TheTaleofa Whale' s Tail

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

This is a well-balanced, highly readable book and an important contribution to our understanding and appreciation of a major body of regional American art. The book's reference value is enhanced by exhaustive indexing, five interesting and valuable appendixes, notes, and a bibliography. Stuart P. Feld's introduction provides just what an introduction should, which is to offer focus and perspective. Price, and the fact that this is a limited edition of two thousand copies, will necessarily reduce the book's accessibility. It is hoped that enough libraries will purchase it to assure broader availability. Raymond B. Agler Boston Public Library

The Tale of a Whale's Tail

THESE MANY YEARS ago there was a famous old nursery rhyme, and it is doubtful if any of the children who recited or sang it ever had a chance to test its authenticity. Perhaps this was due to its rather monotonous quality; or it may have to do with the threatening character of its words. And then, it may be that the repetitious cadence of the verse finds one caught up with this "beat" and the words are incidental. In any event, the rhyme reads as follows:

" If you ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, If you ever, ever, ever meet a whale;

You must never, never, never, never, never

You must never, never, never touch his tail.

For if you ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, If you ever, ever, ever touch his tail,

You will never, never, never, never, never, You will never, never, never meet another whale!"

While the origin of this verse is unknown, it is certainly quite old, and some even claim it is of the Shakespearian period. Of course, the expectation of the average person to ever see a whale, let along to touch his tail, is remote. But, if such an encounter were possible it is probable that the startled observer will have little opportunity to make the effort. It is fairly certain, if the incident did occur, he would not identify the creature as a sperm, humpback, bowhead, sulphur-bottom, killer or finback, let alone make the effort to touch his tail. The chances are that, once the experience is over, (let us suppose he is a swimmer off Surfside beach), he will never, never, never want to see another whale.