The line originally used in the fishery was of the best hemp,
slightly vapored with tar, not impregnated with it, as in
the case of ordinary ropes; for while tar, as ordinarily used,
makes the hemp more pliable to the rope-maker, and also renders
the rope itself more convenient to the sailor for common
ship use; yet, not only would the ordinary quantity too much
stiffen the whale-line for the close coiling to which it must
be subjected; but as most seamen are beginning to learn, tar in
general by no means adds to the rope's durability or strength,
however much it may give it compactness and gloss.
Of late years the Manilla rope has in the American fishery almost
entirely superseded hemp as a material for whale-lines; for, though not
so durable as hemp, it is stronger, and far more soft and elastic;
and I will add (since there is an aesthetics in all things),
is much more handsome and becoming to the boat, than hemp.
Hemp is a dusky, dark fellow, a sort of Indian; but Manilla
is as a golden-haired Circassian to behold.
The whale-line is only two thirds of an inch in thickness.
At first sight, you would not think it so strong as it really is.
By experiment its one and fifty yarns will each suspend a weight
of one hundred and twenty pounds; so that the whole rope will
bear a strain nearly equal to three tons.
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