Drift whales were utilized in the earliest years of the colony, and shore boating for the baleen (or " right ") whale - rich in bone and in blubber yielding common oil - was an industry already regulated by various towns before 1650; but the pursuit of the sperm whale did not begin until about 1713.
In summer, boating on the lovely reaches of the Thames above the metropolis forms the recreation of thousands.
Bowness lies at the head of a small bay, is served by the lake-steamers of the Furness Railway Company, and is a favourite yachting, boating, fishing and tourist centre.
There are good bathing, boating, sailing, fishing and wild-fowl shooting.
The town, which has grown rapidly in recent years, is a favourite boating centre for the Parisians.
