Francis Rolt-Wheeler
The Boy With the U. S. Fisheries
"The Boy With the U. S. Fisheries" by Francis Rolt-Wheeler is an adventurous sports narrative written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Colin Dare, a young boy eager to explore the life of fisheries and whaling in the Behring Sea. Through Colin's eyes, readers witness the exciting yet perilous world of whaling, the captivating environment of the ocean, and the heroism of those working to understand and protect marine life. The opening of the book introduces Colin aboard the ship "Gull", where he is ecstatic about the chance to witness whale hunting firsthand. As the excitement builds with the spotting of whales, Colin learns from Hank, an experienced old sailor, about the dangers of whale hunting and the various species of whales. The narrative captures Colin's thrill and courage as he joins a crew attempting to catch a gray whale, leading to a dramatic encounter that showcases both the majesty of the whales and the treachery of the ocean. This thrilling start sets the stage for an exploration of marine life and the young boy's desire to contribute to the work of the Bureau of Fisheries.