CHAPTER XII
WHALING
But the heart-heaviness did not last long. If Captain Anthony had not been a man of exceptional pluck, he would not have been bound to Australia in the Catalpa. The first days of a voyage are busy. The crew is called aft, watches are told off, and boats' crews selected. The regulations to be observed on shipboard are read, and the master gives general instructions to be obeyed during the voyage. Then, if the weather permits, the boats are lowered and the green hands are taught their places and the handling of their oars.
Perhaps the reader will be interested in the first entry in the log-book of the voyage which was to become famous. It is prosaic enough:—
Remarks on Board Bark Catalpa, Captain Anthony,
Outward Bound, Thursday, Apr, 29th, 1875.
This day commences with light breezes from the S. E. and clear weather. At 9 a. m. took our anchors and stood to sea. At 11.30 the captain came on board with officers. Crew all on board.
For several days thereafter all hands were busily employed in getting the vessel ready for whaling.
