Ishmael considers assorted depictions of whales in art, disapproving of most but conceding that some are more nearly accurate. Returning to the story, the Pequod comes upon "vast meadows of brit," upon which the right whale feeds. As the ship heads for Java, Daggoo, on watch, spots a great white mass in the distance and cries out that it is the White Whale. It turns out to be a giant squid. Ishmael discusses the strength and usage of the whale line in open boats.
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