The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-05-25
Misteualleous.
From Chambers Journal.
GAS T ADRIF L

I had risen early and lain down late in the
vain effort to better myself in the old coun-
try. The very struggle for life was hard
one; so ut length resolved to follow the
universal law, which, like the instinct OF tho
bees, bids the young 90 forth to seek new
settlements, and, going round half the globe,
endeayor either among the gold regions OF
Australia, or its luxuriant corn-felds, to win
competence and home, not only for myself
but for my mother and her orphan niece,
whom hoped some day to make my wife.
The parting with those dear ones over, |
embarked in a small trader, investing my
surplus funds in the purchase OF such goods
as were likely to realize double their value
nj NV destination. The first half OF our
voyage progressed favorably, but OF Cape
L'Agulhas we encountered severe gale, and
lost our fore.yard arm, which necessitated
us putting into Algoa Bay to replace 1t. II
was night when we arrived, and we were all
anxiety for morning, that we might sec the
southern land Of whose beauty we had heard
so much. At sunrise the announcement that
a school Of whales was in the bay, still fur
ther hastened our movements, for neither my
fellow-passengers nor bad ever seen ONE
In few minutes more we were on deck,
looking eagerly at the shoal Of huge, black
creatures, which, like a group Of moving
rocks, were tossing and gamboling uncouthly
Us they took their lcisurely yet rapid way
along tho bay.
From fishery near tho entrance, whole
aotilla Of light, graceful whale-boats were
already skimming along like sca-birds in pur-
suit Of them and the progress Of both fish
and boats was such rs to make it evident
that our view of the chase would be but q
telescope one. This was great dsappoint-
ment, and oLe that we in vain endeayored to
remedy by climbing the rigging. At this
juncture my fellow passenger remembered
that one Of the ships boats was built for
whaling; 50 we borrowed il from the captain,
every sailor on board volunteering to accom-
pany us, though we could only take four
one Of them being chosen because he had
been in whalcr: then jumping into the
boat, we hurried OF to the scene Of action.
A few minutes brought us within view,
and Il was interesting to watch the move
ments Of the tiny boats, as adroitly, yet eau
tiously, they closed around the enormous fish,
for only one whale now remained, all his
companions having prudently dived into deep
water, and slipped out to sea-which rolled
and sported in the transparent water, every
now and then spouting aloft arching jets Of
foam. which flashed and sparkled in the sun
light like wreaths Of jewels, or, beating the
water with his tail, until the sound echoed
along the shore apparently unconscious of
tho uplifted arm Of the harpooner In the
Prov Of each advancing boat, or Of the keen
weapon he held aloh, ready to strike, unless,
indeed, his knowledge might be inferred from
the regularity wherewith, with practical hu-
NOR, he was sure to sink beneath the surface
ut the critical moment, leaving his ba:ied as-
sailants to forget their diappointment In
watching for his next appcannce, when tho
same course Of maneuyres was repeated.
SO often did this happen, that We had be-
como almost a. excited and anxious ~ tho
fshers themselves, and rs fearful the sport
would prove failure, when, aftsr . 9Th or
sixth disappearanos, the whale unsxpsctedly
rose in our immediate nsighborhood, ,announc-
ing hs arrival BY . grunting blow
III vs had but harpoon, ws might
have got him ourselves exclaimed the other
pasenger In Aush Of excitement.
we have, sir, We have = cried the vhaler.