Memorials of the Sea

riority as an A

no inconsiderable degree a fruit of the latter; for it was his superiority as a navigator of ice-encumbered seas particularly, which, for a considerable series of years, enab

ntific system of arrangements, which, with their masterly application in practice, enabled him at all times, when "beating to windward"

ly, indeed, that, during a quarter of a century from my Father's commencement in command, nine days out of ten, or more, were spent in this description of naviga

When without cargo, the ships usually went in light "ballast-trim," and had their sails cut so as to "bag" into a de

Father, on the contrary, adopted a totally different system. He caused such a large quantity of the lower and second tiers of casks to be filled with water (to which he subsequently added ballast of shingle or iron in the interstices of the casks of the "ground tier"), that the ship became as deep as with the third part of a cargo;

allasted, and having her sails, so far as he had the adjusting of them, adapted for standing flat and "near the wind," he w

several years had taken the undisputed lead, was, after my Father left her, beaten by the Dundee, and the Dundee, in like manner, by the Resolution; and not by the ship, only, which he now commanded, was his former ship beaten, but by many competitors

y Father had turned to such good account, were now only partially available. Under considerable difficulties in the navigation, or against hard competitors in the navigators, the once leading ship was liable to fail, and very often did fail. The advantages provided in the adaptation of

ship was wont to be a-head in adventure, navigating the most difficult positions, braving most alarming threatenings of the ices and the wind. But his ship went gallantly amid, and passed safely through, all these dangers. He knew precisely what his ship, in difficulties or dangers, might do; and that, under his commanding management, was done, and safely done. If, by the hundred chances which might thwart a difficult operation,-in the perpetual movements of the ice, the varying winds, the mistakes or defects of his helmsman, or the unpromptness of the men in management of the yards and sails,-his intended object or man?uvre should happen to be defeated, he was always ready,

irst three or four commands, his ship, in all difficulties where talent could be availing, always took the lead; and that, for the whole time of his command, wherein he was wont to take the lead, equally in danger as

p that we found near us in succession behind. In the morning, perhaps, at the commencement of a progress amid encumbering ices, I have seen around the Resolution, in various positions, to windward as well as to leeward, a considerable fleet of companion-whalers; and in the evening of the same day, after twelve or fourteen hours efforts in getting to windward, I have been able to see n

e, as well as the seamanship of their commanders-was, as I have intimated, repeatedly performed under my own observation. But the like triumph of superiority was also gained, and that on different occasions within my personal observa

ed a striking example of the successful application of this talent

f talent and perseverance, we made a progress so much beyond that of our associates, that we gradually left them, farther and farther, behind us, until the whole of the fleet were out of sight. We thus gained the "northern water" considerably before the others, and, falling in with whales in abundance, soon commenced a most encouraging fishery. By and by, others of the fleet began to make their appearance; and I well remember the astonis

as equally superior in all. In "making fast" to the ice in gales of wind-an operation of singular difficulty and ofttimes of no small risk,-the manner in which he brought up his ship to the nearest possible proximity with the place of the ice-anchor, afforded time and opportunity for getting out and attaching the mooring hawser, and then, with progressively reduced sails, eased the ship's action on the rope till fairly b

I.-Natura

f scientific principles, I have already made repeated allusion. But this characteristic of

took as commander served to elicit this admirable characteristic. Those who understood him not, very naturally ascribed many of his novel proceedings to eccentricity, and these might be liable to run into this very usual extreme; but, for the most part, the apparent eccentricity was, in reality, a sound result of

o the power of wind or "warps" for promoting her progress. And in this we have an adaptation of a previously unapprehended mean and pro

se referred to, we will suppose is tolerably flat-sided (like the Resolution), and floats, ordinarily, at the depth of the greatest width. Now the power yielded by sallying may be considered as corresponding with that obtained by a wedge acted on by a heavy weight; the wedge, in this case, being the portion of the ship's side that becomes depressed, operating by virtue of the expansion of the ship's width when heeling, and the force acting on the wedge being the weight transferred from an even distribution with an upright position of the ship, to an accumulation of weight on one side, inducing a heeling position. Let the extent of heeling be considered as a "streak" of nine inches, in which case, as the oppo

r back of one of the wedges. In a whaler carrying fifty men, the weight available for this purpose, say that of forty-six or forty-eight of the crew, may

ice and ship on each side. But only half the amount of these two forces, it will be obvious, comes effectively into operation; for the wedges, being on opposite sides of the ship, act antagonistically, thus spending one-half of their power against each other, in the compr

it is evident, be determined; but that of the ship's stability might be easily represented. At the commencement of the heeling position, however, the resistance from this source would be but trifling. In its actual influence, in ordinary

ed, becomes still greater and more effective,-acting now and then, in the nature of con

the men (indicated by the word of command, "over") to the time of change in the natural oscillations of the ship,-these oscillations (supposing the ice to be gradually receding) will increase to a maximum, whilst the incidental concussions of the ship's sides against the contiguous ices will act as a "ram" on the wedge-like expansion of the width of her two broadsides. The additional force thus incidentally applied, it is evident, may be enormous. Hence the wonderful effects

lity, curvilinear, and, ordinarily, would be unusually thin at the apex, thus giving, at the commencement of the heeling movement, a much higher degree of mechanical power. The extent of the compression on the ship's sides, too, we could only consider in a particular case, such as

, casks, or other heavy bodies transferred to one side of the deck; or, in a still higher degree, by an auxiliary mechanical force derived from a "purchase" from the ship's lowermast, or top-mast head, to an an

the whale continues to press so determinately into the depths of the ocean that it dies by a process similar to drowning. In that case the heaving up of the capture becomes a matter of great labour and difficulty, and, because of the liability of the harpoon to draw, or of the lines to part, of much uncertainty as to the result. It is a matter, therefore, of much importance to avoid the possible contingency of a harpooned whale "dying down." The process ordinarily adopted for inducing the retur

the usual processes for the obtaining of the fish's return to the surface had failed, and no prospect remained but that it must die where it was, he would throw o

as in the case of some well-known quadrupeds, which may be driven but will not be led,-to resist the restraining force, and to struggle to distance the point from which the restraint proceeds. The untoward effect of this instinct, my Father supposed, might be diverted by rapidly slac

rection being given to the restraining line, returned to the surface, where it was received by its waiting assailants,

y, this characteristic of mind, with my Father, was strikingly developed. A large whale had been "struck" on the borders of a vast sheet of ice, denominated a "field,

he whale to return to the outside for the purpose of respiration), they proceeded to haul on the line to try to facilitate their expectation. But when as much force had been app

rection of the tension, ended in the same discouraging manner; so that a doubt arose whether the harpoon wer

e traced, by the eye, an imaginary corresponding line on the surface of the ice-field, which, by means of numerous irregularities and hummocks, he was enabled to do satisfactorily,-noticing particularly a very high and conspicuous hummock in this exact direction, and at about the distance to which the quantity of line run out might be supposed to reach. His next step, and that a truly scientific one, was to try to vary the line of direction, so that he might determine, by the intersection of lines, the position of the harpoon. This he effected by again slacking out the line, but to a much greater e

nger ice. Striking his lance repeatedly into this, he gradually effected its perforation; when, to his no small delight and to the amazeme

o hang down in the water as sustained by a slight attachment, and thus by their gravity to help to sink the carcass whilst they no longer were calculated to catch the irregularities of the submerged surface of the ice, as the tail, when perfect in structure and position, had previously done. A considerable weight, I believe, in sand-bags, was also hung upon

Improvements

er's in connection with his professional occupations. There remain yet to be mentioned a variety of other contributions, of a li

ces and improvements were numerous, and, many of them, of considerable importance. These, we

sing of space and facilitating the depositi

neral size and form in the introduction of large "leagers" for the midships (on the kelson), adjusted, in length, to the exact spaces o

wixt the beams, so as, whilst forming a flat and even platform when laid down, to open out the hold, on the removal of the hatch-like plan

acility in lowering or hoisting, as well as for

which were suspended the four "quarter boats," my Father substituted compact, but lofty oak "davits," which, with their associate "skids" (upright timbers against which the sides of the boats press and slide), were removable when not required. For the double tier at the quarters, he substituted an additional length of boats over the main chains,

rp; but in the lance he altered the form of the blade, which had usually been sharp-pointed and only moderately hardened, for a somewhat rounded point and a better quality of steel with greater har

ff" the blubber, he variously modified and improved, substituting for some very clums

ent for setting an ice-anchor, was his contrivanc

its exercises to subjects of a mere professional nature. The town and harbour of Whitby, with regard

826, about three years after his retirement from the sea, the substance of the original pamphlet, revised, extended, and illustrated by engraved plans, was again brought out under the title of

lves to the local executive authorities, that, in certain important parti

nt of all is evidently that designed for deepening the harbou

tantial architecture) running north-north-easterly, along the western side of the harbour, and extending beyond the line of the west cliff, a distance of about 940 feet into the sea. This longer pier, at the time my Father wro

s and incommodious, but not unfrequently diminished the otherwise available depth on the firmer bed of the river to an extent of several feet. And besides this mischief to a harbour almost drying at low water,-the access, with scant winds from the westward, was rendered at once difficult and

natural stream of the Esk, might, within the narrowed and extended channel, carry out the loose sand of the bar into the sea, and thus deepen the entrance,-the projection of the east pier might serve at once to guid

ections of fifty feet at a time, in the proposed direction; at each section, now increased altogether to about 300 feet, the channel has been foun

effect. The improvement suggested was for the formation of the large space, above bridge, which is filled at spring tides from the sea, into a permanent f

t in the bed of the inner harbour? cannot be certainly determined. Yet as there are existing wears at some distance from the town across the river bed, and no permanent deposits, except in their immediate contiguity, I believe, induced, it seems not improbable but

the substance of an interesting and curious autograph document (which fell into my hands after his decease) referring to other specu

f London, 23d December, 1824, and is aptly entitled-"Hints; or Outlines of Improvements conceived by W. Scoresby." These

s a glimpse

h the speed

t itself l

t-winged arr

n duty called me to watch, my mind was, at intervals, employed about many things whic

ions may be particula

g to their strength in framing, and promoting velocity by placing the masts and rigging,

ent the dry-rot in ships, c

ers, so as to give easy access to all friends, and to shut o

of materials that will not yield to the surge of the sea, and, when immersed in the br

ect to encroachments,] and to support [

owing rivers, that bear up only mire and dirt, by

lammable air from coal-pits and

em for containing fuel, etc. for the inhabitants, and so arranged as to admit of

s in windows, [and to render them more mana

he table by a new method of

p in health

, so that the boot or shoe may com

rder to rebuilding, as also of making new roads, to the honour of the B

itecture and adorning, however admirable,] but by appointing and supporting faithf

, unfortunately, no record was made of them by those immediately in intercourse with him, nor were any papers, g

ellaneous and co

ar abilities of the subject of these records, were characterist

tack, the aim of the harponeer is to get the boat fairly on the back of the whale, that he may the more effectually bury his barbed weapon deep in its body; but, as ofttimes happens, the whale retires from the surface before the boat can come up to it, and must then be assailed, if the distance will permit, by the projecting of the harpoon with an energetic heave. To strike the retiring or affrighted fish in this manner, with a weapon, which, with its immediately attached line,

comprising a produce of about eighty tuns of oil, of the commercial value (inclusive of the whalebone) of about 3500l.! The ice, in this case, closing and threatening besetment, other ships in company urgently made their escape; my Father, judiciously weighing the risks and

ous, as occasions offered, in an enlarged and general scope of application. The following case, though I do not r

it flew fiercely towards him. Pausing in this position, he strove to catch the eye of the dog, an attempt which for some time it contrived to evade. But at length succeeding so that whenever it glanced towards his face it met his steady, stern, and penetrative gaze, an effect, in the discomposed expression of the creature, became soon observable. Whilst thus obtaining and holding its unwilling look, my Father moved his other leg over and slowly advanced with one foot upon the rail of the guarded vessel,-a movement which was resisted by fierce barking and sundry traverse-like springs, but, withal, an obvious indisposition to attack the being whose eye was so over-awing. Another step forward renewed the display of noise and action, but the stern, fixed look, now pe

hy, few circumstances in respect to habits on shore, domestic relations, and private life,

ions to the men at a distance, when on ice or in boats, he was wont to take what was called an "egg-dram," consisting of a raw egg beat up with a spoonful or two of ardent spirits. This was not unfrequently carried up to him by the steward, and taken in the crow's-nest; but he almost regularly, except at the dinner hour, resorted to tea on each succeeding occasion when refreshment was needed. Under hard and prolonged

ck and passionate, but soon composed, and singularly free from animosity against tho

ry, and made neither few nor unexpensive efforts for the public benefit. On the last renewal of the Whitby Pier Act, when difficulty and opposition were expected, he spe

cast, of superior intelligence, he not unfrequently made his way satisfactorily and agreeably. His personal superior intelligence and originality of conception commended him to the favourable consideration of many of our most eminent engineers and naval architects, and others

and superiority were publicly recognised; and, after his decease, most of those

ason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright,"-I never recollect, in his own case, his excusing them, or expressing views derogatory to Divine Grace, or tending to the abuse of its consoling doctrines. It was most manifest, that his simple and

ummary, of his life as a seaman and a whale-fisher, noticing very approvingly his improvements in the whale-fishery, and the benefits conferred by his experience a

s, surmounting every impediment, and conducting him from a team of oxen and the plough

ibing success to luck or fortune,-Mr. Scoresby, throughout the whole of his dangerous course, acknowledges the ove

lation throughout the world has his best wishes and his [most liberal] support. He views Christianity, not merely as a system of ethics, but as

the statements and facts adduced will, I trust, be found to justify the terms made use of; but if commendations beyond what some might be disposed to yield, have, in any case, been bestowed, or if admiration ext

FAT

ason, Ivy Lane,

TNO

rtionate to the extent of space passed over, in driving, by the length, with respect to the increase in the thickness, of the wedge; but when acting for the separation of two bodies, both moveable, both sides then become effective, and it necessarily exerts double that power. And so does the lever. For if the lever be employed in like manner, the action in separating two moveable bodies will be just double that of its ordinary action where the fulcrum is absolutely fixed. This, indeed, is obviously the same with all the mechanical pow

siderably, a temptation is offered to cast the terminal length, or head, in a bell-mouthed fashion more easterly. If such an arrangement were made (as my intelligent connection, Mr. Jackson of Whitby, suggests) it might produce a very mischievous effect

Y THE REV. W.

F THE INSTITUTE OF FRANCE, OF THE A

NGMAN

LS OF T

in the Arc

Post 8vo., cloth

Mary

Post 8vo., cloth

y Fa

urous Life of the late Will

KLIN EXP

ds, with two la

nd Outset of the Missing Expedition, and of Researches made for its Relief-Suggestion of a Plan for present Measures of Search-t

AL INVES

. Part I., 5s.: P

of Bars and Plates-the Effects of Hardness, Quality, Form, and Mass on the resulting Magnetic Power-the Determination of the Quality and Temper of St

AGNETISM:

cribed eliciting strong Electric or Magneto-electric Conditions, with the intercepting of the Mesmeric Influence by Electrics, and the neutralizing of the Effects of Su

ORIFIED IN

urgh, August 4, 1850, on occasion of the Meeting of the

THE ARCTI

8vo.-Out

E NORTHERN W

s on the Eastern Coast of Greenland

üngern Tagebuch einer Rie

ofessor Frederick Kries, p

SBET

AFFECTIONATE

asleep in Jesus, Dec. 31, 1

SES TO

Church, Liverpool, treated, for the most part generally,

ON LOW &

DVENTURES IN THE

oyage undertaken for his Health, and Edite

M. Mason, Ivy Lan

RIBERS

llany as in

e F: incidently

: taught as i

standardised to the

standardised to the m

113, 225: harponee

on VI correcte

azing as in

noissance as i

mometic as in

rnating as in

yphenation of Greenlandman/Gr

ratagy as in

nt hyphenation of leeside/

espondently as

25: harponeer as

bouse as in

yphenation of hundredweight/hu

t hyphenation of goodwill/g

tandardised to the m

ceousness as i

hanician as i

eer as in t

st standardised to th

ecal as in

n, stantions as

s: Rries corr