We
furnish the rest. Theirs is the only market to which we carry that
oil, because it is the only one where its properties are known. It
is luminous, resists coagulation by cold to the 41st. degree of
Farenheit's thermometer, and 4th. of Reaumur's, and yields no smell
at all. It is used therefore within doors to lighten shops, and even
in the richest houses for antichambers, stairs, galleries, &c. it
sells at the London market for treble the price of common whale oil.
This enables the adventurer to pay the duty of 18l. 5s. sterl. the
ton, and still to have a living profit. Besides the mass of oil
produced from the whole body of the whale, his head yields 3. or 4.
barrels of what is called head-matter, from which is made the solid
Spermaceti used for medicine and candles. This sells by the pound at
double the price of the oil. The disadvantage of this fishery is
that the sailors are from 9. to 12. months absent on the voyage, of
course they are not at hand on any sudden emergency, and are even
liable to be taken before they know that a war is begun. It must be
added on the subject of this whale, that he is rare, and shy, soon
abandoning the grounds where he is hunted. This fishery being less
losing than the other, and often profitable, will occasion it to be
so thronged soon, as to bring it on a level with the other.
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