Ok so in this next little bit of the book Ishmel starts out defending whaling. I guess that whaling isn't a too highly thought of profession becuase he spends a whole two chapters talking about the art of whaling, and how noble a pursuit it is, and how kings and queens even need whalers and he just goes on and on like this. I don't think that there is anything wrong with the whaling profession. I only think that it is very dangerous, which it is, and that it is not menat for everyone. Well anyway you are introduced to the first mate, Starbuck, who is the most careful whaler there is. Ha ha that's kind of condradictory isn't it? He says that he won't let a man aboard his ship who isn't afraid of whales becuase a man with no fear, could be more perilous than a careful man. Starbuck figures that he's out here to kill whales, not the other way around. Next we meet the second mate, Stubb. He is described as the happy go lucky type. He is always smiling and whistling a little tune, even when they are fighting with a whale Stubbs is said to be as calm as ever. Stubbs is probalby the one who keeps everyone sane and not killing each other under the stress of being out to see for three years. One more thing about Stubbs is it is said that he always has a pipe in his mouth. When he gets dressed in the morning that is the first thing that goes on.  Next we meet the third mate Flask who is just out to kill as many whales as possible. He doesn't seem to be particulary scared or nervous, he just wants to get some whales. Next we learn that there will be three harpooners: Queegueg, Tashtego, an indian, and Daggoo, a gigantic "Negro". These men all seem to be a little barbaric or just....very old faskioned. They all stick to the old ways that were taught to them by thier parents. I admire them. Well anyway we finally meet to great captain Ahab. After a while Ahab now spends almost all of his time up on deck. When Ishmel first sees the  captain is just is awed by the presence and indimidation that Ahab can have without even saying a word. At first Ishmel doesn't even notice Ahab's ivory leg. This captain seems to be a little strange though, from what little we know of him. He is very passionate about finding a specific white whale.