coat.  As soon as a knife is injured, or superseded by a more convenient one, it is carefully laid up in some corner of their desk.  I once saw upwards of fifty thus preserved at Mr.——­’s, one of the worthiest men on this island; and among the whole, there was not one that perfectly resembled another.  As the sea excursions are often very long, their wives in their absence are necessarily obliged to transact business, to settle accounts, and in short, to rule and provide for their families.  These circumstances being often repeated, give women the abilities as well as a taste for that kind of superintendency, to which, by their prudence and good management, they seem to be in general very equal.  This employment ripens their judgment, and justly entitles them to a rank superior to that of other wives; and this is the principal reason why those of Nantucket as well as those of Montreal [Footnote:  Most of the merchants and young men of Montreal spend the greatest part of their time in trading with the Indians, at an amazing distance from Canada; and it often happens that they are three years together absent from home.] are so fond of society, so affable, and so conversant with the affairs of the world.  The men at their return, weary with the fatigues of the sea, full of confidence and love, cheerfully give their consent to every transaction that has happened during their absence, and all is joy and peace.  “Wife, thee hast done well,” is the general approbation they receive, for their application and industry.  What would the men do without the agency of these faithful mates?  The absence of so many of them at particular seasons, leaves the town quite desolate; and this mournful situation disposes the women to go to each other’s house much oftener than when their husbands are at home:  hence the custom of incessant visiting has infected every one, and even those whose husbands do not go abroad.  The house is always cleaned before they set out, and with peculiar alacrity they pursue their intended visit, which consists of a social chat, a dish of tea, and an hearty supper.  When the good man of the house returns from his labour, he peaceably goes after his wife and brings her home; meanwhile the young fellows, equally vigilant, easily find out which is the most convenient house, and there they assemble with the girls of the neighbourhood.  Instead of cards, musical instruments, or songs, they relate stories of their whaling voyages, their various sea adventures, and talk of the different coasts and people they have visited.  “The island of Catharine in the Brazil,” says one, “is a very droll island, it is inhabited by none but men; women are not permitted to come in sight of it; not a woman is there on the whole island.  Who among us is not glad it is not so here?  The Nantucket girls and boys beat the world.”  At this innocent sally the titter goes round, they whisper to one another their spontaneous reflections:  puddings, pies, and custards never fail to be produced