail, he
sung out: t. ~ -. ~ ..tIIE
"Jrmp overheard, Bill, and TIfp pick you up;
want you TO pull the after oar
Without moments hesitation, Bill was
overheard, fathom deep, but rose to the sur
face like cork, and was dragged inboard.
"Now," said the captain, who was jovial
young fellow, and delighted to identify himself
with the, bunors of tie crew, "you, Parson,
poTl'the harpoonef oar; III give you a chance
to fasten,if we have the good luck to get
the whale; but mind, IL you miss, I'll drive a
lance through you" 'a' moe. o. a--d
The young man whom he addressed as Par
son, had obtained he title, by trying 10 teach q
couple Of New Zealanders to read the Bible
All the men had by-names, such as Long Boy,
Broadsword,' Jack Ketch, Liver Complaint,
Rheumatic Lazarus, &C.. and these names
were more used than those on the Articles.
This was the Parsons first voyage whaling
and the voyage was yetyoungs as there were
only 300 barrels oil on board, and the -shiI
could stow $500 barrels. The death Of Ton
had given him 9, lift, which of right belonged
to some experienced spouter,. Of whom ther,
were several among the crew; and he felt de
termined to show himself worthy of the pIac,
the captain had assigned him.
1a"Pulls my boys-spring to your oars-bent
youto Backs said athes captain, grinding h
,TTOIId 3 EAHW0a o. v.ark
Isl ,RiTymS .sisjad9ak af ,so