The allusion to the waif-poles in the last chapter but one,
necessitates some account of the laws and regulations of the
whale fishery, of which the waif may be deemed the grand symbol
and badge. It frequently happens that when several ships are
cruising in company, a whale may be struck by one vessel, then
escape, and be finally killed and captured by another vessel;
and herein are indirectly comprised many minor contingencies,
all partaking of this one grand feature. For example,- after a
weary and perilous chase and capture of a whale, the body may
get loose from the ship by reason of a violent storm; and
drifting far away to leeward, be retaken by a second whaler,
who, in a calm, snugly tows it alongside, without risk of life
or line. Thus the most vexatious and violent disputes would
often arise between the fishermen, were there not some written
or unwritten, universal, undisputed law applicable to all cases.
Perhaps the only formal whaling code authorized by legislative
enactment, was that of Holland. I