Perhaps the only formal whaling code authorized by legislative enactment, was that of Holland. It was decreed by the States-General in AD 1695. But though no other nation has ever had any written whaling law, yet the American fishermen have been their own legislators and lawyers in this matter. They have provided a system which for terse comprehensiveness surpasses Justinian’s Pandects and the Bylaws of the Chinese Society for the Suppression of Meddling with other People’s Business. Yes; these laws might be engraven on a Queen Anne’s farthing, or the barb of a harpoon, and worn round the neck, so small are they.

• A Fast-Fish belongs to the party fast to it.
• A Loose-Fish is fair game for anybody who can soonest catch it.

A Fast-Fish belongs to the party fast to it.

A Loose-Fish is fair game for anybody who can soonest catch it.