, 1874-06-28

As soon as all had taken their seats. says
writer describing tho scene in the st. James
Magazine, We roTcd oil silently with double
BANKED Ours. Five large boats were all we could
banks in the morning; though their brown sails
were in sight, time did not allow of their recall.
Our armament most ludicrous; besides
guEs, we carried axes, lauces, old ewo1ds aud
several kettles for making noise with. Several
we're busy improylsing formidable weapon by
fastening scythe blades to short poles; one man.
called while moving, sat in the bow, holding Ills
scythe. Az NO lett the cove the women kept
calling aftor us and wishing good luck,
and then hurried to the ellis, where
Mating long detour. the boats were
quietly formed in senicircle to saaward
OF the dark group, which appeared unconscious
Of our approach; aa soon as all were placed.
the Lender Tired gun, and We bore down upon
the whales with ali speed, shouting and splash
lug tho water. A movement ls seen among the
whales, dark forms disappear and presently
emerge again they move slowly ut first, then
increasing their speed, rush in = foamiug crowd
toward the shore We follow, at our utmost
speed, regardless Of the spray that dashes over
the boat. Suddenly the fish pause, feeling,
perhaps, bv instinct, that they are getting into
shoal water, they turn, seem to deliberate aud
select tie weakest spot for charge our speed
After moments pause, headed by the largest
OF tho herd, they rush at my boat. which hap
pcned to bo in the centre OF the line. On they
came, raising wall OF fuan, behind Which are
di1niy seen arched backs and agitated fms; We
shout. ire our guns, throw stones, aud dash
the oars in the water. They hesitate, few
plunge under the boat; I feel their backs scraps
against tho keel as we are thrown over 6nd half-
filled with water; the next is received with
blow Of an 81 from gigantic fisherman; terri
ned and spouting blood. the while ruahes back
iuto the herd, and heads for the shore in his
blind agony. We redouble our exertions, aud
the feh, fnally, yielding, follow their wounded
companion and fling themselves On the shore,
where they Lie wallowing in the shallow water.
Wi:ha cly OF triumph borne back from the women
who stood on tho clu, dancing and waving their
arms in delight at the prospect Of an abundant
winter supply Of food, all tue boats rowed for
the shore, each striving to be first to commence
the fight. With final cheer the men drove
the boats IN among the fish, leaped out, and
began TO strike right aud left. Quite satisfied
with my exertions sat III the boat aud watched
tha stlange combat, already closing, as tho poor
stupid fish, ignorant of their strength, fell easy
victims to their determined enemies. Tho sight
WAS strange and striking, the cloudless sun WIS
shining on the waves Of the bay blue. except
over 1atge patcn, many yards in extent, dyed
red with blood. Each wave showed stream Of
crimson. as it washed over the gilstening bodies,
rejoicing that it could insult the s,rang &c forms
TINT had lately SWAN lords Of tie deep. Behind
c narrow beach rose the steep c!if down which
shri!l cries rising above the shouts of the men
and roar Of the waves. Gradually the tumult
ceased, except where wha1o in the last th1 oes
wrapped himeelf in cloud OF bloody spray and
deluged the men who stood by watching for an
other blow.