Miriam Coffin: Or The Whale-fishermen. A Tale ...

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Harper & Brothers, 1835 - Offshore whaling
 

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Page 1 - Whilst we follow them among the tumbling mountains of ice, and behold them penetrating into the deepest frozen recesses of Hudson's Bay and Davis's Straits, whilst we are looking for them beneath the arctic circle, we hear that they have pierced into the opposite region of polar cold, that they are at the antipodes, and engaged under the frozen serpent of the south. Falkland Island, which seemed too remote and romantic an object for the grasp of national ambition, is but a stage and resting-place...
Page 25 - Thou hast most traitorously corrupted the youth of the realm in erecting a grammar school: and whereas, before, our forefathers had no other books but the score and the tally, thou hast caused printing to be used, and, contrary to the king, his crown and dignity, thou hast built a paper-mill.
Page 1 - We know that whilst some of them draw the line and strike the harpoon on the coast of Africa, others run the longitude and pursue their gigantic game along the coast of Brazil. No sea but what is vexed by their fisheries; no climate that is not witness to their toils.
Page 45 - To be always running three or four thousand miles with a tale or a petition, waiting four or five months for an answer, which when obtained requires five or six more to explain it in, will in a few years be looked upon as folly and childishness — There was a tini-e when it was proper, and there is a proper time for it to cease.
Page 33 - No sea but what is vexed by their fisheries. No climate that is not witness to their toils. Neither the perseverance of Holland, nor the activity of France, nor the dexterous and firm sagacity of English enterprise, ever carried this most perilous mode of hardy industry to the extent, to which it has been pushed by this recent people ; a people who are still, as it were, but in the gristle, and not yet hardened into the bone of manhood.
Page 82 - To festive mirth, and wit that knows no gall. Meantime, their joyous task goes on apace : Some mingling stir the melted tar, and some, Deep on the new-shorn vagrant's heaving side, To stamp his master's cipher ready stand ; Others the...
Page 1 - Nor is the equinoctial heat more discouraging to them, than the accumulated winter of both the poles. We know that whilst some of them draw the line and strike the harpoon on the coast of Africa, others run the longitude, and pursue their gigantic game along the coast of Brazil.
Page 79 - Head above head ; and ranged in lusty rows The shepherds sit, and whet the sounding shears.
Page 12 - Sea, to examine the coasts, islands, harbors, shoals, and reefs in those Seas, and to ascertain their true situation and description, has been put in a train of execution. The vessel is nearly ready to depart: the successful accomplishment of the expedition may be greatly facilitated by suitable legislative...
Page 52 - But lo ! at last, from tenfold darkness born, Forth issues o'er the wave the weeping morn : Hail, sacred vision ! who, on orient wings, The cheering dawn of light propitious brings ; All nature smiling hail'd the vivid ray That gave her beauties to returning day, All but our ship...

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